CYCLO CROSSTHIS weekend sees some of the best cycle racers in the country converging on Ipswich for the second round of the cyclo cross National Trophy series.Over 200 riders will tackle the climbs and dips on offer at Chantry Park on Sunday October 28 with the promise of some exciting racing on a fast but testing course on a similar layout to the one used last weekend for the EADT Eastern Cross League Round 5.

THIS weekend sees some of the best cycle racers in the country converging on Ipswich for the second round of the cyclo cross National Trophy series.

Over 200 riders will tackle the climbs and dips on offer at Chantry Park on Sunday October 28 with the promise of some exciting racing on a fast but testing course on a similar layout to the one used last weekend for the EADT Eastern Cross League Round 5.

In addition to drawing the top UK riders there are also expected to be a number of racers making the journey over from the Continent.

The racing starts with the Youth event at 10.30am when the U16 and U14 boys and girls will battle it out over 30 minutes. After winning the opening round at Abergavenny in Wales Leicestershire RC's Daniel McLay is the youngster in form.

But Eastern League riders Luke Newby (Diss & District), Tom Castle (Ipswich BC), Matt Cook (Mildenhall) and Will Meadows (IBC) will be hoping to use the local knowledge they gained racing the course last weekend to their advantage, while U14 Hugo Robinson (IBC) will be looking to be on the podium again following his great ride in Wales.

His sister Hannah Robinson (IBC) puts her track bike aside for a foray onto the mud and Lewis Parker (IBC), George Wood (Maldon) and Jenny Hardwicke (Plomesgate) will be looking to add to their racing experience at National level.

David Nichols (Glendene), having an excellent season in the ECL, stands a good chance on improving on his 7th place at Abergavenny in the Junior Men's race.

In the Elite Men/U23 event Nathan Miller (53-12) will be aiming to build on last weekend's success but faces strong opposition including Jody Crawforth and Rob Jebb. Other local riders hoping to put in a good showing on their home race include Ian Newby (Diss) and Ben Spashett (XRT/Elmy Cycles).

A strong veteran's field, headed by Noel Clough, will also feature Martin Eadon and defending champion Chris Young, who will be aiming to improve on his result at Abergavenny, where he came in 9th. Eastern League contenders will include Clive Ling (Diss & District), Dave Copland (IBC) and Plomesgate's Jim Hardwicke.

Ipswich elite road rider Phil Hetzel will be making a rare off-road appearance and in the Vets 50+ Tim Butler (IBC) will be hoping to continue his good form.

Jen Ives (Interbike) and Susan Wood (Maldon) will go head to head with last season's runner-up Annie Last in the women's event.

The race timetable is; 10.30am Youths (U16 boys, U16 girls, U14 boys, U14 girls) 11.30 Veterans 40-49, 11.31 Veterans 50+, 1.15pm Junior Men, 1.16pm Women, 2.15 Senior & U23 Men.

Entry to the race is free for spectators. No race entries can be accepted on the line.