Video: The Three Peaks – the world’s toughest cyclo-cross race?

Whether or not the Three Peaks really is the world’s toughest cyclo-cross race as this video claims, at 61km long with 1,524m of climbing and 8-10km deemed “unrideable,” it certainly ain’t easy.

The video follows Paul Oldham (Hope Factory Racing) and Nick Craig (Scott Racing), who finished first and third respectively in this year’s race on September 25.

Oldham took his first win after 13 times of trying in 2015 before retaining his title this year.

Craig’s father, Ian, won the race in 1963 and then the veteran category in the early Eighties. Nick’s first win came in 1991, aged 21, and his second 18 years later, aged 40. He then won again in 2011.

“When I first raced Three Peaks I was 16 years old,” he said. “It was such a challenge to get round never mind race it. I did believe I could win the race one day, but I can't even remember how many second place finishes I've had. That's what makes me keep coming back. With an 11 year break (MTB world champs commitments) and two foot and mouth out breaks, I've started and finished 17 times.”

If you want to see a bit more of the Three Peaks, there’s this gritty black and white video from 2012 and also the comedy faceplant.