East Suffolk Council
Trinity Park gears up to host World Championship cycling event
Hundreds of riders are set to descend on Trinity Park this weekend to compete in the UCI Masters Cyclo-Cross World Championships.
The adrenaline-fuelled event will see more than 600 world-class competitors from 20 different nations race along a purpose-built circuit of varying and often tricky terrain, including obstacles, bridges, twisting turns and muddy slopes.
The East Suffolk Council sponsored event is endorsed by the world governing body for sports cycling, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), and hosted by lead organisation partner, the Eastern Cyclo-Cross Association, alongside venue partner, Trinity Park Events.
In recent years, East Suffolk has played host to several prestigious cyclo-cross events, including the UEC European Championships in 2012, and multiple British Cycling National Cyclo-Cross Championships and National Trophy Series events, as well as hosting the UCI Women’s Tour on numerous occasions.
The UCI Masters Cyclo-Cross World Championships will invite hundreds of riders aged over 35 – who no longer race as part of an elite professional team – to compete for spoils on Friday, December 3 and Saturday, December 4, with open races for riders of all ages planned during a support programme on Sunday, December 5, which also features a Special Olympics Cyclo-Cross event.
East Suffolk Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Leisure and Tourism, Councillor Letitia Smith, who is due to attend the event and present medals to the winners, said:
"I'm delighted to be able to welcome spectators and participants to the UCI Masters Cyclo-cross World Championships on behalf of East Suffolk Council.
"As a local authority, we have a rich history of supporting major cycling events, which not only draw economy boosting crowds, but hopefully encourage more people to realise the many benefits of taking up cycling.
"Good luck to all of the riders taking part in this year's event."
Each race comprises multiple laps of a circuit measuring 3km and featuring pavement, woodland trails, grass, climbs, and challenging obstacles requiring riders to dismount and carry their bikes.
The races are divided into five age groups and feature many former professional riders, Olympians, national champions and some of the best Cyclo-Cross age category riders the world has to offer.
Racing starts at 12.15pm on Friday and 9am on Saturday, with medal ceremonies closing the event at 4pm each day. Supporting races for children and local riders conclude the weekend’s racing on Sunday.
As well as food and sportswear stalls, event-goers will be offered free onsite lateral flow Covid test kits beside the entrance to the arena.
Organiser Steve Grimwood said:
“It is an honour for us to bring UCI Cyclo-Cross Racing back to Suffolk.
“After two years of suspension due to the pandemic, hosting the UCI World Masters Cyclo-Cross gives us a fantastic opportunity to welcome the riders and visitors back to Suffolk.
“The racing is sure to be fast and furious, with riders keen to get their hands on the coveted UCI World Champions jerseys.”
Find out more information on the free-to-attend event, including a schedule of races and how to enter
You can also follow preparations for the event on Twitter or Facebook