Cyclocross Handbook was really looking forward to the National Cyclocross Championships this year. The course in Bradford always delivers a brilliant challenge, great racing and it’s city centre location at the heart of cross country makes for great crowds. The weekend delivered on all of these and was a fantastically organised event. It was a pleasure to work at, many thanks to all the staff and volunteers. Normally I go to Bradford expecting lots of sloppy mud and some kind of frozen precipitation, however this year (like everywhere it seems) it was relatively dry and bafflingly mild. There was enough moisture around to make the camber and turns slippery and exciting though. If you haven’t already go and check out the full event galleries, supported by Kinesis UK, over on their Facebook page. You can also head to the Cyclocross Handbook Facebook page and give it a like to stay up to date with everything going on there. For many riders, the Nationals wraps up their season, however CXHandbook will be following those that are chosen to the Worlds at the end of the month, so be sure to look out for that.

One of the outstanding races of this years Nationals was the fight for the Youths race between Ben Tulett and Charlie Craig. Tulett JUST holding on to his title.

Conditions under wheel and foot were unexpectedly dry this year, but soft enough to break up after a few races.



I'm not sure how many British National titles Nick Craig has, but it's a lot, and now he's got another one in the Vet 40's.

The sun goes down on day one.

Billy Harding on his way to the U23 win.

Champ Stripes in Bradford and in brilliant form.



Amira Mellor carried her form from Novacross last weekend.

Cyclocross Handbook will be at the Worlds in a few weeks to see if Evie can repeat her success last year.





Tom Pidcock was happy to sit in the wheel for a bit on the first lap.

As the crowds started to build.

But it wasn't long before he was ahead and away in a commanding lead.

Despite some impressive commitment from the chasers.

What made this performance particularly impressive is the Pidcock recorded the fastest laps of the weekend on his way to victory.

Grubby mitts.

Hannah Payton prepares for the Elite Women's race.



Nikki Brammeier took the initiative straight away, building a good lead and floating over the slippery Bradford mud.





Hannah Payton was looking strong and running second ahead of Beth Crumpton.



No one was able to catch Nikki, despite a fairly recent absence from racing due to injury. CXHandbook is looking forward to seeing how she goes in Bieles.

Jack Clarkson led the field away on the first lap.

Avoiding the landmine that someone had left on this turn.

Ian Field was in no mood to be beaten, and was pushing hard from the start to build a gap to Liam Killeen.

Bruce attempting to lick an apex.



This off camber section was a great place to spectate...

...and was as busy as any race I've been to in the UK by the end of the afternoon.

Field put it beyond any doubt with an exceptional performance.

He was smooth and controlled on the big descent, nailing his braking in a straight line to the rut every lap...

...Liam Killeen taking the spectacular but slower grassy outside line.

SPLASH!

Paul Oldham was in fine form, finishing on the podium.



National Champions jersey number five for Ian Field.

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