The three peaks cyclocross race, or crossmas as it is affectionately known, takes place over the Yorkshire three peaks of Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen-y-ghent, always on the last weekend of September.
This year saw the 60th edition of this well loved and often bonkers race. The course is raced on private land, making it impossible to ride or practise the route at any other time throughout the year.
I recently sat down with Emma Osenton (who has now raced this event six times!!) to learn more about this race steeped in history and find out what keeps her going back.
Image credit: Three peaks cyclocross
After a long chat about our current cycling adventures we got into chatting more about the race.
First question I wanted to get into was hearing about the race, from Emma's perspective. What is the route and terrain like? Techy bits and insanely fun bits!
Image credit: Sam Mashford
So you’ve ridden this race 6 times now? What is it about this event that keeps drawing you back?
Image credit: Sam Mashford
As the course is not ridable at any other time of the year, how did you go about training for it? Is this near your regular training roads/ groads, do you ride near to these peaks often?
Image credit: Sam Mashford
Could you tell us about some hilarious things that didn’t go to plan?
Image credit: Sam Mashford
I always love to chat about food! Were there any memorable feed stops?
Image credit: Sam Mashford
I read that no women took part in this race until 1979 , do you know what the ratio is like these days?
Image credit: Pete Aylward/ Run photo
And…(might be too soon for this one... but) will you back next year?
It was so great to chat to Emma and learn more about this historic event from her six times taking part.
If this has fired you up for more cyclocross you can watch Emma's video recap of the event here and you can find out more about this iconic race here.