Beastway mountain bike series returns

The Beastway mountain bike series returns to Redbridge Cycle Centre at Hog Hill this summer for an eight-round programme of races taking place each Wednesday from May 21 to July 9.

Now sponsored Hackney GT cycle fashion label, Beastway is one of the longest running mountain bike race series in the world, having been held every summer from 1993. It provides mountain bikers in and around the capital with short, sharp and enjoyable mid-week races. Races are approximately one hour long with categories for youth, juniors, experts, seniors and vets in both male and female.

As well as overall series prizes with 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.

Cycle fashion label Hackney GT has partnered with Lee Valley Youth CC to co-promote all races. Russ Jones, Hackney GT founder and Beastway promoter said: "I’ve been racing Beastway for many, many years and never thought I’d be in a position to take control of such a prestigious series.

"I’m really looking forward to keeping the fun and friendly spirit of the races with lots of new courses. This is why we’ve stayed at Hog Hill, as the area provides more options for new courses than the Lee Valley Velopark as originally planned."

To help cope with demand and to help create new and exciting courses each week, the organisers are looking for volunteers to help marshal the events. Not only will volunteers go home with a warm glow from knowing they helped, but they’ll also get a beer for their efforts. Those helping to stake out and take down the course will also receive free race entry.

Otherwise with a current British Cycling licence, entry is £13 for senior riders, £8 for concessions and 16 to 18 year olds, £6 for under-16s and £4 for under-12s. If you need a BC day licence, add £2 to the entry cost.

For more information visit the Beastway website.