It’s that time of year again and the National Titles will be battled out in Falmouth this weekend. It’s looking like the potential bad weather has been avoided and the sun should be shining down on the great track in the South West. Chris Roberts fired over all the details about the racing and everything you need to know is right here.

Words: Chris Roberts

Photos: British 4X

This weekend, Saturday 9^th August, it is the Schwalbe 4X National Championships which will be held, this year in Falmouth, Cornwall. After its first event in 2013, the 4X track in Falmouth has become the talk of British 4X and the anticipation for the 4X National Championships this weekend is high.

Here’s the video from last year’s event:

http://mpora.com/videos/AAdgjsvo2v8g

Will Evans, one of the country’s top Elite 4X riders, was given an open field in Falmouth to build his dream track in 2013. After hosting a national later in 2013, it was clear that this was the perfect track for the 2014 NationalChampionships.

The track has had a lot of support in Falmouth. A new club has been formed, regular races are being held at the new facility and there are a lot of new faces getting involved in 4X. With camping available on site with electric hook ups, toilets and showers, the venue is set for the Schwalbe 4X National Championships.

The track itself is huge. With 11 corners and 4 of them being flat or off camber, this will be a true test for the riders this weekend. A long start straight, pro line doubles, rocks, logs, off cambers and huge berms have all been added to this awesome 4X track. Without a doubt it will provide some amazing racing.

As if all that was not enough, the beach is just a 10 minute walk away!

The women’s race will be the most wide open in recent years. With the absence of 4X World Champion Katy Curd, there will be a new 4X National Champion crowned in Falmouth. Cara Murray will start the race as the favourite after taking 3 national wins so far in 2014, however the rider in form at the moment is Liz Fowler. Liz took her first British 4X win 3 weeks ago at round 4 of the British Series at Bridgnorth, then followed it up the next day with another win at round 5. Liz is full of confidence after Bridgnorth and she will be looking to take the title. Heather Kay, fresh from taking 2^nd at 4X ProTour round 5 in Czech Republic will also be fighting for the title. Local riders Tyde D’Souza and Megan Wherry will also be in contention and know this track inside out. With huge entries in the women’s class in 2014, the champion could come from those riders or it could be one of 15 others. The women’s racing is so close and unpredictable in 2014, the title is up for grabs for anyone who’s willing to push the limits.

In the men’s, Scott Beaumont will be there as the defending 4X National Champion and will be the favourite to retain the title. Scott has dominated the British Series in 2014 with 3 wins from the 3 events he has raced in. He will be focused and fired up to win this race so keep an eye on Boom Boom to be near the sharp end. Lewis Lacey has had a real breakthrough year in 2014. Challenging the world’s fastest riders in the 4X ProTour, he is in the best form of his life and he will be looking to become the 4X National Champion for the first time. Nathan Parsons won his first ever British 4X event at round 5 in Bridgnorth 3 weeks ago so he will also be feeling good coming into this weekend, but ultimately, can the hometown hero Will Evans pull it all together and take the title. After winning at round 4 in Bridgnorth, he is on form and without doubt, he knows this track better than anyone else. Will this be the year for Will?

Registration 11.30am to 1.00pm You must sign on and register before riding the track. The race is pre-entry only.

1.30pm Open practice on whole track.

2.30pm Gate Practice

3.30pm Course Closed.

3.45pm Riders meeting.

4.00pm 3 Motos for Rippers, Juvenile, Youth, Master, Vets, Grand Vets

5.00pm Timed Qualification run for Senior Men & Women

Afternoon Break.

7.00pm Heats Everyone

8.30pm Finals

9.00pm Podiums Top 3 medals in each category

On Sunday, Falmouth will also host round 6 of the 2014 Schwalbe British 4X Series. After 5 fantastic rounds so far and everyone hyped ahead of the National Championships on Saturday, we anticipate that round 6 will be an amazing event.

Pre enter the race here: https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/106331/Schwalbe-British-Cycling-4X-Series-Rd6-Falmouth-2014

09.30 – Open Practice
10.30 – Gate Practice – Fun, Big Fun, Juvenile, Youth, Master, Veteran, Girls
11.00 – Gate Practice – Junior, Senior & Pro Elite

11.30 – Lunch Brake

12.00 – Racing starts

1/8 Finals (33 Minimum number of riders required in a class)
1/4 Finals (17 Minimum number of riders required in a class)
Semi Finals (9 Minimum number of riders required in a class)
Finals

4.30pm Presentations

Pennance Mill Farm Chalet & Camping Park, Maenporth, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 5HJ

Telephone: 01326 317431

If you come by road (A39) from Truro to Falmouth, follow the brown international camping & caravan signs to the Hillhead roundabout, turn right, then straight across at the next mini roundabouts. Continue on for two miles to the Meanporth beach road down to the bottom of the hill, Pennance Mill Farm is immediately on your left. Watch out for the International Camping signs along the route.

If you travel by train to Falmouth Station and its easy to book a taxi to the farm.

Our level sheltered Touring Site is situated in three meadows, all south facing, with unspoilt countryside views.

Full information about camping is on our website http://www.pennancemill.co.uk/

For Series information, have a look at the website: www.british4x.com

For daily information, follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/british4x

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Video to last years race at Falmouth