INTRODUCING – Dean Barnett, Race Director 

On and off for over 50 years I have been a visitor to the Yorkshire Dales for the 3 Peaks Cyclo-cross.

I remember being bundled into the car at 3am, with my sister, in the early 70’s for mum and dad to make the long drive from Leicestershire to Horton-in-Ribblesdale. Dad (Vic) would master the course and place highly, 3rd being his best result in 1975.

As a youngster it was the only opportunity to sample the delights of Kendal Mint Cake. I used to watch in awe, Barry Davies, John Atkins, Eric Stone and the Swiss invasion when Arthur Manx was invited over by the master, John Rawnsley.

The terrain and bikes were very different back then.

I even introduced my wife to the ‘Peaks’ watching Tim Gould and Fred Salmon running off Whernside in the late 80’s early 90’s.

In 1993 I took the plunge and rode the 3 Peaks.

In 2023 I completed my 20th event, I’ve enjoyed every minute of every event I’ve ridden.

I’ve even enjoyed success, 2nd place in 95, and numerous top placings, team awards and a couple of Father / son victories.

For the last 8 years getting an entry accepted was the driving force to ride a bike, I couldn’t get motivated for any other event, and the target to be around the 4hr mark was an achievement.

The ‘Peaks’ was one of the contributing factors why I moved to the Yorkshire Dales in 2020 from Leicestershire. In 2021 I joined the organising committee.

I have been involved in organising road, mtb, cross events and coaching for 3 decades – CiCLE Classic, Leicestershire Cyclo-cross League, Marston Lodge events, Misterton Hall events, promotions for Welland Valley Cycling Club

I enjoyed last years event, knowing it would be my last outing.

I took time to stop and thank landowners, hug special friends, encourage ‘virgin Peakers’ and enjoy the banter as a competitor conquering a tough day. 5hrs in the saddle and just a steady ‘diesel’ ride.

I was honoured to wear my ‘Ride for Charlie’ jersey, a fantastic charity the 3 Peaks supports.

From 2024 I have  followed in the footsteps of two special people – John Rawnsley and Mark Richmond. I am only the third organiser/secretary of the ‘World’s Toughest Cyclo-cross Race’.

Mark will remain very much part of the organising team and is already training hard looking forward to contesting- this  year’s event, Mark has worked tirelessly, building on the strong foundations set by John.

This year it is our 62nd edition, here’s to many more years of this unique event which is part of the Yorkshire Dales heritage.