Cyclocross more than a detour

It might seem like a strange spectacle, but cyclocross is now the discipline of choice for cyclists around the country — and the numbers turning up to races every weekend are proof of that.

The season came to a conclusion last Sunday when the national championships were held in Tollymore Forest Park, Co Down, with more than 200 riders battling across various categories, from elite men and women to Masters O60 riders.

That was a record number signing on to race a national championships, but nowhere near what has turned out to events in the four provinces since the season officially commenced in early September.