Latest Cyclocross News
The 3rd round of this year’s North West cyclo-cross league took place on Sunday, organised by the North Cheshire Clarion at the new venue of Wythenshawe Park. Initially assumed to be a ‘pan flat’ venue the home club had made excellent use of the features of the now disused pitch and put golf course to provide a challenging course with obstacles, fast sections, a technical wooded section and tricky adverse cambers. And the season’s “always rains on a Sunday” continued at the weekend making the course even harder with only the most skilful staying completely upright.
One local rider who relished the conditions was Helmshore’s Dave Haygarth, who repeated his success of the previous week with an impressive 3rd place in the V50 race, again narrowly beating Phil Simcock of Ramsbottom’s JMC club. In the same event, Carl Nelson opened his league season with 40th place finish. In the V60 category two of Rossendale’s club colleagues reversed their positions of the previous week with Mick Taylor taking 10th form 13th placed Derek Schofield, who was the one to take a number of falls on the greasy surface. Adrian Watts used his bike handling skills to a sound 18th spot, with Graham Wright improving to 26th.
There was plenty of Rossendale interest in the Ladies race, and it was Iona Simcock to come home in 7th overall and 2nd Junior from Elsie Haygarth in 9th, a good result after a prolonged absence from racing due to illness. Katie Taylor was 17th, Jacqui Simcock 24th and Helen Thomas learning fast in 28th.
The Men’s V40 was won convincingly by Rob Jebb of Hope Factory Racing, with Rossendale’s Iain Hazell a well-earned 16th in this highly competitive class.
There is a break from league racing this weekend, with the prestigious 3 Peaks Cross race on Sunday, and there are several Rossendale riders heading North. Full results next week.
Cyclo-cross is certainly attracting more interest, especially for juniors with the safe off-road venues, and Rossendale will be continuing their skills sessions for all who want to ‘have a go’. The sessions are under floodlights on Monday evenings from 7-8pm, open to all ages from under 8. Anyone interested are welcome along to have a look or take part. Meeting point is at Top Car park at Marl Pits, Rawtenstall, and this will continue throughoput the league’s winter season.
Dave Haygarth taking an early lead in the V50 race from eventual winner Peter Middleton of the Zepnat Racing team
