The 2012 fourcross season kicks off next weekend – 1 April with round one of the Schwalbe British Fourcross Series at Leamington, Warwickshire. After a fantastic 2011 season, the 2012 series has grown yet again, with interest and pre-entries to the series at an all time high.
To add to the interest at the first round this year, 2010 Fourcross World Champion, Tomas Slavik, who rides for the famous RSP team from the Czech Republic, will be racing. He is on a three week tour of the United Kingdom and wanted to make sure that he got a race under his belt before the Fourcross ProTour kicks off on 14 April.
The Leamington track, last year, provided one of the best races of the entire year. Huge crowds flocked to what was to be some fantastic racing with an amazing atmosphere. The track has had some more changes made to it recently by local rider Nathan ‘Natedogg’ Parsons which will help the racing to be even better this year.
Welcome to England - Tomas Slavik from Cal Robert Wootton on Vimeo.
2011 British Fourcross Series Champion, Scott Beaumont, will be looking to start the season well and will surely be the main rival to Tomas Slavik.
Beaumont said: ‘The winter has been fantastic for me. I’ve switched to Yeti Cycles, training has gone well and with Tomas racing, it is going to be a great start to the series next week.’
Nathan Parsons will surely be a threat as he has plenty of home track knowledge at his disposal and if last year was anything to go by, he will be the crowd’s favourite. Scott Roberts is back on Identiti for 2012 and looking in the best shape of his life. A tough winter of training with one of his main sponsors, No Limits is really paying off, so expect Scott to be in there fighting. Oggy, Lewis Lacey, Duncan Ferris, Will Evans, Jake Ward, Tom Dowie, Gareth Bates and a host of other Elites will be fighting for the win.
2011 National Champion, Luke Limbrick will begin his Elite career at Leamington and will be trying to repeat his ride from National Championships last year over the course of a whole season. Isaac Mundy, Tom Gethin and Alex Metcalfe will also be ones to watch as they make their debuts.
In the Elite Women’s category, Suzanne Lacey will be hot favourite to take the title. After winning the British Series for the last two years, she has become the Queen of British Fourcross. Nichola Anderson will be looking to add some consistency in 2012 in an attempt to take over the top spot but Car Murray, Jess Greaves or Charlotte Green will be looking get in on the action. The Elite Women’s race is always unpredictable and offers some of the most exciting racing at every British round.
The Team Cup made for great competition with over 40 teams taking part last year all eagerly trying to get their hands on the Cup. 2012 is likely to be no exception with the current holders and 2011 winners, Team Nakedracing, looking to retain it this year.
All British Fourcross rounds are open to all. From beginners, who can enter Fun (12 to 17 year olds) and Big Fun (18+) all the way up to Vets, there is a class for you. With entry costs at £25 for pre entry and £30 on the day, there is no cheaper way of racing your bike all day long with no queues, great viewing for spectators and a fun atmosphere.
Enter online at the British Cycling Calendar
Race Schedule:
Saturday 31st March
Track open to ride all day.
Sunday 1st April
9.00am – 11.00am Open practice
11.00am – 12.00am Gate Practice
12.30pm – 3.00pm Motos
3.15pm – 4.00pm Quarter finals, Semi Finals
4.00pm Finals
4.30pm Presentations
