MSG 2010 Series Standings

Click here to download the Mud Sweat and Gears: Eastern Region MTB Series 2010 Series Standings

Any questions please e-mail alistair.russell@sportessex.org.uk

Message of thanks...

wow what a season - I hope you have enjoyed it as much as we have! Thanks to your support and enthusiasm, Mud Sweat and Gears has grown from a one off event in 2008 to a six stage series which spans across the Eastern Region with an average of 270 riders per event! This growth is tremendously exciting and we cannot wait to get stuck into next year to offer you even more.

In particular I would like to pay special thanks to our partners TROGs, Thetford MTB Racing, Essex Outdoors, Codham Park, Trailnet, sportessex, Chelmsford Borough Council, British Cycling and Timelaps. I was also like to thank our sponsors Phil's Bike Company, Bike Art, Danbury Cycles, Chelmer Cycles, Herongate Cycles and Chelmer Village Opticians for their support!

With regards to 2011 - we are working hard on securing dates. We hope to advertise provisional dates for 2011 in the next month or so, with the official launch of the Mud Sweat and Gears: Eastern Region MTB Series 2011 in the new year. If you have any thoughts on next year and how we can develop the series please e-mailing me direct on alistair.russell@sportessex.org.uk

Thank you again for your support and we hope you have had an enjoyable 2010 Series,

All the best for the winter months and good luck for those racing in the Thetford Winter Series!

Alistair

MSG Hylands: Post Event Info

Thank you for supporting the Mud Sweat and Gears: Eastern Region MTB Series!

Results
To find out where you came click here

Photos
Click here to check out the photos from Hylands Park - more photos to follow soon

Hylands Feedback
Click here to share your thoughts on the event and how we can improve it

MSG Hylands Pre Event Information

Online registration is now closed for Hylands Park. On the day entries will be available, but with over 180 riders already signed up and numbers strictly capped we strongly recommend that you arrive at the opening of registration for your chosen race as a first come first serve will be implemented.The price for on the day entries will be: £5 Grommets, £15 for Challengers and £25 for Warriors / Racers. Payment will be by cash or cheque.

- To find out the specific location and other pre event information click here

- To check your entry and find out who has pre-registered click here

- To check out the current series standings click here



Look forward to seeing you this Sunday,



MSG Team

Calling all Volunteers.

Would you like to get involved in helping at an event? If so then Chelmsford Borough Council requires volunteers to help at the upcoming final MSG event at Hylands Park on Sunday 10th October. We have a fantastic 6.5km circuit in place but we need people to marshal the course to maintain the safety of the riders and public.

Should you be unable to help on the day but would still like to get involved then help would be more than welcomed in setting up the course on Saturday 9th October. Please see below for times etc.

Details:
- Event: Mud, Sweet and Gears MTB races at Hylands Park
- Venue: Hylands Park
- Date and Time: Sunday 10th October, 9am to 3:30pm
- Responsibilities: To help marshal the event. This may involve being situated on the course warning riders of an upcoming hazard, keeping riders on the course and dealing with any accidents. We will also require some car parking attendants.

If you are interested then please contact Matt Ewings on 01245 606635 or email matthew.ewings@chelmsford.gov.uk.

Series Standings!

Click here to find out the current series standings!

- A riders best four race results go forward to the series standings.
- Series trophies will be presented to the top three riders in each category at Hylands (10/10/10). Series podiums will follow the Hylands race podiums.
- To be considered for the podium you must have competed in at least four races.
- If two or more riders have the same points in their category then their series position will be based their position at Hylands i.e. rider 'a' and 'b' have the same points/position in the series but rider 'a' beat rider 'b' at Hylands then rider 'a' will be positioned above rider 'b' in the series.

Any questions or issues with the standings please contact alistair.russell@sportessex.org.uk

MSG Langdon Hills: Post Event Info

Thank you for supporting the Mud Sweat and Gears: Eastern Region MTB Series! We look forward to welcoming you to the last round in at Hylands Park, Chelmsford in October!

Results
To find out where you came click here

Photos
Click here to check out the photos from Langdon Hills

Series Standings
Coming soon!

Langdon Feedback
Click here to share your thoughts on the event and how we can improve it

MSG Langdon Hills: Pre Event Info

Online registration is now closed for Langdon Hills. On the day entries will be available, but with over 200 riders already signed up and numbers strictly capped we strongly recommend that you arrive at the opening of registration for your chosen race as a first come first serve will be implemented.The price for on the day entries will be: £5 Grommets, £15 for Challengers and £25 for Warriors / Racers. Payment will be by cash or cheque.

- To find out the specific location and other pre event information click here

- To check your entry and find out who has pre-registered click here

Look forward to seeing you this Sunday,

MSG Team

Langdon 'Hills'

The penultimate stage of the Mud Sweat and Gears is going old school with Langdon Hills as its host. Langdon Hills has been hosting MTB events since the 1980s and is renowned for its challenging accents and fast flowing docents! Don’t take our word for it though– check out the topology by clicking here. If you would like to ride the course before race day we are running a weekday blast on the wednesday evening before the race (click here for more info) and to secure your entry to the main event please click here.

The Weekday Blast Continues...!

Make the most of the autumn evenings and join us for a weekday blast around Langdon Hills and Hylands Park!

The Weekday Blast around Codham was so popular that we are going to run one weekday event in the build up to Langdon Hills and two weekday events in the build up to Hylands Park. The Weekday Blast is not a race and you will therefore not be timed, given a number or competing for a podium position – it is simply an opportunity for you to learn the course, practice your skills, develop your fitness and socialise with friends. Riding will begin at 6pm, but do not worry if you miss the start as we will be back at the start point every 20 minutes to guide new people around the course (course closes at 7:30pm, Park gates close at 8pm).

Dates

Weds 15th September 2010 - Langdon Hills

Weds 22nd September 2010 - Hylands Park

Weds 29th September 2010 - Hylands Park

Registration

http://mudsweatgears.sxevents.co.uk/weekday.php

Tour of Britain comes to the Essex!!!

The Tour of Britain is coming to Essex

On 17 September 100 of the world’s best cyclists will be lining up in Bury St Edmunds for the start of the seventh stage of The Tour of Britain to Colchester.

It’s going to be a great day for Essex as The Tour of Britain, the UK’s biggest professional bike race, weaves its way across the Suffolk & Essex county border; racing through the heartland of Essex and building to an exciting finale in the heart of Colchester.

Spectators are encouraged to get close to the action by lining the route to watch this exhilarating road race and to join in with the finish line festivities at Colchester’s Castle Park.

The race starts in Bury St Edmunds at 10:15 and will finish at East Hill in Colchester at 13:40

For more information about the Bury St Edmunds to Colchester stage of the Tour of Britain, head to: http://www.tourofbritain.co.uk/

Series Standings

Click here to check out the series standings.

Any questions please e-mail alistair.russell@sportessex.org.uk

Codham Park: Post Event Info

Thank you for supporting the Mud Sweat and Gears: Eastern Region MTB Series! We look forward to welcoming you to the next round at Langdon Hills, Thurrock in September!

Results
To find out where you came click here

Photos
Click here to check out the photos from Codham

Codham Feedback
Click here to share your thoughts on the event and how we can improve it

MSG Codham: Pre Event Information

Online registration is now closed for Codham Park. On the day entries will be available, but with over 150 riders already signed up and numbers strictly capped we strongly recommend that you arrive at the opening of registration for your chosen race as a first come first serve will be implemented.The price for on the day entries will be: £5 Grommets, £15 for Challengers and £25 for Warriors / Racers. Payment will be by cash or cheque.

- To find out the specific location and other pre event information click here

- To check your entry and find out who has pre-registered click here

Look forward to seeing you this weekend,

MSG Team

MTB events for young people new to racing

During August Chelmsford Borough Council and British Cycling are organizing 3 youth mountain bike races. These races are classed as go-ride races by British Cycling aimed at children that are new to racing or have little racing experience. More information can be found here: http://new.britishcycling.org.uk/gorideracing

Dates and venues:
Tuesday 10th August, Springfield Hall Park, Chelmsford (CM1 7QE).
Tuesday 17th August, Danbury Outdoors, Chelmsford (CM3 4AB).
Tuesday 24th August, Danbury Outdoors, Chelmsford (CM3 4AB).

All races start at 6:30pm (suggest you arrive between 5:30 – 6pm to get registered and warmed-up)

£1 to enter

Age categories are: U16, U14, U12, U10, U8 boys and girls (some categories may be combined).

Remember to bring your bike and a helmet.

Bring the attached entry form along with you on the day, or send to British Cycling, 17 Orchard Road, Melbourn, Royston Herts SG8 6HL.

If you’d like anymore information please feel free to contact me.

I look forward to seeing you there!

Kind regards

Matt Ewings
Cycling Development Officer
Chelmsford Borough Council
01245 606635
matthew.ewings@chelmsford.gov.uk

www.chelmsford.gov.uk/cycling

Series Standings

Please click here to find out the current series standings. Any issues please contact alistair.russell@sportessex.org.uk

The Weekday Blast: Codham Park

Make the most of the summer and join us for a weekday blast around Codham Park

Just a quick reminder that ‘The Weekday Blast’ starts this Wednesday (28th July). The Weekday Blast will provide you with an opportunity to ride sections of the Codham Park course prior to the main event on Sunday 15th August. We will also provide you with an opportunity to practise your mass starts at 7pm, but do not worry if you miss the start or would prefer not to start on mass as you can join the course anytime from 19:05 to 20:15 (course closes at 20:30).

For more information and to register please click here.

Below are some pictures of Billy Whenman riding the course / providing feedback back in May...

Look forward to seeing you this Wednesday,

Danbury: Post Event Info...

Thank you for supporting the Mud Sweat and Gears: Eastern Region MTB Series! The Series is going from strength to strength and we look forward to welcoming you to the next round at Codham Park, Braintree, Essex on Sunday 15th August! If you would like to ride the Codham Park course and join use for a weekday ride please check out 'The Weekday Blast' section on the website. Look forward to seeing you soon...

Danbury Results
To find out where you came click here

Danbury Photos
To check out and purchase photos from Danbury click here

Danbury Feedback
Click here to share your thoughts on the event and how we can improve it

Danbury Outdoors: Pre Event Information

- Online registration is now closed for Danbury Outdoors. On the day entries will be available, but with over 200 riders already signed up and numbers strictly capped we strongly recommend that you arrive at the opening of registration for your chosen race as a first come first serve will be implemented.The price for on the day entries will be: £5 Grommets, £15 for Challengers and £25 for Warriors / Racers. Payment will be by cash or cheque.


- To find out the specific location and other pre event information click here

- To check your entry and find out who has pre-registered click here

Look forward to seeing you this weekend,

MSG Team

Danbury Preview

Mud Sweat and Gears is going back to its roots with Round 3 taking place at Danbury Outdoors, Essex! With some new additions for 2010, this park based course will test your fitness and bike handing skills through some technically challenging sections. Test your bravery as you manoeuvre through the trees and branches and then speed downhill over free flowing grass areas! Also thrown into the mix are some lung bursting tough uphill and off camber slopes.

Check the photos from last years event below...

Series standings so far...

Please click here to find out the current series standings. Any queries please contact alistair.russell@sportessex.org.uk

Thetford: Post Event Information

Wow - what a day of racing! We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. With our highest entry to date (over 300 riders!) the Mud Sweat and Gears: Eastern Region MTB Series is going from strength to stength - and we thank you for your continued support and look forward to seeing you at the next round at Danbury Outdoors, Chelmsford - Sunday 18th July!

Thetford Results
To find out where you came click here

Thetford Photos
To check out and purchase photos from Tunstall click here

Thetford Feedback
Click here to share your thoughts on the event and how we can improve it

Thetford Race Report
http://new.britishcycling.org.uk/mtb/article/mtb20100617--Report--Eastern-Region-XC-Round-2-0

Series Standings
Coming soon...

Thetford: Pre Event Information

- Online registration is now closed for Thetford Forest. On the day entries will be available, but with over 200 riders already signed up and numbers strictly capped we strongly recommend that you arrive at the opening of registration for your chosen race as a first come first serve will be implemented.The price for on the day entries will be: £5 Grommets, £15 for Challengers and £25 for Warriors / Racers. Payment will be by cash or cheque.


- To find out the specific location and other pre event information click here

- To check your entry and find out who has pre-registered click here

Look forward to seeing you this weekend,

MSG Team

Online registrations closing this Wednesday for Thetford!

If you keen to race this weekend we strongly suggest you register online before 9.00am on Wednesday, as we already have over 200 riders pre-registered and on the day registrations are not guaranteed (and will be significantly more expensive). Pre event information will be sent out to all riders this Wednesday (via email).

We look forward to seeing you this weekend,

MSG Team

MSG: Series Standings

To find out the current Series standings click here

Remember - the Series is based on your top four results! Any questions please contact alistair.russell@sportessex.org.uk

Tunstall: Post Event Information

Thanks to all those that braved the rain and supported the 1st round in the Mud Sweat and Gears Eastern Region MTB Series. We hope you enjoyed it. Check out below for the results, photos and feedback process...

Results
To find out where you came click here

Photos
To check out and purchase photos from Tunstall click here

Feedback
Click here to share your thoughts on the event and how we can improve

Race Report
by Chris Reeves, Loughborough Students Cycling Club

http://new.britishcycling.org.uk/mtb/article/mtb20100505--Report--Eastern-XC-Round-1-0

A very wet Sunday the 2nd of May brought round 1 of the Mud Sweat and Gears Series of races in the East of England. With a selection of races on offer and a large number of pre-entries to the race, the weather didn’t seem to stop people turning up to have a go at racing in the torrential rain and the mud that was brought along with this. The TROGs (Tunstall and Rendalsham Off Road Group) had spent some considerable time sorting out the 4.5 mile race course, and their efforts went well received to the 200 or so riders than turned up.

The first race starting at 10am saw the “Grommets” race for under 12’s with a field of 12 boys and 5 girls racing round a specially shortened course. After 8 laps of a wet course, George Finch claimed victory only 18 seconds in front of 2nd place Josh Peters with the final podium spot taken by Jordon Beighton. Isobel Gordon won the girls under 12 with Jessica Creiske only 14 seconds behind in 2nd place and Rebecca Tyler riding for the local TROGs taking the final podium spot.

The next race starting at 11am saw no easing up of the rain and the course being gradually made more and more muddy as more riders went round the course churning up the mud and making it a very slippery affair. The “Warrior” race for 17+ saw a crowd of well over 50 battling through mud, trying to keep their bike upright for a total of 3 laps. The Youth and Juvenile categories were set off 5 minutes later for a race of 2 laps. Sean Dunlea brought home the win in the Juvenile Male with James Thorpe not far behind in 2nd place and Rebecca Beard won the Juvenile Female race. For the Youth Male, a close battle between Jack Finch and Callum Riley saw Jack Finch win the race and local TROG, Lewis Parker brought in the final podium position. The Warrior racers saw Daniel Collins win the Senior Male Category and another TROG Jodie Cole win the Senior Female Category, the Vets Category was won by Antony Bensley for the men and Jackie Field for the females.

It was 1pm before the finale of racing began, it was still raining and the course was now very muddy and churned up, but all credit to the TROGs, it was still rideable and racing round it reminded me of Mountain Mayhem 2008 mudfest! This race is open to Elite / Expert Men as well as the inexperienced rider, and just about every type of rider lined up for the 7 lap for men or 6 lap for women race. The warm up strategy for me was to stay in the car as long as possible and spend the least amount of time waiting for the start getting wet and cold! The race went off with a bang, I wasn’t very far up the front due to leaving it late to line up, and then off the start line it took me ages to finally clip into my pedals, thereby leaving me halfway back in the crowd, the first bit of singletrack then bottle-necked and saw 50% of people run through cyclocross style in the mud as it was quicker! The race opened up, my strategy was to keep steady as the mud was very energy sapping, but even so I actually needed to use some energy gels round the course for the final couple of laps to keep me going, and the 7th and final lap was murderous. In the end Billy Whenman won the overall race a good 2 minutes in front of second place Glenn Stanford. I personally finished 7th – absolutely dead, no brake pads left and my back in agony, oh and covered in mud; only 20 people out of the 108 people managed to do 7 laps, the course was difficult with all the mud – the trick mostly being to keep the bike upright and not slip over. The Female Senior Winner was Laura Sampson, and for the Vets John McAndrew won with Andrew Manning taking 2nd.

Overall despite the weather being terrible for a summer race series, a lot of riders turned up raced their hardest against other riders and the elements. A big thankyou to SportsEssex, all sponsors involved and the TROGs for organising a course that despite the weather making it stupidly muddy, was still rideable. Let’s hope the weather for round 2 involved some sun!

Riders Comments:

Billy Whenman (Overall Winner)– Yeah, it was a good race. I decided to start at the back of the group to give myself a bit of a challenge, and it took me a lap and half before I was up front. I also had my tyres up rock hard which made it more difficult to control, but it’s all good training for National Points Series next weekend!

Callum Riley (Second Place Youth) – It was really muddy, my tyres uphill would just spin round and round, but I’m happy with second place, it’s only my second race as a sponsored rider and I was quite close to the winner for most of the race.



Look forward to seeing you in June,

MSG Team

Tunstall: Pre Event Information

- Online registration is now closed for Tunstall Forest. On the day entries will be available, but with 100s of riders already signed up and numbers strictly capped we strongly recommend that you arrive at the opening of registration for your chosen race as a first come first serve will be implemented.The price for on the day entries will be: £5 Grommets, £15 for Challengers and £25 for Warriors / Racers. Payment will be by cash or cheque.

- To find out the specific location and other pre event information click here

- To find out who has pre-registered for Tunstall click here

Look forward to seeing you this Sunday,

MSG Team

Tunstall Camping

We have been asked by several riders if camping is available. Unfortunately camping is not available on site - however there are several local campsites. We have phone round a few - and they are looking v busy - but there appears to be availability @ Gralyns Caravan Park / 01394 420728

MSG Team

Online registration for Tunstall is closing this Wednesday!

If you keen to race next weekend we strongly suggest you register online before 9.00am this Wednesday, as we already have over 200 riders pre-registered and on the day registrations are not guaranteed (and will be significantly more expensive).

The specific location of the Tunstall course and further pre event information will be sent out to all riders this Weds also.

We look forward to seeing you this weekend,

MSG Team

Tunstall: Places filling fast...

Places are filling up fast for the opening round! Please sign up soon to avoid disappointment...

Look forward to seeing you soon,

MSG Team!

Tunstall Forest Preview!

The wait is nearly over. We are now three weeks away from the start of the new look Mud Sweat and Gears: Eastern Region MTB Series. With the courses set, the sponsors confirmed and riders signing up in their droves – the stage is now set an epic summer of racing! To celebrate the countdown – the TROGs aka 'Tunstall and Rendalsham Off Road Group', have provided us with a sneak preview of their brand new course in Tunstall Forest which will stage Round 1 of the 2010 Series.

Technical Considerations

First and full most, Mud Sweat and Gears has been designed to be fun for all, and by no means should riders worry themselves with the below information, as it will all be managed on the day by the Race Director and British Cycling. But for those who will be taking their racing seriously, a comprehensive guide has been developed below:

Start

To start each race the officials will call all ‘challenges’, ‘warriors’ or ‘racers’ to the start area. They will then call up each category at a time – gridding (from round 2 onwards) the top 16 series contenders at the front. From there the category will then start the race on mass.

If there are fewer than 5 individuals in any category they may be combined with the alternate male/female category.

Given the fun theme to the grommets race there will be no gridding and both male/female categories will start together on mass.

Laps

Riders will race for a predetermined number of laps (notified on the day) with the winners being those who complete their designated laps in the quickest time. When the first rider has completed all the predetermined laps for their category, all riders of that category will be asked to finish at the end of their current lap.

Series Placings

Series points will be awarded to the top 50 riders in each category for each race. The top three in each category at each event will be awarded shop vouchers. The top three in each category for the Series will receive Mud Sweat and Gears: Eastern Region MTB League trophies. Final series rankings will be based on a rider’s best 4 events.

British Cycling Rankings

As far as our races are concerned we have kept our categories simple. However, we understand that some of you are interested in British Cycling ranking points for your specific BC category and we want to help you get these. All entrants holding a racing licence placing in the top 15 (Regional A level) of their respective BC categories in the Racer race will therefore gain BC ranking points (we send off the results to BC and they do the rest).

For round 4 – Codham Park we have managed to get Regional Championship status thus meaning that ranking points will go down to 40th place and first place will receive 60 points (double that of the other rounds).

A racing licence is not compulsory but is necessary to gain British Cycling ranking points. To see the benefits of becoming a British Cycling member including the option of purchasing a racing licence go to www.britishcycling.org.uk/membership.

Wanted!

Wanted!
Venues and Event Partners

Mud Sweat and Gears has evolved from a one off event in 2008, to a three stage Essex series in 2009 and then to a six stage Eastern Region Series in 2010. The organisers are keen to maintain this momentum and are looking for new venues and event partners for 2011 and beyond.

If you know of a great venue, which may be race ready or require some work, please do get in contact with us. In particular we are looking at venues in the East and South East – but we are not closed to suggestions outside of this area.

Alongside this demand for venues, we are also keen to talk to any clubs, organisations and individuals who are keen to take a lead in course design and construction as well as supplying marshals and help with event promotion.

So if you are keen to support MTB racing for all abilities and ages and know of a venue or/and people who would be willing to become part of the MSG team, then please do get in contact Alistair on alistair.russell@sportessex.org.uk

British Cycling MTB needs you!

Do you support more mountain bike racing for all?

Do you spend your weekends watching your husband/wife/son/daughter racing mountain bikes and want to do something different?

Do you want to give something back to your sport?

Then British Cycling MTB needs you!

We are training more race commissaries/judges* to make sure that our events run smoothly and safely as well as being super fun for everyone.
Your local course is taking place on 6th March at Gosling Sports Park, Welwyn Garden City** contact rachelfenton@britishcycling.org.uk Tel: 07940302228

* For more information on commissairing please see www.britishcycling.org.uk click on the site menu and choose ‘Volunteers’.
**Courses are free of charge but we would like attendees to sign up for 2010 events

MTB goes East Side!

Building on the success of last year's three race Essex series, the Mud Sweat and Gears organisers have spread their wings and signed up Thetford MTB Racing and the Tunstall and Rendlesham Offroad Group (TROG) as partners for 2010 as well as expanding their relationship with Chelmsford Borough Council to include Hylands Park in Essex. The resulting six races form the first Eastern XC series since 2003.

The expanded series covers Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk and has everything from technically challenging single track, to long open downhills and testing climbs. Each venue promises to provide the rider with a unique challenge.

Alistair Russell, Events Manager for sportessex and Mud Sweat and Gears Series Director:
‘Despite its growth, Mud Sweat and Gears will remain fun for all. We continue to be proud of our youth and grass roots following, but as well as providing a good event for them we are keen to attract more experienced racers and to take on a greater status within the racing calendar. We want each event to be a good day out for all the family whatever level of race you are entering.'

Because of the series grass roots background the race format is subtlety different from any of the other UK regional series. There are four races within each event: 'Grommets' for the under 12s 'Challenger' for the under 16s 'Warrior' for the beginner or fun racer and then in the afternoon the 'Racer' category where BC ranking points will be available.
For more information on this format and other aspects of the racing please see www.mudsweatgears.co.uk.

Rachel Fenton, Eastern Regional Events Officer for British Cycling:
'BC are proud to be a partner of the new and improved ‘Mud, Sweat and Gears’ Eastern MTB Series. With the Olympic Mountain Biking races being held in Essex in 2012 we hope more people, from all backgrounds will want to give the sport a go and now they will have the opportunity to do just that right here in the East. As an MTBer myself I’m looking forward to being able to go to more events closer to home. The MSG team are doing a tremendous job at providing for grassroots and competitive riders, offering a unique format at a number of incredible MTB venues!

2010 Provisional Dates...

Happy New Year!

The MSG team are working hard to confirm dates for the 2010. To give you an idea of what we have planned please check out the provisional dates below.

Sun May 2nd; Tunstall Forest, Suffolk

Sun June 13th; Thetford Forest, Norfolk

Sun July 18th; Danbury Outdoors, Essex

Sun Aug 15th; Codham Park, Essex

Sun Sep 19th; Langdon Hills, Essex

Sun Oct 10th; Hylands Park, Essex


Cheers for now