The Eastern Cyclocross League had a gap in the programme off races last weekend, but that didn’t deter the Wheelers CX Collective, from finding an alternative. There were in fact 3 races in other leagues within reach on Sunday, all with similar driving distances, either the Lincolnshire at Grantham, the Central at Hemel Hempstead or the Leicestershire in Leicester.
Several of our Club members joined the Leicestershire CX League (LCXL) last season and have done so again for this one, as it means you get a grid position commensurate with your ranking, non members however are gridded at the rear, no matter what their status is. So yesterday 5 Wheelers and their Supporters journeyed across the A14 and up the M1 for the race in Western Park. Paul Chapman in his first race post injury, Simon Christie, Peter Golding, Karl Hale and Nick Rush all were on the start grid of the combined M50/60 race, but for this season the 60’s as in our own league would start second. Karl was the first Wheeler called up to the 3rd row, but it was a long wait for Simon to be called up on the last, there were 24 Master 60’s to be called on 3 rows, Peter on the 1st, Nick 2nd and Paul non league member 3rd.
A fast start was in the offing, as was sliding over marbles (acorns) on the first corner, then just after the start, there was a very fast downhill, that led into a wide off-camber 180° turn to the right and back uphill into a set of hurdles on the crest, thankfully the hurdles were missed on the opening lap. Karl and Simon were away with no problems, battling for position to get into the first single track section which was only about 300m after the hurdles, the Commissaire team had said the 60’s would start 3 minutes after the 50’s but in fact gave them 2 and a half minutes, Nick got his usual blistering start, but, it was too good for the 180° off camber, as he carried way too much speed into it, he went into it in the first 3, but ran very wide, with full anchors on, bending the tape, before getting back to speed and smiling, Peter was away well and Paul’s smile with the joy of racing again could be seen in Bury ! The course then twisted and turned through the undulating parkland, interspersed with 4 sections of root filled, narrow, single track through the woods.
Simon scythed through the field, he caught Karl just after the first single track, calling out “I’m behind you” and then motored on to finish 9th wow, Karl had his best race of the season, lapping really consistently and finished on the same lap as the Leader in 32nd, Chapeau. In the 60’s Peter had a ‘lay down’ trying too hard to overtake the 4th placed rider on lap 6 of 7 and finished 5th, Nick had his best race of the year, his lap times were really good, he loved it especially finishing 13th after that early mistake. Paul never did stop smiling, despite also having a ‘lay down’ and banging his helmet hard into a tree was 22nd. What a day out we all had, we must say a massive thank you to the supporters Club of Cath Chapman, Sara Hale, Teresa Rush and Hugo, who kept us all going. And all hail The Hale’s hospitality at the end with much needed refreshments from the van.
Three Wheelers ventured to Hemel Hempstead for the Central League fixture, they were Megan Free, Iain Milligan and Tony Read. Tony had a bad ‘off’ last week, so wasn’t expecting much from the day ! The following is Tony great report about their day.
“The course was designed on sloping parkland, after the start straight there was hard right straight into a climb, not mightily steep, but it just kept on giving, with false flats and tight turns, making it a long way up, it then levelled off and back down, but there was not much chance to recover as there were more turns and off-cambers which meant you had to pedal. Immediately after the last corner were the hurdles, which I didn’t see anyone bunny hop, then a short straight to the finish line, and repeat. The grass was green and dry with lots of grip, so you could hoone it round the corners if you were feeling brave. All except ‘acorn corner’, Innocuous at first glance, the approach to this was down hill, round the tree with a slight off-camber, then up, more than one rider bit the dust here as those acorns are like marbles under your wheels. I fish-tailed more than once in my race. I blame the lazy squirrels myself !”
Ian was the first to race in the Vet 40/50’s, the latter being separated by 2 minutes, he seemed to have a great start and was super strong and consistent throughout. He was hunting down a chap in a red jersey during the race, getting closer and closer by the lap. On the final one he must have put the hammer down as he beat ‘red’ by quite a way, coming 31st out of a big field of 57.
Next was the mixed ladies and the Vet 60’s. Again separated by 2 minutes. I can’t really comment on Megan as we were both on the course together, but she was going strong when I saw her, she was later heard to say that “Hemel was a tough course” We were both overtaken by Honor Elliott the Leading Lady going full chat. So she must have won by quite a way. Chapeau! Megan came 4th in her class.
Myself, I got a reasonable start, was a couple of places behind Rob Smith (from the Stowmarket club) on the first climb. This wasn’t to last, as on one of the turns the guy in front of me nearly stopped, I had to unclip and stop so as not to hit him. This meant that Rob and Co got a good gap on the first lap. Time to make up then. Lap 2 and up the hill. Put some power down and huffed and puffed my way up, passing a few riders, including Rob on the way. Managed to keep the momentum going, and maybe got another couple of places on the remaining laps, eventually coming 12th out of 25, and Rob 19th.
Lost valuable seconds on the remounts after the hurdles. Lots of room for improvement there, but pretty pleased considering the preparation I had.
Afterwards indulged in the ‘best fries this side of Belgium’.
“How do you want your fries?” Enquired the frier.
“Salt and vinegar please” replies I.
“The Belgians don’t do vinegar” says the frier”.
Quick as a flash I quip “But we’re not in Belgium”.
“But it says Belgium fries on my truck” he replied with a slight hint of irritation.
I hang my head in shame and shuffle off with my un-vinegared fries.”
Next week the Wheelers are split again, some heading across the A14 to Misterton Hall for another LCXL race, whilst the remainder travel to Mount Bures for the VC Revolution event.
There is also the 2nd Round of the National Trophy in Falkirk.
Photo Credits to Mick Bown, Sara Hale, Teresa Rush, Judith Parry