Muddy Monsters returned to St Albans but got its first taste of the new Cottonmill Community Centre & Cycle Hub.

The event, hosted by Verulam Cycling Club, was open to all children across Herts and Beds and gave them the chance to try out cyclo-cross racing for the first time.

It did so on a newly-designed course at the hub and an impressive 47 riders competed in the event across age groups from U8 up to U16.

Herts Advertiser: Grayson Hall and Winston Ford of Verulam Cycling Club on the podium. Picture: VERULAM CCGrayson Hall and Winston Ford of Verulam Cycling Club on the podium. Picture: VERULAM CC (Image: Verulam Cycling Club)

Verulam CC's youth development secretary, Davinder Bhatia, said: "It was great to see so many new kids enjoying the racing experience for the first time and having fun on the new course."

READ MORE: Verulam Reallymoving in fine form through the Central Cyclo-cross League

And it turned out to be a fantastic day of racing with a number of notable performances from the host club's youngsters.

Herts Advertiser: Oliver Marchant of Verulam Cycling Club on the top step of the podium. Picture: VERULAM CCOliver Marchant of Verulam Cycling Club on the top step of the podium. Picture: VERULAM CC (Image: Verulam Cycling Club)

They included Ada Ford in the U10 girls, U8 boys' Winston Ford and Grayson Hall, Jake Avis in the U10 boys and U14 Oliver Marchant.

Muddy Monsters is a series of cyclo-cross events hosted by several cycling clubs in the area with the competition returning to Cottonmill for the final round and series decider on February 24.

Herts Advertiser: Jake Avis of Verulam Reallymoving Race Team (right) on the podium. Picture: VERULAM CCJake Avis of Verulam Reallymoving Race Team (right) on the podium. Picture: VERULAM CC (Image: Verulam Cycling Club)

Between that, there are stops at the Gosling Sports Park in Welwyn Garden City, Ashwell's grass track, between Baldock and Royston, and at Butts Close in Hitchin.

Muddy Monsters is designed for novices and no racing experience is required.

Any kind of bike with two working brakes is allowed, although a helmet is required and gloves are recommended.

Entries can be made online at the British Cycling website or by paying £5 on the day.

For more details go to www.verulamcc.org.uk/youth/muddy-monsters

Cottonmill Community Centre & Cycling Hub is a not-for-profit organisation that was formed in 2022 for the diverse community of Cottonmill, as well as the wider cycling community.

The Cycle Hub aims to provide a multitude of services ranging from bike repairs and servicing to teaching and supporting adults and children, of all abilities, to ride and use roads safely.

We now also manage the fully accessible Cottonmill Community Centre, with the aim of providing a safe inclusive place for all the community to meet in and grow local activities.

For more information go to www.stalbanscyclehub.co.uk