Blue skies, sunshine and a course with enough climbing to make everyone question their summer training – the 2026 Welsh Cyclocross League got underway at Risca Leisure Centre with a cracking opening round.
Organised by Ross Duffield and Cwmcarn Paragon, the Risca course provided a properly testing start to the season. Plenty of climbing was mixed with technical sections that demanded concentration as well as strong legs.
The biggest spectacle of the afternoon was the huge combined Senior and Masters men’s race. With Seniors mixing it with the 40+, 50+ and 60+ categories, there was no shortage of traffic – or racing – around the course.
At the sharp end, Joe Beckingsale wasted little time making his intentions clear. He spent most of the race out front and eventually came home to take the opening Senior men’s victory of the season.
Ruby James produced an equally impressive performance in the women’s race. The Hope Factory Racing rider went clear and finished strongly on her own to secure a convincing Round 1 win.
Cameron Reeves was another name to take away from Risca, claiming victory in the Junior men’s category.
After a sunny opening at Risca, there’s little time to recover. Round 2 takes place next Sunday, 27 September, at Glebelands in Newport.
Whether the blue skies will make a second appearance is another matter. This is Welsh cyclocross, after all.
