CX Round 6
Round 6 of this year’s North West cyclo-cross series took place on Saturday at the Stadt Moers Country Park, near Whiston, St Helens. Normally associated with a wet and muddy circuit, the recent dry weather gave riders a respite with only a few sections requiring a dismount, and even the lower than usual hurdles provided an opportunity for bunny-hopping for those with the necessary skill level.
In the Open V50 race, a first race win of the season still eludes Helmshore’s Dave Haygarth, finishing 3rd after another race long battle with Ramsbottom’s JMC rider Phil Simcock in 4th. At least, Haygarth has the compensation that he will retain his overall position of 2nd in the league, with Simcock 4th. Richie Watts finished his first race of the season in 40th place.
In the Open V60 race, Rossendale club member Mick Taylor got off to another flying start, but he couldn’t stick with the leaders pace and eventually finished in 11th. Valley club colleagues Adrian Watts and Derek Schofield had another ding-dong battle throughout, only seconds separating them on each lap. But a mechanical problem for Watts on the penultimate lap and the sustained fast pace allowed Schofield to pull away for 14th, with Watts ultimately coming in one lap down in 15th. Graham Wright, still suffering from Covid after effects finished a further lap down in 28th.
The Open V40 race was won convincingly by Dave Powell of Horwich CC, with Rossendale’s Iain Hazell maintaining his overall league position in 11th.
In the Ladies event, Helmshore’s Elsie Haygarth was the best local rider with an excellent 8th place finish overall and 2nd Woman Junior, even more impressive considering her recent recovery from illness, with Jacqui Simcock 21st.
Round 7 of the series takes place at the popular venue of Betley Court Farm, Middlewich on Sunday, at the extreme Southerly end of the League’s area.
Photo:
Dave Haygarth holding off Phil Simcock in the series long battle for podium placings
