Young and Old take to Cyclocross
After a week's break for the National Trophy series, the North West cyclo-cross returned to action at the weekend with the Towneley Park event hosted by Cycle Development Pendle. The recent weather leading up to the event promised a dry course and so it proved, with fast and open racing throughout the day rather than the normal mudfest normally expected at this venue.
First up with valley interest was the V50 Open event, the largest field of the day with 56 starters. Pete Middleton of Zepnat racing was a clear winner but Phil Simcock of Ramsbottom's JMC club maintained his top 5 run with a fine 4th place, Helmshore's Dave Haygarth coming home 6th.
Rossendale Cycling Club crammed the middle of the V60 Open finishers with Mick Taylor and Derek Schofield in the top 10 with 9th and 10th, Schofield also taking the 1st V70 award. Simon Bartram is a welcome return to the valley club, once a strong road time triallist and now trying his hand at CX, and fared well to finish 12th. Pete Browning was one lap down in 14th with Graham Wright 15th.
At the other end of the age scale, 6 years old Nora Venske from Bacup was the star of the RCC on the day, with a fine 6th place against many older boys and girls in the U8 event. This in her first ever race.
Elsie Haygarth had a great showing in her first attempt at the recent Yorkshire 3 Peaks race, and she has maintained that form to take a solid 6th place overall and 3rd Junior in the Senior Women's event.
The closest race of the day though, was the combined Senior and V40 Open event. Benjamin Bright of ASPTT Nancy and Giles Drake of Wheelbase Castelli had a great battle throughout, continuously changing the lead. Drake made a mistake on the penultimate lap then pulled it back for a terrific sprint between the two through the final few corners, with Bright taking the win by a mere 0.5 sec at the flag.
The league takes another break next weekend for the 2nd National Trophy round at Falkirk.
The next Cyclo-Cross coaching session at Marl Pits will be on Wednesday 29th October. This is from 7 - 8:30pm and is open to all ages, meet at the Top Car park.
Photos:
Nora showing real determination in her 1st CX race
Expert Dave Haygarth
Graham Wright on a dry climb
