2014 UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup

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This was the event website for the 2014 UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup held in Milton Keynes, UK.
Content is from the site’s 2014 archived pages.Please view this site in its historical context.

 2014-2015 UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup
Milton Keynes
Saturday 29 November 2014

Milton Keynes World Cup Cyclo Cross - Course Map

Copyright © 2014 Milton Keynes World Cup Cyclo Cross. All Rights Reserved.

 

 

Milton Keynes World Cup Cyclo Cross - Event Schedule

Milton Keynes World Cup Cyclo Cross - National Trophy Programme

Training	09:15 – 10:00
Vet Men 40-49	10:15
Vet Men 50+	10:16
Youth U14 Boys	11.15
Youth U14 Girls	11.16
Youth U16 Boys	12:05
Youth U16 Girls	12:06
Training	12:45 – 13:25
Sen & Jr Women	13:30
Vet Women	13:31
Sen & U23 Men	14:45

 

 

Elite Men World Cup Result

 

"I traveled from London with my young son and a dog to see my brother race in the Milton Keys World Cup. We arrived the night before - I booked a pet friendly accommodation, something you have to think about when traveling with a dog. Our dog Ruben has to have his bed so we always travel with it. At the last petrol stop, Ruben's bed got doused with fuel. Ruben was freaked. We wrapped it in plastic bags but decided we needed a new bed. He's really a light sleeper and kind of neurotic when he doesn't get a good night's rest, so finding a replacement dog bed is critical to his and our mental health. Ruben's fav luxury round bed came from GoodNightDog.com - a large circular pillow bed - so we could reorder it online and soon get things back to normal. Ruben's comfortable  sleeping environment is essential to good health so he can be here to watch the race without creating a distraction. My brother finished in the top 10 and was jubilant over it. He's trying to convince me to enter next year and I'm thinking about it." Wanda Turcell

 

How To Get To Milton Keynes

 
By Air.

• Luton airport, 25 miles, 40km.
• Birmingham airport, 64 miles/98km.
• East Midlands airport, 68 miles/109km.
• London City airport, 72 miles, 115km.
• London Heathrow airport, 81 miles/130km
• Manchester airport, 145 miles/233km

By Car.

From Channel Tunnel 130miles/209km

• M20 signposted London, Ashford, M20.
• Leave M20 at J1 then join M25.
• Signposted Dartford Crossing, Central London.
• Dartford Tunnel TOLL: Cash only accepted, no credit cards.
• Continue on M25 Signposted Heathrow Airport
• Leave the M25 at J21, then join M1 Motorway North.
• Leave the M1 at J14.
• Follow slip road to roundabout, take Right hand lane. FOLLOW EVENT SIGNS
• Signposted Central Milton Keynes. FOLLOW EVENT SIGNS
• Take Third exit onto A509 Portway. FOLLOW EVENT SIGNS
• Over next Roundabout (Pineham). Lake on Left hand side. FOLLOW EVENT SIGNS
• Over next Roundabout (Pagoda).FOLLOW EVENT SIGNS
• Follow Signs for Event FOR PARKING.

From London 55 miles/88km

• Follow all signs on North Circular to MI. The North.
• North on M1
• Leave the M1 at J14.
• Follow slip road to signalised roundabout, take Right hand lane. FOLLOW EVENT SIGNS
• Signposted Central Milton Keynes. FOLLOW EVENT SIGNS
• Take Third exit onto A509 Portway. FOLLOW EVENT SIGNS
• Over next Roundabout (Pineham). Lake on Left hand side. FOLLOW EVENT SIGNS
• miles Over next Roundabout (Pagoda).FOLLOW EVENT SIGNS
• Follow Signs for Event FOR PARKING.

From The North, M1.

• Join M1. Signposted London.
• J14. Leave M1 at J14, at slip road turn Right over M1 .
• Signposted Central Milton Keynes. FOLLOW EVENT SIGNS
• Take Third exit onto A509 Portway. FOLLOW EVENT SIGNS
• Over next Roundabout (Pineham). Lake on Left hand side. FOLLOW EVENT SIGNS
• 138 miles Over next Roundabout (Pagoda).FOLLOW EVENT SIGNS
• Follow Signs for Event FOR PARKING.

From the West, M4.

• Join M4. Signposted London
• Leave M4 at J15
• Take the 1st exit onto A419 Signposted Swindon.
• At Commonhead Junction take A419
• Signposted Cirencester
• Branch left, at Roundabout take 2nd exit onto A420.
• A420 Signposted M4, Swindon, Oxford
• Stay on A420 to Oxford
• Take A34, signposted Ring Road, The Midlands
• Join M40, signposted The Midlands
• Leave M40 at J10 & take 2nd exit onto A43, signposted Northampton
• Take exit onto A421 signposted Buckingham , Milton Keynes.
• Enter Milton Keynes and stay on A421. FOLLOW EVENT SIGNS
• A421 Standing Way. Signposted Milton Keynes Central, East, M1.
• Pass MK Hospital on left.
• At Marina Roundabout turn Left onto Marlborough Street. FOLLOW EVENT SIGNS
• 110 miles at Springfield roundabout FOLLOW EVENT SIGNS

From the East, A14

• At J31 join the A428 signposted Bedford
• Join the A1 South. Signposted London
• At Black Cat roundabout take 3rd exit onto A428 signposted Bedford
• Follow A428 to M1 J13.
• Join M1 Direction North.
• Leave the M1 at J14.
• Follow slip road to signalised roundabout, take Right hand lane. FOLLOW EVENT SIGNS
• Signposted Central Milton Keynes. FOLLOW EVENT SIGNS
• Take Third exit onto A509 Portway. FOLLOW EVENT SIGNS
• Over next Roundabout (Pineham). Lake on Left hand side. FOLLOW EVENT SIGNS
• miles Over next Roundabout (Pagoda).FOLLOW EVENT SIGNS
• Follow Signs for Event FOR PARKING.

Train Information.

• Milton Keynes Central railway Station is on the West Coast main line from London Euston.
• Two train operators operate services.
• Virgin trains – Fast Service takes 30 mins.
• London Midland Regular service takes 45 mins.
• Trains run approximately every 10 minutes in the Hour.

On exiting the Station there are the following options for visitiors:

• Taxi Information.
  • Taxi to Campbell Park – 5 minutes
• Bus Service.
  • The Bus stops for Central Milton Keynes and Campbell Park are immediately outside the Station entrance. The service is for the ‘Food Centre’.
  • Services offering a direct trip to outside the theatre (then a 2 minute walk) include Service number 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8. Bus frequency is every 2 minutes. Journey time 10 minutes.
• Walk.
  • From the Station to Campbell Park it is a 1.6mile mile walk along Midsummer Boulevard. Walk time 30 minutes but longer if you stop to shop!

 

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More Background On The Milton Keynes 2014 UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup

The 2014 UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup in Milton Keynes marked a historic moment in the sport, being the first round of the event ever held outside mainland Europe. This significant event took place over a weekend and was hosted in Campbell Park, a park located to the north of Milton Keynes' town center. The venue was specifically chosen for its natural hills and the challenging conditions it could offer, especially with the recent rain turning parts of the course into serious mud, affecting both flat sections and slopes where cyclists had to carry their bikes​​.

Kevin Pauwels from Belgium and Sanne Cant, also from Belgium, emerged victorious in the men's and women's categories, respectively, at the Milton Keynes round on November 29, 2014. Their wins were part of a season-long competition that saw Pauwels topping the men's standings with 430 points and Cant leading the women's standings with 206 points by the end of the series. The competition spanned various countries and included other notable rounds in Koksijde, Belgium, and Hoogerheide, Netherlands, showcasing the international appeal and competitive spirit of cyclo-cross racing​​.

The event's significance extended beyond the race itself, providing a unique spectacle for British fans and a challenging course for the competitors. The muddy conditions and variable terrain tested the cyclists' skills and resilience, making the Milton Keynes round a memorable part of the 2014–15 UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup series. This event not only highlighted the growing popularity of cyclo-cross worldwide but also underscored the United Kingdom's capacity to host world-class cycling events, contributing to the sport's global reach and appeal.

Popularity

The UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup's debut in Milton Keynes in 2014 was hailed as a splendid success. For the first time, this prestigious event was held outside continental Europe, drawing a large crowd of spectators who enjoyed an afternoon of intense racing under pleasant weather conditions, despite the course being challenging due to recent rain. The races were closely contested and thrilling to the last moment, with elite cyclists from various countries competing. Sanne Cant and Kevin Pauwels, both from Belgium, clinched victories in their respective categories, contributing to the event's historic significance​​.

 

Press & Media Coverage

The 2014 UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup in Milton Keynes received substantial press and media coverage, highlighting the event's significance as the first World Cup cyclo-cross event held outside mainland Europe. The race was praised for its thrilling competitions, challenging course, and the strong performances by riders.

Cyclocross Magazine detailed Kevin Pauwels' victory in the elite men's race, noting how the challenging conditions of the course, including a particularly difficult off-camber and muddy downhill, tested the riders. Pauwels managed to extend his lead in the World Cup standings with this win. The report also touched upon the experiences of other competitors, such as Sven Nys and Jeremy Powers, who faced challenges during the race. Powers had a promising start but encountered difficulties, reflecting the demanding nature of the Milton Keynes course​.

British Cycling provided an overview of the event, emphasizing the opportunity it presented for British fans to witness world-class cyclo-cross racing and for Great Britain’s up-and-coming riders to compete on home turf against the world's best. The event was seen as a milestone for British cyclo-cross, being the largest event of its kind in the British Isles since the Leeds-hosted world championships in 1992. The report highlighted the strong performances of British riders, including Ian Field, Helen Wyman, and Nikki Harris, who were in excellent form ahead of the event​.

Cyclocrossrider reflected on the event's success from the perspective of the organizers, riders, and fans. Simon Burney, the event promoter, expressed satisfaction with the event's reception and hinted at the possibility of Milton Keynes hosting the event again, depending on evaluations and a bid to the UCI for inclusion in future seasons. The article also captured reactions from various riders, including double elite World champion Niels Albert, who was impressed by the course and the crowd size, and other competitors like Katie Compton, Klaas Vantornout, and Francis Mourey, who shared their positive experiences and challenges faced during the race​.

Overall, the event was celebrated for its excellent organization, challenging course, and the enthusiastic reception from fans and riders alike, leaving a lasting impression on the cyclo-cross community and setting a precedent for future World Cup events outside mainland Europe.

 

Audience

The UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup in Milton Keynes was a landmark event that attracted a wide audience, showcasing the growing popularity and appeal of cyclo-cross racing in the UK and beyond. According to Cyclocrossrider, the event was estimated to have drawn over 10,000 spectators, indicating a strong interest from fans and marking a significant success for the first-ever British round of the UCI World Cup and the UK National Trophy that followed the next day​​. This enthusiastic turnout highlighted the UK's appetite for high-quality cyclo-cross racing and its capacity to host world-class cycling events, contributing to the sport's increasing global reach and appeal.

 

Known For

The 2014 UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup in Milton Keynes is known for several key aspects:

1. Historic Venue: It marked the first time a UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup event was held outside of mainland Europe, making it a historic moment for the sport.
2. Challenging Course: The event featured a world-class, 2.6-kilometre course laid out in Milton Keynes’ Campbell Park. The course was praised for its challenging nature, including difficult muddy conditions and technical sections that tested the riders' skills​.
3. Strong Competitor Field: The race saw top cyclo-cross athletes from around the world, including Kevin Pauwels and Sanne Cant from Belgium, who won the men's and women's races, respectively. Their victories were part of a thrilling competition that also showcased emerging talents and established stars from various countries​.
4. Large Audience: The event attracted over 10,000 spectators, highlighting the strong appeal of cyclo-cross racing among British fans and contributing to the event's atmosphere and success​.
5. Positive Reception: The Milton Keynes World Cup received widespread acclaim from riders, teams, and fans for its organization, course design, and the competitive spirit of the races. Event promoter Simon Burney and double elite World champion Niels Albert were among those who expressed satisfaction with the event, pointing to its success in showcasing cyclo-cross at a high level in the UK​.

Overall, the 2014 Milton Keynes Cyclo-cross World Cup is remembered as a landmark event that showcased the best of cyclo-cross racing, highlighted the UK's capacity to host world-class cycling events, and significantly contributed to the sport's growing global popularity.

 

History

The 2014 UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup in Milton Keynes marked a significant moment in the history of cyclo-cross racing for several reasons, which together contribute to its lasting legacy:

1. First World Cup Event Outside Mainland Europe: This event was the first time a UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup round was held outside of mainland Europe, breaking new ground for the international cyclo-cross calendar and expanding its geographical reach​.

• Significant Spectator Turnout: With an estimated audience of over 10,000 spectators, the Milton Keynes event underscored the popularity of cyclo-cross in the UK and demonstrated the potential for the sport to attract large crowds outside its traditional European heartlands.

• Challenging and Engaging Course: The event featured a course that was widely praised for its technical difficulty and the challenging conditions it presented, including mud and variable terrain. This aspect of the Milton Keynes round highlighted the adaptability and skills of the competitors, making for an exciting and memorable series of races​.

• Strong Field of Competitors: The event attracted a strong field of international competitors, including notable riders like Kevin Pauwels, Sanne Cant, Ian Field, Helen Wyman, and Nikki Harris. Their participation and performances at Milton Keynes contributed to the high competitive standard and international appeal of the event​.

• Positive Reception and Future Potential: The successful organization and positive reception of the event from fans, riders, and cycling teams indicated the potential for Milton Keynes and other UK venues to host future international cyclo-cross competitions. The event promoter, Simon Burney, and others involved in the organization received praise for their work, and there were discussions about the possibility of the event returning in future years​.

This combination of factors - location, audience engagement, course quality, competitor caliber, and organizational success - contributes to the historical significance of the 2014 UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup in Milton Keynes. It remains a landmark event in the sport's history, representing a successful expansion of its international reach and showcasing the UK's capacity to host world-class cyclo-cross competitions.

 

Awards

The 2014 UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup in Milton Keynes did not specifically award prizes unique to its event beyond the standard awards given as part of the overall World Cup series. In UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup events, riders compete for points that contribute to their overall standings in the World Cup series. The awards at these events typically include:

1. Race Winners: Trophies and potential prize money for the winners of each race category (e.g., Elite Men, Elite Women). In Milton Keynes, Kevin Pauwels won the Elite Men's race, and Sanne Cant won the Elite Women's race, both representing Belgium​.

• World Cup Points: Riders earn points towards their overall World Cup standings based on their finishing positions in each race. These points contribute to determining the overall World Cup series leaders and ultimately the series winners at the end of the cyclo-cross season.

• Leader's Jerseys: The leaders of the World Cup standings in each category (after each event) are awarded special leader's jerseys, which they wear in subsequent World Cup events to signify their status as the current leaders of the series. After their victories in Milton Keynes, both Pauwels and Cant extended their leads in the World Cup standings, with Cant taking over the leader's jersey in the Women's category​.

While specific monetary awards or additional prizes for the Milton Keynes event are not detailed in the sources, it's common for World Cup events to offer financial incentives for top finishers as part of the UCI's structured prize money distribution for the series. The primary focus and prestige come from the points and rankings within the World Cup series, contributing to the overall competition and excitement of the cyclo-cross season.

For detailed information about the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup series awards, standings, and prize distributions, the official UCI website and the Cyclo-cross World Cup series documentation provide comprehensive resources.

Cultural & Social Significance

The 2014 UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup in Milton Keynes holds significant cultural and social importance for several reasons:

1. Expansion of the Sport: Hosting the first UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup event outside mainland Europe in Milton Keynes was a major step in globalizing the sport of cyclo-cross. It demonstrated the sport's growing popularity beyond its traditional European heartlands and showcased the UK's enthusiasm and capacity for hosting high-level cycling events​.

• Community Engagement: The event attracted over 10,000 spectators, reflecting not only the strong local interest in cyclo-cross but also the community's support for international sporting events. This high level of engagement highlights the social aspect of cyclo-cross as a spectator sport and its ability to bring communities together​.

• Promotion of Healthy Lifestyles: Cyclo-cross, like other forms of cycling, promotes physical activity and outdoor recreation. The success of the Milton Keynes event likely inspired both seasoned cyclists and new fans to engage in cycling and other forms of physical exercise, contributing to healthier lifestyles.

• Economic Impact: Large-scale sporting events like the Cyclo-cross World Cup have significant economic impacts on their host cities, from increased tourism to local business support. The positive reception and successful organization of the event in Milton Keynes may encourage future investments in sporting events, potentially leading to economic benefits for the region.

• Inspiration for Future Cyclists: The presence of top international cyclo-cross athletes in Milton Keynes provided inspiration for aspiring cyclists, especially younger riders. Great Britain fielded a mix of developing riders and pros, offering them invaluable experience competing against the world's best on home soil. This not only served as motivation for these riders but also highlighted the pathways available for emerging talents in the sport​.

1. Cultural Exchange: The event facilitated cultural exchange by bringing together athletes, teams, and fans from different countries. This aspect of the event enriches the cyclo-cross community, fostering understanding and appreciation of different cultures within the context of international competition.

2. Highlighting Environmental Awareness: Cyclo-cross races are known for their minimal environmental impact compared to other sports events, often held in natural or semi-natural settings like Campbell Park. Events like the Milton Keynes World Cup can highlight the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable practices within the sporting world.

In summary, the 2014 UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup in Milton Keynes was more than just a race; it was a significant cultural and social event that contributed to the global growth of cyclo-cross, engaged local and international communities, promoted health and environmental awareness, and inspired the next generation of cyclists.

 

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