Penultimate NW CX
It was Salford Cycling Club who organised the penultimate round of this winter’s North West cyclo-cross series on Saturday, on their ‘home turf’ at Buile Hill Park. The course was surprisingly dry following the recent thaw and, with the relatively short course, the racing was fast and frantic. The course was rideable throughout, although a log to bunny-hop, adverse cambers and two short, steep climbs caught out quite a few riders, especially as the course got cut up during the day.
Both Rossendale girls continued to keep in the hunt for the final league placings with Iona Simcock 5th and Elsie Haygarth 6th in the U16 class, with Iona’s mother Jacqui having an excellent ride to take 1st place in the V50 class in the senior women’s. Tottington’s Katie Taylor, riding for Bury based 360 Cycling, had her best result of the season to take 5th overall in the same race.
The men’s V50 race was won by Ian Taylor of the very strong Shibden Cycling Club, while JMC’s Phil Simcock of Ramsbottom took an excellent 3rd, keeping up his pressure for the overall league win. Dave Haygarth took 8th after a race long battle with Adrian Dalgleish of Lune Racing, with Mick Taylor surviving a number of unfortunate falls to take 34th spot. Ex-RRC member Simon Bartram, now of Lyme Racing, improved to 43rd in only his second ‘cross’ race.
Jan Kardasz of Wrexham RC continued to dominate the men’s V60 calendar with a clear win from Bryan Gough of Southport CC, but the battle for the minor places isn’t lessening. Valley club member Derek Schofield rode strongly to 7th overall, only fading on the last lap, with Adrian Watts one lap down in 16th. Rossendale Harrier Phil Warner cemented his overall league title in the V70 class with a win, with Graham Wright 2nd.
And, finally, in the Senior Men’s and Elite race, Matt Toman made his first top 10 of the season by coming back strongly later in the race to pass Ben Horrobin of Horwich CC. taking an excellent 9th place.
The final round of the series is next Sunday 5th February at Bruntwood Park, Wilmslow, where final league placings will be decided.
Photos:
Phil Warner on his way to the league V70 title
Adrian Watts having to dismount on the steepest climb
Adrian Watts leading Graham Wright to the finish line
