Three Peaks (cyclo cross race)

The Three Peaks cyclo-cross race is an annual cyclo-cross event over the Yorkshire three peaks of Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen-y-ghent, in Yorkshire, England. Organised by Bradford Racing Cycling Club on the last weekend of September, it bills itself as the "hardest cyclo-cross race in the world". [http://www.londoncyclesport.com/news/article.asp?UAN=3136&SP=332585698224344610212&v=2 "Once More Unto The Peaks 07"] , Ian Cleverly (quoting organiser John Rawnsley), August 30 2007] While other races may have comparable or even greater distances and height gain—Whernside, the tallest of the Peaks, only reaches 736 metres—it is the combination of gradient, terrain, and weather that give the "Three Peaks" its reputation.

Overview

The original course was 40 kilometres long, but was increased to 47 km in 1980. More course changes in 1982 and 1983 increased it further, to 50 km and then 57 km respectively. The most recent alteration, in 1994, extended the course to 61 km. The current course starts at Helwith Bridge, 3 km south of Horton in Ribblesdale, and tackles Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen-y-ghent. Because part of the race is on private land, cycling the whole course at any other time of year is not possible.

Except during the 1980s and early 1990s when mountain bikes were permitted, only cyclo-cross bicycles are allowed. There were no female competitors until 1979, and there were no races in 2001 or 2007 due to foot and mouth disease. [http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/cycling/Jebb-tumbles-but-still-prevails.3225778.jp "Jebb tumbles but still prevails in Cyclo-Cross series"] , "Yorkshire Post", September 24 2007] [http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/mostpopular.var.1720889.mostviewed.three_peaks_cyclocross_race_cancelled.php "Three Peaks Cyclo-Cross Race cancelled"] , "Westmoreland Gazette", September 28 2007]

Awards

Total Prize Money: £5,000+

Riders are awarded certificates based on their time around the course.
* Elite - under 3 hours 30 minutes
* 1st class - under 4 hours
* 2nd class - under 5 hours
* merit - all other finishers

List of overall winners

"(source: [http://www.3peakscyclocross.org.uk/results.htm "Results and Roll of Honour"] , 3 Peaks Cyclo-cross official website)"

References

External links

* [http://www.3peakscyclocross.org.uk/ Three Peaks official website]