Rapha Super Cross series gears up for Ally Pally finale this Sunday

This Sunday, North London’s Alexandra Palace plays host to the third and final round of the inaugural Rapha Super Cross Series, and with just two points separating first and second and a further three teams just four more points behind, there’s a lot of racing still to go before the season’s winning team is crowned.

Hope Technology, whose team includes GB national champion Paul Oldham, have a two point lead over Scott after winning the first two rounds at Windermere and Huddersfield, putting them on 20 points. Wiggle, Hargroves, and the Rapha/GB Development team all share third place, with 14 points apiece.

Nick Craig’s Scott team are ready to give Hope a run for their money – the winning outfit gets £2,000 – on Sunday, and with lighter riders may have an advantage on seven ascents up to the fot of the iconic BBC TV transmitter at the North London landmark.

"After a fantastic opening weekend the Scott boys are going to be in London in force,” said Craig. “We are a very young team – myself excluded! – but Luke [Grivell-Mellor] and Kenta [Gallagher] rode with mature heads. It’s great to see the next generation coming through with opportunities to race at this level.”

Those two riders Craig mentioned are also involved in a very tight tussle for the Condor Cycles Under 23 title, which should add an extra edge to the competition.

As with the other two rounds, there is a full family-friendly supporting programme including a novices race, plus entertainment including DJ Festus in the beer tent, and catering including pies, Belgian beers, plus coffee from the Rapha Mobile Cycle Club.

Admission for spectators is free and Rapha expect a big crowd, so get there early, not least to get your hands on a Rouleur cowbell, ahead of racing starting at noon. Full details can be found on the Rapha Super Cross website.

TEAM – OVERALL AFTER TWO ROUNDS

1. Hope Technology               20pts
2. Scott UK                      18pts
3. Rapha / GB Development        14pts
4. Wiggle                        14pts
5. Hargoves / Specialized        14pts
6. Sigma Sport / Specialized     10pts
7. Charge                         8pts

CONDOR CYCLES UNDER 23 – OVERALL AFTER TWO ROUNDS

1. Luke Grivell-Mellor (Scott UK)          17pts
2. Steve James (Hargroves / Specialized)   16pts
3. Kenta Gallagher (Scott UK)              16pts
4. Joe Moses (Rapha / GB)                  13pts
5. Rob Watson (Rapha / GB)                 10pts