British cyclocross returned in force on Sunday 6 September as the 2026/27 regional league season opened across several parts of the country, with strong fields and competitive racing marking the first major weekend of the new campaign.
At Stanmer Park in Brighton, the London & South East Cyclocross League, organised by VC Jubilee, got underway with Oliver Richardson of LCRT taking the Open Senior victory. The popular Sussex venue once again provided a lively start to the season, with riders returning to the tapes after the summer road and mountain bike campaigns.
The Eastern Cyclocross League opened at Springfield Hall Park in Chelmsford, where Kieran Jarvis of Ornata Factory Racing claimed the Open race. In the women’s event, Under-23 rider Ellie Mitchinson of Brother UK – On Form came in first over the finish line, making an immediate impression at the start of the new campaign.
There was more strong racing in the West Midlands, with the opening round at Studley in Warwickshire. Spencer Corder of Rotor Race Team secured victory in the Open category, while Rebecca Woodvine of Fossa Racing took the honours in the women’s race.
The Wessex Cyclocross League also began its season at Clanfield, with Solent Pirates hosting, where Jack Morgan of Ignite Race Team was victorious in the Open event. Xan Crees of OGT p/b USE took the women’s win, completing a successful opening weekend for some of the leading names across the southern regional leagues.
The first weekend of September traditionally marks the point at which the British cyclocross season begins to gather momentum, and this year was no different. Dry and relatively fast early-season conditions provided a very different challenge from the mud, cold and heavy courses likely to arrive later in the winter, but the opening rounds were still an important early test of form.
For the winners, the first victories of the season provide valuable confidence and an early foothold in their respective league standings. For everyone else, the opening weekend offered the first opportunity to assess form, equipment and preparation ahead of a long campaign.
Regional leagues remain at the heart of British cyclocross, providing regular racing for elite competitors, juniors, masters and newcomers throughout the autumn and winter. They are also where many of Britain’s leading riders first develop their race craft before progressing to National Trophy and international competition.
With the opening rounds now complete, the pace of the domestic calendar will increase quickly over the coming weeks. National-level racing is still to come, but the first battles have already been fought.
British cyclocross is back.
