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Cyclists brave mud at cyclo-cross championships

Alasdair Gillin South Shields
News imageBBC Two bike-riders taking part in the 2026 Lloyds National Cyclo-cross Championships are racing up a muddy hill between two tape fences.BBC
Riders have weathered the cold to compete in the 2026 Lloyds National Cyclo-cross Championships

Hundreds of cyclists have taken part in a muddy 2.8km (1.7m) course for the 2026 Lloyds National Cyclo-cross Championships.

They started at the promenade in South Shields and set out through grass and sand stretches, up through steep hilly sections and down into muddy banks.

Earlier racers had to brave snow and frost which added even more challenge to an already tricky course.

Cyclo-cross sees participants race over varying terrain, which can include grass, dirt, gravel or sand. Riders also have to negotiate obstacles, some of which can be ridden over, while others require them to dismount and carry their bike.

Here are some pictures showing the action from a weekend of cycling.

News imageA rider in a multicoloured jersey is out of his saddle and powering up a muddy hill. Mud covers his ankles and shoes.
Riding up hilly terrain takes extra power
News imageThree riders have been forced to get out of their saddles and walk through a section of deep sand. Spectators are cheering them on at the side of the course.
Sandy sections of the course proved challenging for riders
News imageA rider in a black and green jersey has mud spattered up his legs and he is standing out of his saddle on a muddy track. Spectators are watching behind a taped boundary at each side of the track.
The track became muddier and muddier as more riders completed laps
News imageA rider in an orange and black jersey is flying down a slight incline with a British Cycling van in the background. The winding course can be seen in the background.
Riders had reprieves to gather their strength on inclines
News imageA rider in a black jersey is coated in mud up his bare legs, chest and on his visor and helmet. A rider in red is close behind him.
One rider is covered in mud from his helmet down to his shoes
News imageTwo riders are taking a sharp downhill turn as spectators watch from behind the tape of the course. The track has been churned up and is treacherously muddy.
Later riders had the challenge of a muddier course

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