On Saturday 16th April, we were lucky enough to have a guided tour courtesy of Matt Ewings of the now completed Olympic XC Course at Hadleigh. After a slightly earlier start than usual, we enjoyed a dry ride out from Danbury Common Carpark towards Purleigh and Cold Norton. A couple of punctures and a broken chain left us chasing the clock over to Hadleigh to meet Matt.
Over the next 90 minutes, we were able to walk around the main features of the course. The course itself has been the subject of much debate. The result combines some very technical rocky downhill sections and some stiff climbing each lap which contary to the bravado being shown would prove more than a challenge for any of us. The course is very open and at the moment looks very fresh as it streaks across the grass, this I hope will weather in over the next twelve months. The openess of the course was a factor in the site selection. The organisers wanted to ensure that the event was easy to film for television ensuring the excitment of the day is enjoyed around the world, hopefully bringing the sport to the attention of the masses.
After the likes of Julien Absalon & Nino Schurter battle it out for Olympic glory next summer, it is hoped that the course will be combined with some other routes to create a new Mountain bike Trail Centre in Hadleigh. That will be a great club visit, in the meantime a big thank you to Matt Ewings for his continued support.
