3 Peaks & More
The main Cyclo-Cross event in the North of England, The Yorkshire 3 Peaks CX race took place last weekend and there were mixed results for the Rossendale based riders taking part.
The event itself is truly international and at 61kms, is one of the toughest cycling challenges, taking in the peaks of Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen y Ghent. Excellent weather conditions, cool and dry, and following the recent dry spell meant a fast race was expected. And the winner Jenson Young of Ribble Cycles, didn't disappoint, completing the circuit in a record time of 2hrs 49min 17secs, almost 3 minutes better than previous.
For the Ramsbottom's JMC club, Phil Simcock was the 1st valley riser home in an excellent 62nd place with a time of 3:44:30 from the 380 starters. Club colleague, Andrew Burgess, also was pleased with his time of 4:24:00. Helmshore's Dave Haygarth, in his 25th 3 Peaks, suffered a jammed rear gear set on the final descent off Pen y Ghent and had to coast the fine 2 miles, to finish in 201st place with 4:27:36. Elsie, in her 1st attempt at the event, made up for her father's disappointment to be 1st Junior Lady in 4:56:11. Rossendale club's Mick Taylor also had a disappointing day, suffering 2 punctures and finishing 333rd in 5:38:06.
On the roads, the TT season finished off the season in usual style with the NLTTA's Combined Club's 25 mile event at Cockerham. And the weather was in complete contrast to the 3 Peaks, with heavy fog and a damp sea mist delaying the start. The winner was Xavier Teece-Round of the Bury based 360 Cycling club in a time of 56:15 min, excellent for the challenging conditions. Just two Rossendale riders took part - Derek Schofield coming home in 25th place with 1:10:40 and Ben Molnar, pleased with his effort of 1:22:18 in 34th spot.
Photos:
Phil Simcock on his way to best valley based finisher
Father and Daughter Dave and Elsie Haygarth
Mick Taylor on the lower slopes of Simon Fell
