Well it's not an enduro but 40 minutes of Cyclo-Cross over logs, through velodromes, switchbacks and sand traps is enough to get your fix. Cyclo-Cross came to Wollongong tonight for the first time and judging by the riders interest they'll be back, and we will be too...

Cyclo-cross launched in the Illawarra tonight for the first round of the Illawarra Cycle Club 2010 Cyclo-Cross Series. Held at an outdoor velodrome in a Southern Suburb of Wollongong riders tackled a 3.5km course of gravel roads, single track, the velodrome, a sand trap, and man made obstacles of wooden boards and a pipe crossing.

With a range of bikes on display from crossers, singlespeeds to even a Cannondale Flash piloted by Mountain Bike Australia's John Hardwick the riders tackled the gruelling course for 40 minutes plus a lap.

With a cracking pace from the start the field was strung out as riders jostled for the lead before the first board crossing and switchbacks. Little pinch climbs, forced dismounts through man made obstacles and grass tracks all made it hard going and made for great spectacting with almost the whole track visible to the crowd.

The track tested the riders bike handling skills and it was John Hardwick leading by example for mountain bikers by being the only rider to clear the pipe obstacle, even with tired legs on the last lap.

After 35 minutes of slogging it out on circuit the top three riders were all riding together with no one able to get a break. In the end a late surge in the last 5 minutes saw Matt Potter take the win from Peter Hatton with young Illawarra rider Kyle Ward doing the event sponsor Spearman Cycles proud taking the third step on the podium.

In Division 2 the riders tackled the course for 30 minutes plus a lap and saw a long tussle between Daryl McAndrew and Neil Brown. With the lead changing several times in the closing stages it was McAndrew who had the lungs and legs to take the win with Neil Brown second and Nigel Eggins in third.

With another two rounds planned for the series keep an eye on the Illawarra Cycle Club website at www.illawarracycleclub.org.au/ for the dates.