Scottish Cyclocross series gears up for 2009

A look outside into the gloom is enough to tell you that Autumn's all but here, but it's not all bad news: at least you can dig your 'crosser out of the shed and get yourself some winter fitness and fun. And if you're in Scotland (or nearby) then what better place to rock up for you CX action than the road.cc sponsored Scottish Cyclocross series, which starts on 4 October at Plean County Park near Stirling.

There are categories for everyone, right down to an Islabikes-sponsored under 12 race, at every venue. You can race on MTBs at every round too, so even not having a CX bike is no excuse. Entry fee for all rounds is £10 or less, and you can turn up and pay on the day.

Courses will vary – "from the sand dunes at Irvine to the slippery singletrack at Mugdock Park", say the organisers – but all will be traditional Cyclocross fare with a mixture of open and technical terrain and the odd steep ramp and hurdle thrown in for good measure.

The one we're looking forward to (and hoping to get to, even though it's a heck of a long way away) is the inaugural Santa Cross World Championships: two days of racing at Glengorm Castle on the Isle of Mull on 12 and 13 December. It looks like it'll be a fantastic closing date for the series.

www.scottishcyclocross.org.uk has all the info on the 2009 Scottish Cyclocross series along with the latest news and happenings, contacts and the SCX shop. You can also follow the series at www.twitter.com/scottishcx.

And look out for the road.cc sponsored course tape at all rounds – go out of bounds on a tricky section and you'll be wearing Argyle!

Round details

• Sunday 4th Oct – Plean, Stirling
• Sunday 18th Oct – Auchentoshan, Glasgow
• Sunday 25th Oct – Mugdock, Glasgow
• Saturday 31st Oct - Glenmore Lodge, Aviemore
• Sunday 1st Nov - Glenmore Lodge, Aviemore
• Sunday 15th Nov - Cowdenbeath - Stephen Lyle Memorial
• Sunday 22nd Nov - Dundee
• Sunday 29th Nov - Irvine
• Sunday 6th Dec - Glenrothes - Scottish Championships
• Saturday 12th Dec - Glengorm Castle, Mull
• Sunday 13th Dec - Glengorm Castle, Mull