The cyclo-cross season is just around the corner and the East Midlands is raring to go, with 34 events currently planned across the region and some big changes that should help more people enjoy cyclo-cross this year.

Leicestershire now has its very own cyclo-cross league and riders do not need to live in Leicestershire to take part.

Thanks to a dedicated enthusiastic team of volunteers, the league will be up and running with six events this season, mostly known and established events and venues that have previously been part of other leagues and it will see the return of Brooksby Melton College as a venue.

To follow the league like the Facebook page until the website build is complete and register online to earn points for the league.

Notts & Derby League has also made some significant changes with a soon to be revealed new sponsor on board and new registration requirements.

The league is moving towards individual league registration for eligible riders and online entry for all categories including under-12 races to ensure that the growth that the league has seen over recent years is managed and to enable all riders to have a safe and enjoyable race.

NDCXL also sees an event at a new venue in Mansfield in addition to the usual staples.

In Lincolnshire the cyclo-cross league continues to grow steadily and to support the volunteers behind the scenes to manage the league tables, league registration will close one week prior to the first event on September 17.

The Regional CX Championships will be held on Sunday 3 December near Scunthorpe – this will be online entry only and will only be open to members who are resident in the British Cycling East Midlands region. Watch out for the event to go live on the event calendar.

Finally, a new standalone One Bike Cyclo Cross event is being held in conjunction with the Forestry Commission at Sherwood Pines designed to encourage people who might be daunted by the amount of equipment and team support being used by riders at other events.

This event includes a women's race as well and all races require riders to use the same bike for the whole race. If it is successful more events will be planned.

All registered cyclo-cross events in the East Midlands can be found on the British Cycling event calendar and will be updated regularly as new events go live

If you want to get involved with the management and development of any of the leagues or events in the East Midlands or your club would like organise an event please get in touch with the relevant point of contact in each league or event or contact the regional events officer.

Good luck to all who are planning to take part in a cyclo-cross event in the region this winter.