West Suffolk Wheelers Cyclo-Cross Course Thrives with Council Support

Local cycling group expands membership and training thanks to West Suffolk Council's backing for a dedicated cyclo-cross facility.

Generic image of cyclists practicing on a cyclo-cross course with varied terrain in a park setting.
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Generic image of cyclists practicing on a cyclo-cross course with varied terrain in a park setting.

The West Suffolk Wheelers cycling group has successfully established a thriving cyclo-cross offering at West Stow Country Park, thanks to ongoing support from West Suffolk Council.

The club, which first approached the council in 2018 to use an area for races, has since gained permission to maintain and use the site regularly. Following the establishment of a permanent course in 2024, the group now provides specific training sessions and has seen a significant increase in interest in cyclo-cross.
This growth has led to the creation of a new WULF membership, allowing members of other clubs to use the course for a small fee. In the past year, the club has gained 56 new members, with its under-18 section expanding from one member to 15. The appeal of the facility extends beyond the local area, attracting members from as far as Chelmsford, Cambridge, Kings Lynn, and Sheringham.
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"Indi, my 11-year-old daughter, and I have both been using the Wulf skills area regularly at West Stow country park to get ready for the 26/27 cyclocross season. Our first introduction to the area was through racing cyclocross at West Stow Country Park and meeting members of the West Suffolk Wheelers. We found the area to have all the features used in many cyclo-cross events, including stairs, sand, hills and varying riding surfaces. It has been great to have something like this in our local area and has been beneficial for to us both to be able to practice off season. The coaching sessions we have attended have been an asset to us, great fun, structured and training with like-minded riders."

Chris · Wulf Skills group attendee
The cyclo-cross area features a 1.6-mile circuit of off-road tracks maintained by volunteers. While only club members can ride on the course, visitors can explore the park's flora and fauna on foot.
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"This is a great example of how the council can work with local groups for the benefit of the wider community. Enabling West Suffolk Wheelers to use and maintain what was once a disused area of West Stow has broadened what the park has to offer. Drawing in residents and visitors to explore the outdoors and exercise, whether that be by bike or foot, has enormous benefits to people’s health and wellbeing. I would like to thank West Suffolk Wheelers for their dedication and efforts at West Stow. It is clear their training sessions and events are enjoyed by people of all ages from far and wide, providing a unique experience for skills development and a thriving community."

Cllr Ian Shipp · Cabinet Member for Leisure at West Suffolk Council
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"The attendees really make this club so special, from our West Suffolk Wheelers to our Wulf under 18s, we believe we’ve created a space for riders and spectators to enjoy, improve skills, and gain confidence. We’ve since been asked to host the Regional Championships in 2027; this is such an honour for the club to be asked to hold this prestigious event, as it reinforces that we host suitable facilities, infrastructure and an excellent challenge."

Karl Hale · Wulf Course Manager at West Suffolk Wheelers
More information on memberships and sessions can be found via the West Suffolk Wheelers website.
Based on information from the official source: West Suffolk Council (11/11/2026)