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A new cyclocross website, run by racer and journalist Konrad Manning, is to launch during Autumn at cyclocrossrider.com.
Having tested the water with an online presence since 2011, Manning now hopes the launch of a dedicated URL will help build a focal point for the cyclocross community. A twitter account for the site is found here.
He told BikeBiz: “Currently ‘cross fans and riders have to go to a multitude of sources in order to get their ‘fix’ so we’ll bring it all together in one place and give the sport and community a focal point.
“Most of the news about the professional European cyclocross circuit for instance is in the Dutch language and we’ve been translating and distributing that news and colour for a number of seasons now,” says Manning, “That will be just one element of the new site. We’ll also review and test product, provide a focus for the ‘cross community and we’ll have work from the best photographers out there. Leisure, adventure and gravel riding will also have a home on the site and we have the only Briton to have competed in the big American gravel races on board, which is very exciting.”
The new site will carry advertising space and there are also options to sponsor regular features or sections. “There will be opportunities for brands and companies large and small, so we look forward to building some great partnerships,” says Konrad.
“The online project that we’ve been running for several seasons ahead of the birth of Cyclocrossrider has given us some great information about our demographic and reach. A large chunk of our readers or visitors are in the UK, but we’ve reached 36 different countries in total. The majority of that established readership will come straight over with us to the website. Advertisers and partners will not only be reaching all of the UK ‘cross scene, but a much wider audience.”
The website will operate from the UK, as well as a base in Maastricht.
“There are big advantages to having a base in Europe. Obviously it’s easier to get to all the pro races and if I want to ride with Sven Nys (he’s very approachable) or drop in on Ridley, then they are just up the road. For 99 per cent of the ‘cross season I’m the only British journalist in the press room, so we’re already breaking new ground," added Manning.
A team of writers has been coming together in recent months and Manning says feedback from brands he’s approached has been positive.
"We are not exactly a new kid on the block. Our experience and knowledge of ‘cross runs very deep, which is why some of the major players like Cross Vegas were in touch immediately.”
For editorial enquiries contact konrad@cyclocrossrider.com, or for advertising info@cyclocrossrider.com.
Last month Singletrack’s publisher Mark Alker also revealed his team are to launch an online only cyclocross magazine called GritCX.
