Older news can be found here: 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2003-4
29 Dec 11: We will be trialling a "chip" timing system in parallel with the normal PDA-based service at league round 13 at Mistley. Please make sure you collect the special sticker at sign-on and attach it to your helmet.
29 Dec 11:
As you will know, the EC-CA set up an online consultation at the start of the season to find out riders' views on how the league should cope with the growing numbers of competitors. Some of you may be aware that we reached the limit of riders in some events this season and some competitors had to be turned away. This was not done lightly but for good reason.
Some riders have asked why we have an 80 rider limit for races within our events. We have a number of very good reasons for this:
29 Dec 11: Proposals are invited for the Association AGM, which will take place after the race at Mistley on Sunday 22nd January 2012. Proposals must be received by Keely Bunton (Association Secretary) two weeks before the meeting, i.e. by 8th January 2012. The final agenda will appear here in the week commencing Monday 9th January 2012.
29 Dec 11: Lost property from Broome Heath: gloves, overshoes, warm up bottoms, track pump. Contact Shaun Aldous on 07765 634770 or shaun@aldous597.fslife.co.uk. Shaun will be at the National Championships in Ipswich if you want to collect your items there.
29 Dec 11: More from Broome Heath: photos from Ian Read plus photos and videos from John Swindells.
24 Dec 11: Please note the revised arrangements for the end of season team event at Bury.
19 Dec 11: Mark Cozens has posted photos from Broome Heath.
18 Dec 11: Results are posted for league round 12 at Broome Heath.
4 Dec 11: Results are posted for the Regional Championships.
2 Dec 11: Start lists are posted for the Regional Championships.
29 Nov 11: Russ Cook has posted helmet cam video of the senior/elite vet race at Redgrave.
27 Nov 11: Mark Cozens has posted photos from Redgrave.
26 Nov 11: Lost property from Redgrave: two cycling jackets and a fork (not the type that's part of a bike). Contact Tim Butler on 01473 414546 or tim.butler1@ntlworld.com.
26 Nov 11: Corrected youth result from Mistley.
26 Nov 11: Results are posted for league round 11 at Redgrave.
23 Nov 11: Mark Cozens has posted photos from Hempton.
22 Nov 11: John Swindells has posted video and photos from Hempton.
20 Nov 11: Results are posted for league round 10 at Hempton.
20 Nov 11: Lost property from Hempton: a pair of shoes and a pair of arm warmers. Contact Tim Butler on 01473 414546 or tim.butler1@ntlworld.com.
16 Nov 11: John Batchelor has posted photos from the women/vet and youth races at Grafham.
15 Nov 11: Reminder: there is a Youth Contenders training session at Mildenhall on Saturday from 10am until 1pm. Anyone interested should book in with Martin Fry.
15 Nov 11: Russell Cook has posted helmet cam video of the first lap of the senior/elite vet race at Grafham.
15 Nov 11: Corrected results are posted for the youth and vet races at Grafham.
13 Nov 11: Lost property from Grafham Water: a large number of items of clothing, a helmet and some drink bottles. Contact Tim Butler on 01473 414546 or tim.butler1@ntlworld.com.
13 Nov 11: Results are posted for league round 9 at Grafham.
13 Nov 11: A number of mugs went missing at Mistley last week. If you accidentally took one home, please return it to a league official or a member of Colchester Rovers CC. Thank you.
12 Nov 11: Follow the build up to the 2012 National Championships, European Championships and National Trophy in Ipswich at www.ip-cross.com. Follow that link for details about the Volunteers Evening on 17th November 2011.
12 Nov 11: Time is running out if you want to ride in the Regional Championships. You need to enter in advance and entries close on 14th November 2011. Follow the link for entry details.
6 Nov 11: Ipswich based cycle retailer and long standing cyclo cross supporter
Elmy Cycles Ipswich
has stepped in to secure the future development of one of the Region's
most exciting and successful cycling Associations.
The Eastern Cyclo Cross League, previously sponsored by the East Anglian Daily Times,
is one of the country's most successful regional cycling associations.
In securing its 3 year deal with Elmy Cycles Ipswich it will strengthen further
its ability to continue to grow and support Grass roots cycling across the Region.
Proprietor Steven Grimwood, a long term supporter of Cyclo Cross events said,
"I am honoured and pleased to be able to support the Eastern Cyclo Cross League
and am excited about what we can achive during our 3 year sponsorship.
Cyclo Cross is one of the most exiting disciplines of cycling
and one of the most accessible to families and young people.
The Eastern League has gone from strength to strength in recent years
and we look forward to being part of its future growth.
With the National Championships and European Championships being held in Ipswich in 2012
it looks to be an exciting time for Cyclo Cross."
6 Nov 11: Please note that there will be 2 minutes' silence immediately before the Women/Vet race at Grafham Water in recognition of remembrance day.
6 Nov 11: Updated the list of registered riders. These riders are eligible for league points at league round 9 at Grafham Water.
5 Nov 11: There will be a Women’s Cyclo-Cross training session at Mildenhall on Saturday 19th November. This will be at the Mildenhall CC club room on Wamil Way. The session will be led by Women’s Team Manager, Shaun Aldous and start at 9am, finishing at 1pm. This will take place in parallel to the youth training sessions at the same venue. Any women ‘cross riders are welcome whatever their standard. Anyone interested should register with Shaun. Feel free to tell him what you would like covered.
5 Nov 11: Mark Fraser has posted video of the Womens race at Mistley last weekend.
30 Oct 11: Results are posted for league round 8 at Mistley.
29 Oct 11: Remember that you need to enter in advance if you want to ride the Regional Championships. Entries close on 14th November 2011. Follow the link for entry details.
29 Oct 11: Congratulations to Eastern rider Hugo Robinson. Riding as a GB representative, Hugo took 11th place in the opening Junior World Cup round at Tabor in the Czech Republic. He says that the ground was frozen hard and in some ways it was like a road race. He was in a group of three, tantalisingly close to a larger group in front. Twice they closed this gap but twice the gap opened again. But at the end he was only 58 seconds down on the winner.
29 Oct 11: Commiserations to Dave Batterbee the West Suffolk Wheeler who crashed in the vets race at Davy Down last weekend, dislocating and breaking his hip. Mike Bowen took him to the West Suffolk Hospital on their way home and an X-ray revealed this. We wish Dave a speedy recovery.
29 Oct 11: More lost property from Davy Down: a bottom bracket bearing preloading nut. Contact Geoff Bores on 01277 652220 or gbores@ford.com.
24 Oct 11: Updated the list of registered riders. These riders are eligible for league points at league round 8 at Mistley.
23 Oct 11: Lost property from Davy Down: a pair of tights and a cycling top. Contact Tim Butler on 01473 414546 or tim.butler1@ntlworld.com.
23 Oct 11: Results are posted for league round 7 at Davy Down.
22 Oct 11: Posted minutes of the committee meeting held on 11th October 2011.
18 Oct 11: With immediate effect, sign-on will close 30 minutes before the start of each race. This is to give the results crew enough time to enter rider details into the PDAs and get to the start line for the gridding.
18 Oct 11: Mark Fraser and John Swindells have posted photos and video from Hillyfields.
17 Oct 11: Mark Fraser has posted video of the Women/Veteran race at Basildon last weekend.
17 Oct 11: Chris Reed is organising a mini-bus trip to the Worlds in Koksjide in February. There are a few places still available. The cost will be £210 per person (assuming a minimum of 10 passengers). This covers all travel, 2 nights Bed & Breakfast in the Ostend Hotel, and entry to the course on both days. The proposed itinerary is:- Friday 27 January 2012: 1120 Depart Canning Town (or other London location depending on who comes); 1215 Maidstone; 1300 Arrive Folkestone Tunnel Terminal; 1350 Eurotunnel train, then drive to Ostend; Bed and Breakfast in the Ostend Hotel (Twin Rooms booked). Saturday 28 January: Buffet Breakfast, then drive to Koksjide; 1100 Junior World Championships; 1500 U23 Men World Championships; Return to hotel after race. Sunday 29 January: Buffet Breakfast, then drive to Koksjide; 1100 Elite Womens World Championships; 1500 Elite Men World Championships; After race, drive to Calais for 1920 Eurotunnel train. Please email Chris if you are interested.
17 Oct 11: Updated the list of registered riders. These riders are eligible for league points at league round 7 at Davy Down.
16 Oct 11: Lost property from Hillyfields: a pair of legwarmers, a car key and a pump. Contact Tim Butler on 01473 414546 or tim.butler1@ntlworld.com.
16 Oct 11: Results are posted for league round 6 at Hillyfields.
15 Oct 11: Steve Powell of Chelmer CC has a 56cm PRO-LITE Piemonte Cyclo-cross frame without forks for sale, £250 ono. Contact Steve on 07710 206002 or by email for more details.
15 Oct 11: Corrected the result of the under-12 race at Basildon. League points will be updated following this weekend's race.
11 Oct 11: Mark Fraser has posted some photos of the Women/Veteran race at Basildon.
9 Oct 11: Maldon Cycling Club are holding a charity Cyclo-Cross event on Sunday 6th November, at the Promenade Park, Maldon. The event is raising money for Cystic Fibrosis Trust and is aimed at giving people a chance to come and try cross racing, as well as seeing what the Park would be like to hold a league event there in the future. There is racing for Under 16's, Novice Adults, a Team Relay and a more experienced riders race. For more info, please have a look at the poster and head to our website, www.madcc.org.uk.
9 Oct 11: Lost property from Basildon: a cycle computer, found on the course. Contact Tim Butler on 01473 414546 or tim.butler1@ntlworld.com.
9 Oct 11: Updated the list of registered riders. These riders are eligible for league points at league round 6 at Hillyfields.
8 Oct 11: Results are posted for league round 5 at Basildon.
4 Oct 11: Any Youth riders wishing to be a part of the Cyclo Cross National School of Racing at Holme Pierrepoint, Nottinghamshire on 26th October, please click to download an application form and apply to be a part of the session: Applications close on October 7th.
3 Oct 11: Updated the list of registered riders. These riders are eligible for league points at league round 5 at Basildon.
1 Oct 11: Results are posted for league round 4 at Baldock.
1 Oct 11: Lost property from Baldock: a kit bag and a water bottle. Contact Tim Butler on 01473 414546 or tim.butler1@ntlworld.com.
29 Sep 11: More photos from Springfield, this time by Graham Tobias.
27 Sep 11: Neil Ellison has posted some photos of the Women/Veteran race at Springfield.
27 Sep 11: If you're planning to race at league round 5 at Basildon, please take a look at the note regarding parking and other arrangements.
27 Sep 11: Updated the list of registered riders. These riders are eligible for league points at league round 4 at Baldock.
27 Sep 11: The lapometer has been fixed so that it works on WebKit based browsers (iPhone, Android etc.)
25 Sep 11: Results are posted for league round 3 at Springfield Park.
25 Sep 11: Lost property from Springfield: a pair of wheels and six(!) water bottles. Contact Tim Butler on 01473 414546 or tim.butler1@ntlworld.com.
24 Sep 11: An extra event has been added to the league at Grafham Water on Sunday, 13th November 2011. This brings the total number of league events to 13, so your league position will now depend on your best 8 scores.
24 Sep 11: The HQ for the Amis Velo Hillyfields Cross on Sunday, 16th October 2011 has changed. It's across the road from the original HQ, the Colchester Institute, and closer to the course.
24 Sep 11: British Cycling will be holding a cyclo-cross commissaires training course on 22nd October 2011. The region could do with more commissaires, so if you're interested, please contact Eastern Region Events Officer Sara Flatt. Note that depending on numbers, the course may be held outside the region.
24 Sep 11: John Mullineaux has posted a report from report from the Hoggenberg cross on cross-crazy.com.
24 Sep 11: Updated the list of registered riders. These riders are eligible for league points at league round 3 at Springfield Park.
24 Sep 11: The Contenders youth cyclo-cross training session will have to be moved from Sunday 2nd October to Sunday 9th October due to a clash with the Talent Team selection day (date only recently announced). Unfortunately this will now clash with the National Trophy Round 1 at South Shields but we have to fit in sometime. Please let Martin Fry know if you wish to attend this session which will be at Gosling Sports Park, Welwyn Garden City. Contenders sessions are for those riders born in years 1995 – 2000, who have their own ‘cross bike and are competing regularly in league events. There are limited numbers so priority will be given to those from within the Eastern region, league members and youth age riders.
24 Sep 11: The levy calculator has been updated on the organisers page.
24 Sep 11: Updated the list of past Eastern Region Champions.
17 Sep 11: Results are posted for league round 2 at Redbridge.
17 Sep 11: Lost property from Redbridge: a pair of sunglasses. Contact Tim Butler on 01473 414546 or tim.butler1@ntlworld.com.
14 Sep 11: Mark Fraser has added bar-cam video from Writtle to the EasternCycloCross YouTube channel.
14 Sep 11: Updated the list of registered riders. These riders are eligible for league points at league round 2, the Hoggenberg Cross.
12 Sep 11: Posted minutes of the committee meeting held on 30th August 2011.
12 Sep 11: Corrected the result of the women/vet race from league round 1 at Writtle. Also corrected sub-categories on league tables.
11 Sep 11: Lost property from Writtle: 2 pairs leg warmers, a small top, an empty purse and a water bottle. Contact Tim Butler on 01473 414546 or tim.butler1@ntlworld.com.
11 Sep 11: The season is now under way! Results are posted for league round 1 at Writtle.
3 Sep 11: Due to the continuing rise in popularity of cyclo-cross in the Eastern region, it's possible that some of our events will become oversubscibed this season. In order to ensure safe, fair and enjoyable racing for everybody, we will limit the number of riders in each race to 80. In practice, this is most likely to affect the Women/Vet race. Places will be allocated first come, first served. In the event that the race fills up, riders will have the option to ride in the senior race, but naturally will not be eligible for league points.
3 Sep 11: Updated the list of registered riders. These riders are eligible for league points at league round 1 at Writtle.
30 Aug 11: Updated the list of registered riders. This is pretty much your last chance to get your entry in if you want to ride the first event and have your points count for the league. The league co-ordinator needs your entries by 1st September 2011.
22 Aug 11: As you may know, the Association recently set up an on-line survey to canvass riders' opinions on the future of the Eastern League. We've had a good response so far, but we're keen to get as much feedback as possible. So, if you haven't filled in the survey, we'd be grateful if you could spend a few minutes doing so now. The survey will remain open until 31st August 2011. Click here to take the survey. You may want to read the Association's action plan beforehand to remind yourself of our ideas for the League's development.
21 Aug 11: Updated the list of registered riders. Time is pressing on, so please get your entries in soon if you haven't done so already. The league co-ordinator has asked everyone to get their entries to him by 1st September 2011 so that he has time to process them before the first league race.
18 Aug 11: Roger Reid is doing the Devon Coast to Coast in September and needs a cyclocross bike for the race. He is looking for a second hand cyclocross bike in decent condition OR will happily hire one for the race. Size 56cm frame please. Contact Roger directly if you can help out.
16 Aug 11: The following veterans have been promoted to the Elite Veteran category for 2001-12: Lee Desborough, Paul Driver, Craig Gould, David West, Gary Wood.
16 Aug 11: Updated the list of registered riders.
9 Aug 11: Posted the first batch of registered riders. Remember that you need to be registered one week before your first race, so don't delay. It's worth registering for the league even if you're only planning to do a handful of rides - your registration will pay for itself in just 3 rides.
8 Aug 11: The cyclo-cross coaching conference planned for Saturday 13th August has been postponed due to lack of bookings.
16 Jul 11: The EC-CA committee decided in autumn 2009
that it needed to formulate a plan to cope with and take advantage
of a growth in the participation and interest in cycle sport,
especially cyclo-cross.
Riders will be aware that some league venues are reaching capacity in some areas,
including parking, changing/HQ space and course wear and tear.
An Action Plan was produced in 2010 which has been displayed on this website.
This Action Plan has been recently reviewed to try and work out the best way forward.
However we need more information from our member riders to determine how to proceed
in a way that will suit as many people as possible.
If we are going to expand the number of events and perhaps add another league,
we need to know what would suit the majority of competitors.
Please take a few minutes to
answer the questions in this survey
so that you can have your say in the way cyclo-cross develops in the region.
16 Jul 11: The Eastern Cyclo-Cross Association and Writtle College have firmed up the programme and list of speakers for their Cyclo-Cross Coaching Conference on Saturday 13th August. Click for a booking form.
14 Jul 11: There's an extra event to open the season at Writtle. Other league rounds have been renumbered to take this into account. The number of counting events for the league remains at 7.
13 Jul 11: We're now open for league entries for the 2011-12 season. You need to be registered at least one week before your first race, so don't leave it until the last minute. It's worth registering for the league even if you're only planning to do a handful of events - your registration will pay for itself in just 3 rides.
1 Jul 11: The Eastern Cyclo-Cross Association (EC-CA) and Writtle College’s Centre for Exercise and Health are joining forces to run a cyclo-cross coaching conference on Saturday 13 August 2011 at Writtle College, near Chelmsford. Click here to read more about the course and here for a booking form.
30 May 11: Posted the fixture list for the coming season. There may be another event around Christmas time but it hasn't been confirmed yet.
30 May 11: Entries are now open for this year's Tour of the Cornfields Cyclo-Cross Sportive, which will be on Sunday 4th September 2011. This is a popular event so get your entries in early - there is a maximum of 190 riders.
12 Feb 11: Andy Sheridan has uploaded photos from Danbury.
6 Feb 11: Results are posted for Team Championships at Danbury.
4 Feb 11: Interest in the Team Championships has been high and we have correspondingly increased the number of entries. We have 26 senior teams and no-one has been turned away. However, this really is the maximum number we can cope with and there will be no further entries allowed and no entries on the day in any category. In order to ensure a safe start, riders will be started in four waves. Each team will have one rider in each wave.
1 Feb 11: The recent AGM elected a new Secretary, Keely Bunton.
David Triggs has moved to helping Chris Reed as Joint Events Coordinator.
Bob Hayward has stepped down from his role on the Committee as Coaching Coordinator.
The following business was discussed and will come into effect:
(1) From next season, only clubs that promote an event,
provide a committee member or a race official will be eligible to win the league Club Award
or the Regional Team Championships.
(2) Next season will see the introduction of a trophy for the best event of the year.
The committee will decide how the best event will be selected.
(3) From now on, Committee members will be entitled to claim expenses
of 25p a mile for attending committee meetings.
(4) The following proposal will be put to the Cyclo-Cross Commission:
“A Youth Girls competition should be added to the Inter-Area Championship
as part of the youth race for teams of 4 riders.
Each region to enter no more than 3 teams of 4 in the youth race.”
1 Feb 11: Volunteers wanted: we still have the following committee post vacancies: Coaching and Development Coordinator, Male Riders Rep and Female Riders Rep. Please contact Mark Wyer for more details if you are interested in any of the above.
1 Feb 11: More volunteers wanted: If the Tour of the Cornfields is to go ahead we need 2 volunteers to run the half way refreshment stop. Generous expenses will be paid. The likely date is Sunday 4th September. This event raises over £1000 each year towards cyclo-cross youth development and racing in the region. Contact Mark Wyer if you can help out.
1 Feb 11: If you haven't already done so, you need to return your league numbers. You can post them to the league administrator or take them along to the end of season event at Danbury.
1 Feb 11: Added a race report for league round 13 at Mistley.
29 Jan 11: Mark Carroll (MECcyclingUK) has added video from the Mistley senior/junior/elite veteran race.
26 Jan 11: Mark Carroll (MECcyclingUK) has uploaded video from the Mistley youth race.
26 Jan 11: More lost property from Mistley: a pair of cycling shoes. They are red, white and mud, branded DHB, size 41. Contact Tim Butler on 01473 414546 or tim.butler1@ntlworld.com.
26-Jan-11: Phil Buick, Phil Cooper and Andy Hill are looking for a fourth vet to enter a composite team in the Team Championships. Please email Phil Cooper before Saturday if interested. Thanks.
25-Jan-11: More corrections in the youth table.
24-Jan-11: Corrected formatting in the youth table.
24 Jan 11: Chairman Mark Wyer received this message from Camilla Boyton who broke her foot during the season. “Please extend my thanks to everyone who made it such a pleasure to have a go at my first season of cross, especially all those who take the time and trouble to run the league and put on the events. If I can stop breaking myself I will be back for more in the Autumn.”
23 Jan 11: Found at Mistley: a pair of sunglasses. Contact Tim Butler on 01473 414546 or tim.butler1@ntlworld.com.
23 Jan 11: Results are posted for league round 13 at Mistley.
23 Jan 11: Mark Fraser has set up an EasternCycloCross YouTube channel containing footage from recent races and the promotional video aimed at youth riders. If you have any video to add to the channel, please email Mark.
14 Jan 11: Mark Wyer is willing to lend a British Cycling Pinarello ‘Cross bike to any youth riders entering the Regional Team Champs that does not have a ‘cross bike. They need to contact Mark on 07534 281271 to book a bike once they have entered.
14 Jan 11: You are encouraged to attend the forthcoming ECXL AGM to be held after the Cyclo Cross race at Mistley on 23rd January 2011. Click here for the final AGM agenda and here for the 2010 AGM minutes. If you cannot attend the meeting but would like to help with next year's calendar of events whether this be supporting events, training up as a Commissaire, Judge or supporting the Committee then can you please inform Mark Wyer as Chairman or another Member of the Committee.
11 Jan 11: Bruce Robinson is looking for a team to join for the Team Championships. Please contact Bruce directly via the email link if you have a space for him in your team.
7 Jan 11: Added a race report for league round 12 at Foxhall.
7 Jan 11: More video from Foxhall from Mark Carroll: the Senior/Junior/Elite Veteran race.
6 Jan 11: Mark Carroll (MECcyclingUK) has uploaded video from the Foxhall youth race.
6 Jan 11: At a few events recently riders have been found to have missing handlebar plugs. For the safety of the rider and others, handlebar ends and handlebar extensions must be plugged and must not have sharp or jagged edges.
3 Jan 11: Kevin Rolt has uploaded photos from the women/vet race at Foxhall.
2 Jan 11: Results are posted for league round 12 at Foxhall.
Older news can be found here: 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2003-4