Supercross Round 4

billy.fish

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If you've raced here before, come out on spins with me there, or live local and ride/run there; you know why this will be a special event.

Round 4 of this years Supercross Cup takes place on Saturday the 19th of November. The venue is St. Annes Park Raheny which was host to the National Cyclocross Championships in 2009 and a previous round of the Supercross Cup in 2008.

This venue is known for its hard ground, tunnel pinch points and the longest set of steps we could find. This year is going to be no different with the addition of a cross over, more compact course for spectators and 100% more corners with no reduction in speed. Expect a fast race where road and mountain bike riders will each have their strong and weak points.

The recent floods in Dublin have changed the park somewhat, gone are some of the steep sections to be replaced with long off camber sections. Recent works in the park have also opened up a new sector by the lake near the seafront and this will feature in the course. If it's icy you might want to bring water wings.

The sign on will be hosted once again in the Red Stables (www.theredstables.ie) complex off Mount Prospect Avenue. The main parking area is located here, with a secondary parking area beside the Bull Island Causeway. Taking place on the same day is the local farmers market with food, drinks and somewhere to socialise afterwards. If you remember the burgers and pizza from the XC National Championships this year, the same guys will be here!

Online registration is open now and will close on 17th Nov at 6pm (that's 6pm folks, not 8pm so don't get caught out). Get signed up as soon as possible and don't leave it till the last minute to avoid disappointment.

Directions to the course are below. It's only 20 minutes from the M1/M50 intersection via the N32 (60kph speed limit, you have been warned!) and Baldoyle. If cycling from the city centre follow the cycle path to Howth until you see the signs into the park. If you get to Howth...you've gone to far.

1. City Centre from Bus Aras

• Follow R105 heading towards Five Lamps/Clontarf.
• At Clontarf take the Clontarf Road ; signed for Howth.
• Keep the sea on your right.
• Pass the wooden bridge to Bull Island.
• Take the signed left had junction after ~ 500m onto Mt Prospect Ave.
• Right hand turn into St. Annes after 100m.

2.M50/M1

• Follow the signs for the N32/Howth/Malahide.
• Straight through roundabout, junction, 2 roundabouts and a junction.
• You're in Baldoyle, pass a Lidl, follow Willy Nolan road straight over speed bumps.
• Right hand turn at a cross roads beside a school (if its a T junction go back, you've gone a junction to far)
• Right hand turn at the seafront, keeping sea on your left.
• After 1km you'll see the course on your right.
• Take the next right up Mt. Prospect Ave.
• Right turn after 100m into St. Annes.

bad2dabone

looking forward to watching this one

billy.fish

Just to give you an idea what we are thinking:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0_I2rFKRMQ

This was the pre-floods lap, it has changed quite a bit since then though.

Collumbo

Spectacular! Looks like a fairly fast circuit... Looks like a lot of it is path (even better)... it looks like it could still be fairly fast in many sections. I never got to race it before.

I might try to make it there like 8.30 Saturday morning for an hour or something... see if I can memorise that video first! By any chance have you scratched out the circuit on google maps?

Lumen

billy.fish wrote: »

Just to give you an idea what we are thinking:

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/i0_I2rFKRMQ?rel=0&quot; frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

This was the pre-floods lap, it has changed quite a bit since then though.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0_I2rFKRMQ

billy.fish

Collumbo wrote: »

Spectacular! Looks like a fairly fast circuit... Looks like a lot of it is path (even better)... it looks like it could still be fairly fast in many sections. I never got to race it before.

I might try to make it there like 8.30 Saturday morning for an hour or something... see if I can memorise that video first! By any chance have you scratched out the circuit on google maps?

Like I said, the lap has changed a lot since the floods.

I have it on a map. I'm not releasing it yet. The last thing we want is people riding the hell out of the course for two weeks in the wet and the park pulling the race.

cipo

Should be great to ride & watch.

Bring family, friends, picnic & lots of noise!! ;-)

Signed up for 'special' race and will marshall the big boys race.

Love a bit of whistle blowin'!!

billy.fish

Needs more cowbell.

I'm going to pop out and film the new lap at some stage today if the light gets better. Will stick it up later at some stage.

New lap is pretty epic if I do say so. Faster again, with an extra thing thrown in for ...well you'll see on the day.

Also some of those downs are steeper than they look...

Tenzor07

Cut it through the old BMX/jump track, that will teach the roadies!

Collumbo

billy.fish wrote: »

Like I said, the lap has changed a lot since the floods.

I have it on a map. I'm not releasing it yet. The last thing we want is people riding the hell out of the course for two weeks in the wet and the park pulling the race.

Yeah fair enough. 'Twould destroy it alright. I'll see it on the day sure. Really looking forward to it!

By the way I have to say you chose some good cornering lines last Saturday. I was going backwards from the 2nd minute and remember you catching me on 3rd or 4th lap. Remember that long straight grassy section with the bushes on your left, after the twists and turns? It leads into the left hand bend that was quite muddy in the middle. I had been making a balls of that corner until I saw you taking it. After that I had no problems... Need to trust my tyres more.

billy.fish

Tenzor07 wrote: »

Cut it through the old BMX/jump track, that will teach the roadies!

That'd mess up the Chuckies mind you..... so not going to do that.

We've been down that area the past two races, not going there this time, its far away for spectators, although I love the singletrack behind the wall its just not part of the plan this year.

In other news CX bikes work fine on pump tracks:

billy.fish

Collumbo wrote: »

Yeah fair enough. 'Twould destroy it alright. I'll see it on the day sure. Really looking forward to it!

By the way I have to say you chose some good cornering lines last Saturday. I was going backwards from the 2nd minute and remember you catching me on 3rd or 4th lap. Remember that long straight grassy section with the bushes on your left, after the twists and turns? It leads into the left hand bend that was quite muddy in the middle. I had been making a balls of that corner until I saw you taking it. After that I had no problems... Need to trust my tyres more.

Thanks, after my start from the rear *fnnarr fnarr* then rolling a tub I was happy to get to at least mid pack!

Yeah that line is tricky...but the way to hit it is fast and let the bike drift. Keep the power down, the tires will hook up eventually.....always always leave some green to grab on. If you corner in the brown, you'll go down.

Durty.

Tenzor07

So less singletrack and more flat path/grass areas?

billy.fish

Tenzor07 wrote: »

So less singletrack and more flat path/grass areas?

You'll just have to come along and race to see

Tenzor07

I wouldn't call what I do "racing" , but ill be there, looking forward to an interesting course...

billy.fish

Tenzor07 wrote: »

I wouldn't call what I do "racing" , but ill be there, looking forward to an interesting course...

we'll I wouldn't do what I call racing compared to the likes of Nys and Alberts, but I'm still trying my hardest to catch the guy/girl ahead and stay away from those behind. All about perspective.

Greg

billy.fish

Hi All,

Don't forget to register if you intend to race, filling up fast at the moment. If you are not coming out to race, come along and watch, enjoy the park, eat in the farmers market and shout helpful abuse at those who are.

Final course walk was done on Saturday to sort out the lap. It's a fantastic lap, faster than previous years in some parts, more technical in others. Much more compact and much more spectator friendly.

Should have a preview up for you in the next day all going to plan.

Greg

Rutrider

Great field of riders already signed in in the Cat 2 (B race), so great racing assured all the way through the the field. Never a dull moment and always someone just ahead to catch before the finish line! No one gets left behind either, so its perfect for honing your racing skills or as a nice introduction to cycle racing in general.

The A league is hotting up with a victory from former national champion Roger Aiken over reigning champion Robin Seymour at Corkagh. The overall league victory is a two horse race between these two and with Rogers current form another victory means it would all go down to the wire in the final round. The remaining top league spaces are also being hotly contested with all riders starting to peak with several weeks of training and racing starting to reap dividends over their closest rivals.

Don't forget to sign on before 6 tomorrow (thursday) and remember St. Annes is leading the facebook vote as the venue for the National Cgampionships on January 8th 2011 so jump on your chances of a preview of whats to come!

easygoing39

What time is the racing starting at on Saturday??Might pop up for a look.

RobFowl

ConnorMc ConveyAn Post Sean Kelly
There's a CycloCross blast from the past in the A race!!!

Rutrider

The two races start at 11.30 and 13.00 (1pm)

cipo

Will make for good viewing ....

New bits added to loop. It's very compact and easy to see lots of racing!!

billy.fish

We had a bit of a dawn raid on the course this morning to get some footage of the new lap. Just editing it all together now.

Nice and slithery at the moment, front end stepping out on quite a few corners

Happy to see the park 100% behind the race, big thanks to Mick Harford in Dublin City Council for allowing us to use his fantastic venue for the 3rd time.

Maybe even a 4th time....

RobFowl

Is the B race full? Very unfit (after chest infection) but would love to give it a go while at same time don't want to take a place which could be used by someone relatively competitive,,,,

billy.fish

Don't think its full, sign on, ride, enjoy the lap, its a doozy!

Then Fingal Farmers Market after. BIG pizzas and burgers

RobFowl

billy.fish wrote: »

Don't think its full, sign on, ride, enjoy the lap, its a doozy!

Then Fingal Farmers Market after. BIG pizzas and burgers

T'was the burgers what clinched it....

Edit
D'oh No. 61

billy.fish

Pootle about the course today, its quite a bit faster at race speeds...and when you've had more than 6hours sleep...and breakfast.

So if you've not pre registered get on it. Thanks to Kingdom Bike for the loan of the GoPro and BikeHub in Howth for sponsoring the event.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yN_iOVX1UeE

One squirrel was hurt in the making of this video

Tenzor07

Looks de@dly! The Tarmac start will be like a drag-strip with people sprinting for position... Wonder if the MTB'ers can make up positions on some of the run ups... hmmm...

billy.fish

The start is always a factor here, so if you were at Tues night training and wondered why we were doing start efforts....well..there you go.

The run-ups are interesting:
1st one: short and narrow.
2nd: LONG and steep, narrow at bottom then wider

You have a chance to attack into both of them..overcook it...and you'll suffer on #2

Also...if you aren't the strongest you may have 3 run-up's

billy.fish

This is your lap:

AstraMonti

I will be there.. (to watch and take photos). What's the best spot to sit?

cipo

If the steep descent stays in, that's the place to get shots!!

You ll be able to move to several spots easily & quickly, it's above tight course!!

Down near river will also be a good spot- there's a nice short up with ROOTS at top and then a drop into a right turn...

GlennaMaddy

3 runs ups, slithery turns, roots, yer a bad man billy.fish

billy.fish

HI All,

Final words on the race

• The new area along the lake is no longer part of the lap, you still drop down to its height though, it'll make sense.
• Sign on will be located at the start finish area
• There will not be provided food, please support the Fingal Farmers Market, a lot of food was wasted post Corkagh Park as people did not partake
• Bring any and all cowbells you have

Thanks all, can't wait to get this started.

Greg

billy.fish

GlennaMaddy wrote: »

3 runs ups, slithery turns, roots, yer a bad man billy.fish

Only 3 if you are weak...or it rains....or its slippy....so yeah...probably 3

Getting excited now....

GlennaMaddy

billy.fish wrote: »

Only 3 if you are weak

Pressure's on now:eek:

davey101

I'm speechless..... Another fantastic No amazing course, they just keep getting better. Well done Greg and Co, You have all outdone yourselves..again!

Dave

cipo

Agreed!!

Amazing course to start my cx professional career on...

Brilliant days racing. Both races were excellent quality.

A race- 1,2,3

Robin Seymour
Conor McConvey
Conor Campbell

Loved it today- I'm converted!!
Great numbers for both races- 110 plus signed on!!

And results up online at mtbireland.com already... Well done Greg & TeamWORC!!!

C3PO

I'm absolutely fecked! I've raced in less technical XC races! Brilliant course, organisation and racing - many thanks to Greg and the Worcies!

AstraMonti

Amazing race, well done to all. Robin once more showed who's the boss, over a minute and a half gap, well done sir!

billy.fish

Folks, not much I can say.

Thank you all. I hoped it was as good as we planned.

Greg

Tenzor07

billy.fish wrote: »

I hoped it was as good as we planned.

It was better!

Savage/Excellent course, lovely surroundings in St. Anne's even on a grey day, nice and techy too, Robin was motoring today, a real powerhouse!

billy.fish

Actually there is more I can say...as I posted on the Epic Site

Hope you all loved the course. I am so happy to let all of you ride where I do 90% of my CX training. Even better to race there. Next time can someone else run the race so I can have a good result though. Left my legs somewhere around the course that morning taping it or the evening before digging out those steps....or helping Bikehub move into the new shop....or 'borrowing' cones from NCD roads...

Proper cross course. Proper venue. Proper racing. Long may it last. Simply getting better every time we race that venue. 3rd time. 4th might be even more spectacular if I'm let use another feature or two.

Big thanks to all the WORCies for coming out and helping. Massive thanks to anyone who marshalled/shouted/watched. You guys make the racing by brining the noise. Thanks to the BikeHub guys for some free kit and despite only moving into the new shop the night before, being there and helping on the day.

Finally the park. Mick Harford the park superintendent from Dublin City Council, without who this race would not be possible.

Thanks...see you all soon?

Greg

MarkG1975

Cheers Greg and Team Worc, great track and race, my first but defo not my last:) St Anne's is a superb venue, well done

billy.fish

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIb1O1A4QkQ

First video. Where are the rest!

easygoing39

Really good video!!Pity there's no action from the earlier B race.

Tenzor07

Speaking of the B race, where are all the pics? Spotted a number of people around the course with nice fancy cameras.....

GlennaMaddy

More photos of the A race on irishcyling.com, the first photo shows Mc Convey at the back of the field at the start (if I'm not mistaken)

billy.fish

GlennaMaddy wrote: »

More photos of the A race on irishcyling.com, the first photo shows Mc Convey at the back of the field at the start (if I'm not mistaken)

He was on second/third row beside me. Im on the very far left of the top shot. Perspective is doing him a dishonour.

Pigeon Reaper

http://www.flickr.com/photos/70144037@N02/sets/72157628072069721/with/6372524645/

Few photos from the first race on Saturday.

AstraMonti

Few photos from me as well. Sorry it was my first time shooting action photos and they are preety bad.. There is also a short video in there as well.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/27991172@N00/sets/72157628078462567/