Final Round of CX
The final round of this winter’s North West cyclo-cross series took place at Buile Hill park, Salford on Saturday and there was still plenty to play for in the final league placings, but there was mixed fortunes for the Rossendale contingent.
Just 3 points separated the top 3 placings in the Open V50 table going into the round with Helmshore’s Dave Haygarth holding top spot. But a dream finish wasn’t to be. Unfortunately, Haygarth wasn’t at his best and had to pull out after a couple of laps. Local Rossendale interest in the title race now fell to Ramsbottom’s JMC rider Phil Simcock and he finished 6th in a very fast and classy field. But it is possible this won’t be enough to stop Morgan Donnelly, who finished 3rd on the day, from taking the title. The win on the day went to Ian Taylor of Shibden Cycling who shared almost identical lap times with Scott’s Nick Craig, Taylor pulling away on the final 2 laps to take a gap of 26 seconds at the flag. Team JMC were well represented elsewhere in the race with Barry Downing 33rd and Carl Nelson returning to racing after a break in 46th.
The course at Buile Hill was surprisingly dry and, with few technical obstacles, proved to be very fast with no dismounts required. This suited some riders more than others, with Rossendale CC’s Mick Taylor and Derek Schofield looking for top placings in the Open V60 event. Unfortunately, Schofield suffered a puncture immediately after the start and had to run into the pits for a bike change, finally working his way back through the field to 16th. Taylor, though, made the best of the fast conditions and rode an excellent race to another top 10 finish. Graham Wright rode a steady pace to come 22nd overall and 2nd V70, with the off-colour Adrian Watts battling through to 18th.
Elsie Haygarth of Helmshore, riding for the Wheelbase Castelli squad has lost several races through illness and is now coming into form at the wrong end of the season. She finished an excellent 5th overall in the Ladies event, following her top result in the previous week’s National Championships. JMC’s Iona Simcock was 7th and Kate Taylor of Tottington 16th. Iona’s mother Jacqui came through to 21st.
The final league placings have not been confirmed as we go to press and there is now a welcome month’s break for all competitive riders before the road and mountain bike seasons start.
Photos:
Mick Taylor passing the pit area
Derek Schofield through on of the sand pits on the course
Elsie Haygarth with a clean bike of the fast and dry course
