On Sunday November 19th, Castle Douglas Development Forum, along with British Cycling, D&G Council, and Albannach are hosting the 5th round in the 2023 Scottish Cyclocross (SCX)Series. This event is taking place at the Lochside Park and is expected to see hundreds of competitors race across multiple age categories.
Cyclocross is a form of winter bicycle racing, a mix between road, mountain and criterium racing with a few obstacles thrown in for good measure. A mass start, typically up to 100 racers, battle it out on laps of a technical course, with the first back after the bell lap taking the top step of the podium.
The course will be completely traffic free with the entire lap edge marked Racers will be supported by event commissaries and marshals. A cyclocross bicycle is recommended but it’s not mandatory so it’s a great way to get into racing. Cyclocross races live on energy and spectacle, so the local community is encouraged to come along on the day and support the racers. You can enter the race online at britishcycling.org.uk.
Castle Douglas hosted the 6th round of last year’s SCX series, which attracted hundreds of spectators and competitors from all over Scotland. The footfall in Castle Douglas was immense, with local accommodation and Lochside Caravan Park booming.
Beth McKee CDDF’s Communications Manager says ‘This event was amazing last year. Exciting, fun and entertaining to watch. The cyclists are hardcore, as the course is not easy, especially in the cold weather. There will be warm food and beverages on the day for all, as well as being right next to our Play Park for all, so it is a perfect day for everyone and incredibly family friendly. Although, waterproofs are advisable!’
- Racing starts from around 9am until just before the sun goes down.
Entry for spectators is free and those interested in racing can still enter up until Tuesday 14th November 2023 at 23:55. There will be no entries on the day. You can enter at: britishcycling.org.uk.
Everyone is welcome and if you are interested and want to find out more you can visit the following websites:
Castle Douglas Development Forum
Castle Douglas Development Forum is a Scottish Incorporated Charitable Trust that also acts as the Castle Douglas Anchor and Resilience Organisation. We promote and facilitate community cohesion, homegrown producers, active leisure, responsible tourism, local artists, community events and sustainability. We believe in improving community health and wellbeing, instilling a source of civic pride, and being a charity that provides opportunities to all within our community to build skills and find connection.
CDDF’s diverse range of projects are run by and for the community. CDDF volunteers help to run the Heart of Galloway Visitor Centre, the Castle Douglas Town Shop, and the Stepping Stones Food Bank.
CDDF are also involved in running the local Men’s Shed, and an environmental action group: EcoCD. These projects help CDDF to build confidence and skills amongst the citizens of Castle Douglas so that the town can thrive, grow, and innovate.
CDDF are currently in discussions to undertake a Community Assert Transfer to acquire buildings in Lochside park to provide a family activity centre and are also raising funds to build a Playpark for ALL with Changing Places facilities.
