Round 4 of CX
After a short break for the National Trophy series, cyclo-cross returned at the weekend with the 4th round of the North West league, hosted by Liverpool Century CC at the Stadt Moers venue in Whiston, St Helens. CX has been held at this venue for many years but, for 2025, the organisers had devised a different circuit which most riders commented to be the best ever.
With all the usual technical sections, hurdles, fast open fields for overtaking, and additional climbs, the circuit provided the best CX could offer. And there were also plenty of interest and challenges for the junior circuits.
It is still in the older age categories where Rossendale riders are the most numerous, but there are a couple of rising stars. Nora Venske, aged just 6 years, is competing in the U8 class and is beginning to get amongst her older competitors, finishing 9th in the combined boys and girls event from the 15 starters.
Helmshore's Elsie Haygarth is coming into form at the right time of the season and, now riding for Hope Technology, finished 2nd Junior and 4th overall in the Women's event, and has a great future in front of her. Jacqui Simcock of Ramsbottom's JMC club, came in 2nd V55 and 22nd overall in the same event.
The Open V50 continues to be the biggest field on the day, and was won in a close battle by top North West fell runner Rob Jebb, of Hope Technology. The close Rossendale rivalry between Dave Haygarth and Phil Simcock continues, changing places throughout the race with, this time, Simcock pulling clear in the final few laps to lead Haygarth by 30 seconds at the flag. After a long break, Helmshore's Carl Nelson made a welcome return to racing, coming home 51st.
The Open V60 series is being dominated by Element Racing's Mick Style, and he continued on Saturday with another clear win. Best Rossendale rider was V70 league and National Trophy series leader Derek Schofield in 13th overall with Peter Browning 21st. Valley club member Simon Bartram unfortunately retired after 3 laps with mechanical problems.
Photos:
Nora Venske making the most of it
Elsie Haygarth powering through the wooded section
Derek Schofield about to be lapped by Dave Haygarth
