Focus Rides: Walesby Winter XC Round 3 - Walesby Forest, Ollerton

Round 3 of the Focus Rides Walesby Winter XC Series 2027, four rounds of cross-country racing at Walesby Forest outdoor activity centre in Nottinghamshire (17 and 31 January, 14 and 28 February). Whether you're a seasoned racer or a complete beginner, the series is for you: if you can confidently ride without stabilisers and enjoy tackling rugged terrain, come and join the fun. Ability-based categories, and under 9s race free.

Categories and entry fees: Under 9s (10 mins) free; Under 13s (20 mins) £10; Youth Boys and Girls, 13 to 16 (45 mins) £15; Junior Boys and Girls, 17 to 23 (1 hour) £20; Novice Men £20; Ladies £20; Sport Men £23; Expert Men £25; E-bike Men and Ladies, 16+ (45 mins) £23. Riders turning 17 mid-series stay in Youth, riders turning 24 stay Junior, and ladies 23+ race in the Women's category. It is billed as the first-ever e-bike series: e-bikes must have assistance limited and chips turned off.

Race schedule: course practice 08:00; Youth, Expert and Sport 09:00 to 10:00; Expert Men 10:15 to 11:30; Sport Men 10:30 to 11:30; Under 13s 11:45 to 12:05 (including a sighting lap); Under 9s 12:10 to 12:20; practice 12:20 to 13:00; Novice 13:15 to 14:00; E-bike 14:00 to 15:15.

Series points: all four rounds count, with points for the top 20 in each race (20 for 1st). Ties go to best race position, then a one-lap shootout. Series trophies for the top three in U13, Youth, Junior and all adult divisions after the final round, and on-the-day medals may be awarded for the top three in each race, subject to entry numbers. Riders dominating a category may be asked to move up a division and keep their points; to move down, email info@focusrides.co.uk with a reason. Staying in a lower category by choice forfeits league points.

Safety: all riders must wear a British kite-marked cycling helmet, and bikes must be in safe, roadworthy condition.

Entries are on RiderHQ and close 10 February at 11:55pm. Refunds: 75% more than 15 days out, 50% at 7 to 14 days, none under 7 days. Transfers to another round are allowed if requested more than 7 days before the race, and a full refund is given if the organiser cancels and can't rearrange.

Source: Focus Rides on RiderHQ (Round 3)