CX Round 7

It was a depleted squad from Rossendale that journeyed South to Betley Hall farm on Sunday near Crewe, at the very edge of  the North West region of British Cycling’s Cyclo-Cross competition series, but those that did were presented with an excellent event, hosted by Element Racing ET. As in recent weeks, the continuing dry weather meant that the earlier races on the day were fast and furious, with even the normally treacherous off-camber climbs and descents providing no real problems to riders.

The close battle for podium places in the Open V50 category shows no sign of slowing up with the top 4 riders locked together throughout. Eventually Ian Taylor of Shibden CC pulled away to take the win by a clear margin. The battle behind continued with Helmshore’s Dave Haygarth taking 2nd by just 4 seconds from Ramsbottom’s JMC rider Phil Simcock, with Andrew Brindle of Horwich CC a further 14 secs back in 4th.

The winner of the V60 Open class was never in doubt with Rob Watson of SKCC the only rider to complete 7 laps in the allocated 40mins + 1 lap. Rossendale’s Mick Taylor again made his normal rapid start but this time club colleague Derek Schofield managed to hold onto his wheel, eventually pulling through to take his best result of the season in 9th place, with Taylor 1 minute back in 11th.having had to make an unscheduled pit stop on his penultimate lap for a bike change.  After several weeks of excellent results, Adrian Watts appeared to be suffering and dropped to 19th at the finish, one lap down..

The Ladies were also pleased to complete their race before the rain came down, and Elsie Haygarth continued her way back to form with an excellent 7th place overall and 1st Junior. Tottington’s Kate Taylor also made a welcome comeback to racing and came through to 16th with JMC’s Jacqui Simcock in 21st.

The league stays in Cheshire this coming weekend, with the 8th round taking place at the Tabley Showground, Pickmere, on Sunday.