Leigh984, The creative portfolio of Leigh Spencer

The Leicestershire Cyclocross League rolls into a very Muddy Mallory Park racetrack for the last races of the season . We join the action, as usual, at the pits as the riders and teams prep the bikes for a days racing out on the course there`s always some action going on as the busy programme of racing for all ages continues. Back at the start and with the All Saints Church and Memorial to Ada Lovelace as a back drop the names are called as the riders make their way to the start line. At the start the Church bell rings unintentionally signalling 1 minute to race start, and their off !!, The most daredevil group of wacky.. No wait wrong sport, although we are at a race track of course !. The Muddy Mallory conditions are evident as the race progresses with riders speeding past the pits and mud flying from the wheels of their bikes. As brakes squeal and they navigate the course the bell is rung to signal the last lap and the race winner pulls a wheelie as he crosses the finish line !. Wi...

Witness the battle of Cyclist vs Mud at the Leicestershire Cyclocross League meeting, round 7, hosted by Leicester Forest Cycling Club at Mallory Park race circuit in Leicestershire. In the midst of Storm Isha's arrival, this cyclocross race turned into a struggle against the elements. Cyclists faced not only the challenging terrain but also the relentless high winds, amplifying the difficulty of navigating the muddy course.

On a very cold weekend in early January 2024 round 6 of the Leicestershire Cyclocross League returned to Misterton Hall Near Lutterworth. The course twists and turns making it`s way though the grounds of the hall challenging riders with a variety of gradients, surfaces and environments from woodland to open countryside. 2024`s event was hosted by Mrs Craven (owner of Misterton Hall) and The Welland Valley Cycling Club. My film features a look at the event on the Sunday and starts at the race village and pits area before heading to the start line with a backdrop of the hall and lake, we follow the riders through the woodland area of the course moving through the trees and various woodland features. then it`s back into the open as the course takes a lakeside route before heading back to the finish line and the pits where the bikes are hosed down ready for their next race.

I visited the Cannock Chase Forest which hosted the Commonwealth Games Cycling - Mountain Bike event. We start with look around the site before moving to the start line for the men's race then after a initial fast lap around the starting area the action moves into the forest and we follow the action as the riders weave their way through the trails of the forest, some created especially for the games. Later the action switches to the women's race and we see england's Evie Richards as she completes her Gold Medal winning race. The film ends with one of the distinctive orange and gray tracksuited games volunteers wishing us a safe journey home.

The 5th round of the Leicestershire Cyclocross League season took place at a very muddy Cattows Farm two days into 2022. The event featured a course with several obstacles including a spiral and a dismount among others. My film starts as the bikes are prepared for the race in a muddy pit area. It's over to the start line next where after a blast from a whistle we see the competitors tackle the course. Later we hear the last lap bell ring before the chequered flag is waved to signal the end of the race and the racers learn their timings.

I visited the Warwickshire town of Atherstone for stage 3 of the AJ Bell Women's Tour, the first ever individual time trial stage. We begin the day at the service and warm up area where we see riders and technicians getting themselves and the bikes ready. Action switches to the start line where the riders are counted down, before tackling the 16 km/10 mile course.  Minutes later the first riders are crossing the finish line and the winner is announced to cheering crowds in the market square

I visited Misterton Hall nr Lutterworth for the East Midlands Cyclo-Cross Regional Championship. In my film we see the Cyclo-Cross riders preparing their bikes for the race before heading to the start line and racing through the woodland filled grounds of Misterton Hall. The riders cover various terrain and twist and turn through the trees over bridges and beside a lake before crossing the finish line stopping occasionally at the pits to swap bikes.

6km of traffic-free 'open streets` await those taking part in Let`s Ride Leicester a free event with a focus on cycling. A route taking in The King Power Stadium, Leicester Castle, Leicester Cathedral and Jubilee Square features entertainment at various points from Jugglers to Drummers, Sambando, BMX Skills and more so there is something for everyone. Look out in the video for a man playing a Saxophone whilst being taken around the route in an adapted bike. My film follows the cyclists around the route and looks at some of the various stops around it.