NLTTA Combined Clubs Time Trial and NWCCA Cyclocross at Marl Pits
On Saturday, Rossendale Road Club hosted the 2nd round of this winter’s NWCCA cyclo-cross series at Marl Pits and attracted a large and talented field of over 350 riders from all over the North West, with ages from U8s through to 70+. The late dry weather meant that the going was good, although a light drizzle in the morning provided a few greasy patches on the grassy bankings.
Tom Craker, looking good in his RRC club kit had a great ride to finish in 5th place in the U10 boys event and he’ll surely be looking for a podium spot as the season progresses. While Elsie Haygarth of Helmshore is already proving her class, with a 2nd place in the U14 girl’s race, just 1:30 min down from the leader, Phoebe Taylor of Eastlands Velo.
In the men’s V60 race, Phil Warner, originally from Ramsbottom and now riding for the North Lancs CC, finished in 10th spot, but cemented his overall league top place in the V70 class.
Valley riders continued to go well on their ‘home turf’ in the V50 class, with Dave Haygarth taking a fine 3rd spot and Tony Bowler in 15th. Paul Warrener struggled on the technical sections and finished way off his best in 52nd.
The V40 event was well fought out, eventually top fell runner Rob Jebb first over the line. Riding for Ramsbottom’s JMC club, Phil Simcock had a storming ride into 5th, with Iain Hazell in 31st.
The final race of the day was the Elite men, and this proved to be a cracker, with the lead changing throughout, top junior Nathan Smith winning by the narrowest of margins from Bjoern Koerdt of Shibden. Doubling up his races, Dave Haygarth took 18th and Matt Toman, having one of his best results at this level of racing, finished 21st. Luke Dabbs took 30th and the unfortunate James Eastwood didn’t make the start line in what would have been his first CX race.
On Sunday, a disappointing turn-out of just 3 riders represented Rossendale RC in the NLTTA combined clubs 25 mile TT at Cockerham, cut to 23 miles due to road works. Roy Flanagan was the leading valley rider and used the event as a warm-up for his upcoming National and World Masters duathlon entries, finishing 21st from the 51 riders in a time of 56:18, despite losing nearly 1 minute due to a late start. The damp conditions and part muddy surfaces made the going treacherous around the tight corners on this particular circuit and Paul Warrener was lucky to stay on board in one vicious slide, whilst Derek Schofield completely misjudged one section and ended up down a side road, before making his way back onto the circuit. Both riders did well to finish in one piece, Warrener in 24th (57:16) and Schofield 30th (58:34). The race was won by Adam Taylor of Wigan Wheelers who won by well over a minute in the very fast time of 49:52.
