Battle in the Bowl is taking a rest in 2022

Due to the demands created by the disruption of the last two years, there will be no Battle in the Bowl in 2022. Battle in the Bowl is a fantastic event, but it takes a huge amount of dedication, time and resources to bring to you. Like many others, we’re looking forward to getting fully back on our feet in 2022, but while we do, we’ve decided to rest Battle in the Bowl until we can devote the energy to it that it requires to properly stage. We look forward to bringing Battle in the Bowl back in 2023. And if you still want to get your Matterley Bowl fix, please note that Battle Gravel 100 will go ahead in 2022 on May 22nd!

Matterley Bowl Winchester

Returns

2023

Cyclocross meets Gravel Racing in an Epic Showdown!

Hosted within Matterley Bowl near Winchester, the Battle in the Bowl features two hour races over a stunning four mile circuit, featuring flat-out fast gravel tracks, a breathtaking grass track climb around the rim of the bowl itself, a flying wooded descent back to the arena and over a mile of taped, technical classic ‘cross! 90% of the circuit will be viewable from the massive arena, making Battle in the Bowl a visually inspiring experience for racers and spectators alike!

Battle in the Bowl has something for all levels of rider, including, junior, open and elite categories, with a full day’s programme of racing!

Choose From Two Senior Races

Both races include all age and gender categories

If racing is in your blood, if you’re a veteran of the cross leagues, if you thrive on competition on road or MTB and you’re ready to take on CX and gravel as your next challenge, this is the race for you. Whether the podium is your natural home, or your lifelong mission is simply to get as close to it as possible, you belong on this start line. No guts, no glory; to the victor the spoils!

*Bike restrictions apply in this race. (this race is intended for CX or Gravel style bikes, as defined by no suspension (limited exemptions may apply), 44mm tyre max on 700c or 29in, 48mm max allowed on 650b. Maximum bar width 600mm).

Open Warfare - the Battle in the Bowl Open Race

We call it “Open Warfare” for a reason. The Battle in the Bowl Open is the race for all comers! Bike-wise, anything goes, so choose your weapon; cross, gravel & adventure bikes, 29ers and MTB hardtails will be perfect to do battle. Singlespeeds and fat bikes will have their own sub category, and there will be a few bravery awards for crazier choices! Whether you’re new to CX racing and want to give it a go, or whether you’re just all about the blast, this is your battlefield.

Cash Prizes + Team Competition

Cash Prizes

Prizes break down as follows.
(Product and sponsor prizes will also be given to other categories / placings).

Male & Female senior winners (Elite race): £TBA
Male & Female vet winners (Elite race): £TBA
Male & Female super vet winners (Elite race): £TBA

*in the event of categories being grouped together due to participant numbers, the prize for the highest included category will be awarded.

Team Competition

We’re also adding a much requested feature: a team competition within the Elite race! Ride for yourself and for your club too! Just sign up for Team Race Upgrade and add the names of your team! (All team members must also be entered into the individual Elite / Super CX race).

3-4 riders per team. Mixed category only; riders may be any age or gender within the Elite Race. Team competition points will be based on rider positions in individual race.

Upgrade to a Team

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Elite CX Race

4 mile course / 2 hour duration for elite, club & league racers

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Open Category Race

5 Laps / 20 Mile race, open to ‘cross bikes & MTBs – Singlespeeds & Fatbikes welcome!

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Junior Races

Short course races for Under 16s, U14s & U12s

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Trade & Catering Village

Check out stands from sponsors and local businesses, and grab a feed too!

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Prizes & Podium

Prize presentation for category winners, plus race souvenirs for all participants.

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Free Rider Photos

Don’t pay for your images! Share them free through our social media!

EVENT INFORMATION

(Based on 2021 event. Updates may apply for future events. Check nearer the event date)

Sunday

(All racing is on Sunday. Saturday is open for practice and camping)

8:00 Registration Opens
8:15 Practice
9:30 Junior Race (all cats, 30 minute duration)
10:15 Practice & junior prize giving
11:00 Open Race (20 miles / 5 laps)
13:00 Practice & Open prize giving
13:45 Super CX Race (2 hour duration)
16:00 Elite Prize Giving

Timings may vary depending on field sizes and other factors. Schedule changes will be updated as promptly as possible here, and notified in final rider information.

“Practice” indicates periods when the entire circuit will be open for practice. Some sections not used for racing will remain open for practice during the Junior race period. Practice sessions may be reduced if needed to accommodate the racing schedule.

Two hour Club & Elite Race
Open to CX & Gravel Bikes*
Podium & Prizes

*The Super CX race is the serious end of the weekend’s racing. It is open to anyone (it’s not just for top level elite racers) and on CX/Gravel style bikes (no suspension, 44mm tyre max on 700c or 29in, 48mm max allowed on 650b. Maximum bar width 600mm) and is intended as the more competitive option, so expect a full on race!

5 Lap (20 mile) race
Open to CX, MTB, 29er or any bike you choose
Singlespeed & Fat Bike sub cats
‘Bravery’ awards for most unusual choices of bike!

Open Warfare is racing for those who like to ride hard for the craic! Expect some frantic racing, but don’t take it too seriously. open Warfare is all about the attitude!