Latest Cyclocross News
The North Cheshire Road Club hosted the 6th round of this year’s North West cyclo-cross series on Sunday at Betley Park, Nantwich, and the long trek made it worthwhile for many of Rossendale based off-road cyclists. Recent dry weather and rolling countryside produced a course that was dry without major technical problems, providing close and fast racing. Just one tricky section by the lake offered alternative lines – on a greasy path adjacent the lakeside or direct through two deep puddles, faster but with higher puncture risk.
The Youth’s races went first and both Riley Holt and Iona Simcock had sound results with 6th and 5th places Riley’s younger brother, Joey, persevering for his 12th spot in the U14 boys.
The men’s V50 event turned out to be the race of the day. Ramsbottom’s JMC rider Phil Simcock, Andrew Brindle of Horwich CC and Helmshore’s Dave Haygarth broke away from the start and rode at a tremendous pace, the lead constantly changing. Simcock was aiming to repeat of his previous round’s win, but a puncture on the penultimate lap put paid to that chance, and he did well to take 3rd after a run and carry to the pits for his spare bike. Brindle eventually took the win with Haygarth in hot pursuit in 2nd. Barry Downing, also of JMC, took 26th and RRC’s Paul Warrener came in 45th.
There was similar close racing in the V60 event. Brian Gough of Southport CC took the win followed by Kent Valley’s Andy Barlow, with Rossendale’s Derek Schofield and Peter Murray of Salford CC battling all the way, only a lost pedal on the final run-in to the chequered flag costing Schofield that final podium spot, Murray taking 3rd by just 6 seconds. Rossendale Harrier Phil Warner took the V70 award in 11th overall, Adrian Watts 13th, local fell runner Peter Browning 14th and Graham Wright 15th.
In the Senior Ladies’ event Jacqui Simcock took another 2nd V50 place, and 21st overall.
Another to puncture by the lakeside was RRC’s Craig Venske, managing to complete just 3 laps in the Senior men’s event with Matt Toman just missing out on another top 20 in 22nd.
Sole Rossendale representative in the Men’s V40 event was Ashley Holt, in his first full season of cyclo-cross hitting the top 20, and already looking to making his mark in next year’s series.
There is now a short break in the League, with the next round on 11th December on the picturesque seaside course at Ulverston.
Acknowledgement to Adam Gee for the photos:
Phil Simcock the front in the V50 race, Dave Haygarth in 3rd
Phil Warner (nearside) and Graham Wright (farside) inn the V60 class
