THRILL seeking adult and children bike racers of all abilities are being invited to take part in the fast growing sport of cyclo-cross at an event being held in Barnoldswick.

It is being organised by Hope Technology and No Nonsense Events. Barnoldswick based Hope Technology, a worldwide leader in the maker of bicycle parts and builder of the track bike used by the GB cycling team in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The academy rents out high-spec bikes at affordable prices and also carries out visits to the factory, to show young people what careers are on offer at the world-class establishment; it also carries out free training sessions in schools in West Craven and also in Skipton.

The cyclo-cross event on Wednesday, October 26, is the second of its kind run by the academy as part of its aim to support and encourage grass roots cycling, particularly with young people, in the community.

Held at Rolls-Royce Leisure, it will include separate races for adults, youths and under-12s, as well as a beginner under-12 race.

The entry fee will include a pie and pea supper for every rider, and all are invited to go along, race, and enjoy some post-race banter, say organisers.

Rebecca Barker, manager of the Hope Academy, said the first of the cyclo-cross events aimed at youngsters saw more than 50 under 12s coming along, and it was hoped the next would be as popular.

She said: “Hope is supporting grass roots cycling for the local community as well as further afield and is hosting cyclo-cross racing in Barnoldswick at Rolls Royce Leisure along with Shibden Cycling Club.

“Cyclo-Cross is one of the fastest growing cycle sports at the moment.”

Cyclo-cross is a form of bicycle racing with races typically taking place in the autumn and winter. The academy has run similar events at the Broughton estate, near Skipton.

Races consist of many laps of a short course typically including pavement, wooded trails, grass, steep hills and obstacles, requiring the rider to quickly dismount and to carry the bike while getting around obstacles before remounting.

Hope is putting on a national trophy event in December where it is expected the best racers in the country will be heading to Barnoldswick to compete along with the current national champion, Hope rider Thomas Mein.

The Hope Academy is based along with the Hope factory at Hope Mill in Calf Hall Road.

Rebecca said: “The academy is the tool which Hope use to encourage children into cycling and ultimately a healthy active lifestyle.

“We predominantly rent high spec bikes at affordable monthly prices to make them more accessible to everyone. A decent lightweight bike makes riding far easier, and in turn, far more fun.”

As well as national skills days and mountain bike (MTB) festivals, the academy goes into primary schools for free to carry out coaching sessions for years one, five and six.

“We teach core bike skills delivered in a fun way to encourage children to get out on their bikes,” says Rebecca.

And, it also invites year six, ten and 11 year olds, into the factory during careers weeks.

“The aim is to show pupils all the different jobs and paths to get there and that are available on their door step,” she said.

“ We’ve done science week talks for years one and two, discussing different bikes, materials and processes. We have taken our Olympic track bike in to show the children what Team GB athletes ride and how they differ to normal bikes.”

She added: “Coaching days are based purely on fun, to get the kids doing relay races, going over ramps and see-saws. Its good to leave a session knowing that the kids will take that new found confidence home and be able to put it into practice, to want to ride their bikes for fun at weekends.”

The academy also selected Pendle Panthers BMX club riders to be part of Hope’s new promotional video featuring Guy Martin.

The cyclo-cross event on October 26 is open to all with any type of bike, except balance bikes and those with stabilisers.

Rebecca said: “The race is perfect for anyone who hasn’t raced before, mums, dads, family are all welcome to come support and cheer on our riders and even give a push on the steep bits! The most important thing is to have fun. There is a small cost to cover timing chips and we will provide food with each race entry.”

The cyclo-cross event will take place at Rolls-Royce Leisure, Skipton Road, at 5pm on October 26. To enter, visit: https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/271609/Pie--Peas-Cross-by-Hope--No-Nonsense---A-Second-Helping

To find out more about Hope Academy and the work it carries out in the community, visit: https://www.hopetech.com/