London riders of a certain vintage will be either cheering (because summer evening races are always ace) or grumbling (because they are curmudgeonly retrogrouches who probably weren’t actually around when Beastway first started in 1993 anyway) at the news that the Beastway XC series is back for another season this summer.
The races, which take place every Wednesday evening from 20th May ’til 8th July, are being held at the Redbridge Cycle Centre, Hog Hill, and (in a suitably hipsterish twist) are supported by fashion label Hackney GT in partnership with Lee Valley Youth.
Races are around an hour long, with categories for mens and womens juniors, experts, seniors and vets, plus 30-minute youth races – and this year the series is offering national ranking points for BC-affiliated riders, too. As well as overall series prizes (riders’ best five placings to count), random primes will be handed out to groups as the organisers see fit to reward racing throughout the categories.
Russ Jones, Hackney GT owner and Beastway promoter, says: “The 2014 series was hard work but well worth the effort as several hundred riders took part in races across all categories over the eight weeks. We’ve had nothing but positive feedback from riders last year and are really pleased to be back at the Redbridge Cycling Centre. The venue have been so helpful and allowed us to create fun fast courses and we’re really pleased to be back here again for 2015.”
Beastway is always a busy series and the organisers need help from volunteers to help mark out the course and lap counting. All helpers will be treated to food and beer post race. If your club is able to help, please email Russ Jones at info@hackneygt.com
