Three Peaks Cyclo Cross, World Championships put Yorkshire at centre of the universe – where grass roots meets professionalism
- Two contrasting events take place within a few miles of each other in northern England, but it would be great to see a crossover with athletes taking on both
The Northern English county of Yorkshire will become cycling central for the next two weeks as many of the world’s leading bike racers converge on the rugged Dales region for the annual Three Peaks Cyclo Cross race on September 15 and then for the World Road Cycling Championships from September 22 to 29.
Both races will be battled out on dropped handlebars, yet they could not be more less related. The Three Peaks is very much a grass roots tea and tents race in all ways, and is known as the world’s toughest cyclo cross. At 61km long the route loosely follows that of the classic Three Peaks fell running race, although because of rights of way legalities it cannot follow the exact same course, and sections of the route are also only permitted to be ridden on race day.
Along the route this year’s 572 competitors will ride, run, scramble with their bikes over the peaks of Ingleborough (723m), Whernside (738m) and then Pen-y-Ghent before finishing in Helwith Bridge; 33km of this is on rideable off-road tracks, with 6-8km being deemed unrideable.
It was back in 1961 that local cyclist John Rawnsley first promoted the race, and since then it’s grown to be a cult-like event that attracts pro racers and weekend riders from all corners of the globe.
Rob Jebb is the undoubted top Peaks racer of all time, with a staggering 11 Peaks victories plus numerous podium finishes and the course record (2.52.22) to his name, despite being 44 years old. Working full time as a telecom engineer and raising a family, he will again start this weekend as odds on favourite to win.