Run ups will be one of the challenges riders will face at Cross on Commons in Qualicum Beach that will take place this Sunday, Sept. 30. — Patrick Burnham photo

Run ups will be one of the challenges riders will face at Cross on Commons in Qualicum Beach that will take place this Sunday, Sept. 30. — Patrick Burnham photo

Cross on the Commons has course reversed

Third leg of the Vancouer Island cyclocross series feature beginners to experts

  • Sep. 27, 2018 12:00 a.m.

Cross on the Commons is set to race again in Qualicum Beach on Sunday.

The event is the third leg of the Cross on the Rock eight cyclocross series on Vancouver Island. It will be the second time for Qualicum Beach to host the event after a successful debut last year.

It will feature beginners to expert riders. As well, there will be a short race on a modified course for kids under 12 in their run bikes, pedal bikes, training wheels, and bike with gears.

There will be some changes to the course this year. The usual sand, slippery grass, single track and run ups will again challenge the riders but with one major change — reverse direction.

Start section is still the same, on the pavement by the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, then onto first base, pitcher’s mound then third base to be confronted with some hilly, sand sections and onto the BMX track.

Racers will still be riding it backwards to keep the speed down and everyone safe. From here it is a quick down to the maze and then further to some smooth grass sections. After this it is into the trees for some pea gravel, some ups and downs, some back and forths, more grass then finally to the last sand section and the finish line.

Public is invited to watch the cycling event.

Registration opens at 9:15 a.m. with the beginner men including youth U13 and U15 will start at 10:45 a.m., followed by the women. For information go to http://www.crossontherock.com/races/qualicum-beach-cx/

— NEWS Staff

Parksville Qualicum Beach News