Our Events 
Matterley Bowl Winchester
May
22-23
2021
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).
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.
On Site Camping
We have a lot of requests from people who have to travel for the race, so camping will be available on site at Battle in the Bowl! Book your camping space when you book your race entry, or you can update your entry to include camping at a later date!
Camping spaces may be limited.
Saturday Program
The main event for Saturday will be the open hill Battle Gravel 100km CX Sportive + the BitB course will be open for race practice on Saturday afternoon. All the main racing will be on Sunday.
Further details of the Saturday program will be announced ads they are added, and full details and schedule will be included with your rider information.
Elite CX Race
4 mile course / 2 hour duration for elite, club & league racers
Open Category Race
5 Laps / 20 Mile race, open to ‘cross bikes & MTBs – Singlespeeds & Fatbikes welcome!
Junior Races
Short course races for Under 16s, U14s & U12s
Trade & Catering Village
Check out stands from sponsors and local businesses, and grab a feed too!
Prizes & Podium
Prize presentation for category winners, plus race souvenirs for all participants.
Free Rider Photos
Don’t pay for your images! Share them free through our social media!
Open Warfare
Open CX/Gravel/MTB Race- Open to any bike! MTB, CX, Gravel – anything goes! (Except e-bikes).
- Price increase £2 after Easter.
- On the day entry (subject to availability): +£2
Super CX
Club/Elite Race- Bike restrictions apply – see Super CX section in event information, below.
- Price increase £2 after Easter.
- On the day entry (subject to availability): +£2
Junior Races
Club/Elite Race- U12, U14 & U16 categories & courses
- On the day entry (subject to availability): +£1
EVENT INFORMATION
(Based on 2020 event. Updates may apply for 2021 event. 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
- 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!
- Under 16, Under 14 & Under 12 Cateegory Races
- Reduced courses & race durations
- Podium & Prizes
VENUE
Matterley Bowl
Winchester
SO21
Follow signs from A31 into the event base.