Racing

Tweedlove’s Love Cross, bringing racing to the community

18.05.2016
by

Cyclo-cross racing has come a long way from its humble beginnings, born over one hundred years as a local winter novelty for racers, World Championships now attract tens of thousands of spectators. However, in the UK it still struggles to cross the void and reach out to a non-cycling audience. As part of Scotland’s popular and community focussed TweedLove Festival, ‘Love Cross’ brought cyclo-cross racing from its muddy arena to a more urban environment.

Tweedlove Love Cross Gran Fondo-5029 Tweedlove Love Cross Gran Fondo-4566
Spectators line the High Street, eager to watch the action
Spectators line the High Street, eager to watch the action

The streets of the quaint and sleepy market town of Peebles would normally be a peaceful place on a Tuesday evening, but not this night. The streets were lined with spectator of all ages, confined behind barriers as volunteer marshalls worked hard to keep order. Inquisitive locals hung out of their second-floor windows over the cobbled pavements and children jabbered excitedly. The town of Peebles is unashamedly bike mad, with four local kids clubs rich with motivated and highly skilled juniors, where champions of the future can be found in their ranks, but tonight Love Cross had reached a new audience.

The event had attracted a diverse pool of racers, from amateurs out for fun, to elite athletes.
The event had attracted a diverse pool of racers, from amateurs out for fun, to elite athletes.
From the outset the racing was intense, as was the aim of the children at water pistol alley.
From the outset the racing was intense, as was the aim of the children at water pistol alley.

To the experienced Cyclo-cross racers in attendance, the circuit was both familiar with dismount sections, steps and close racing, and also very unfamiliar with hay bale jumps and a water pistol station manned by a gaggle of over-excited children. The event was open to all, with mountain bikes and cross bikes lining up shoulder to shoulder on the start line grid, each hoping to gain an advantage on the varied course.

Local hero Lucy Grant demonstrated her experienced dismount skills.
Local hero Lucy Grant demonstrated her experienced dismount skills.
Head down through the water pistols.
Head down through the water pistols.
Lactic buildup. The old church steps set many legs on fire.
Lactic buildup. The old church steps set many legs on fire.

For over an hour the streets were alive with a chorus of cheering, good natured heckling and shrieks of delight from the kids, especially when the water pistols started to inevitably point not at the racers but at each other. To the captivated locals it was a show of the fun that can be had on a bike, and to the racers it was a refreshing and challenging departure from their usual racing format.

Tweedlove Love Cross Gran Fondo-5022 Tweedlove Love Cross Gran Fondo-5658
Love Cross successfully brought Cyclo-Cross to the pavé.
Love Cross successfully brought Cyclo-Cross to the pavé.

As the racing wound to a close and the streets started to thin, there was an air of success in the air. Events like Love Cross not only demonstrate the power of cycling to unite communities, but also to encourage the next generation to leave their consoles unused as they pursue a healthy life behind bars. Chapeau TweedLove, Chapeau.

Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of GRAN FONDO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality cycling journalism. Click here to learn more.

Words & Photos:

You may also like