This weekend’s Eastern League fixture was at CC Ashwell’s new venue – the tranquil Southill Cricket club in the grounds of Southill Park. As last year, it was a course of two halves – some technical hills and tight turns in the woods, then a grassy run over to a field with a ditch that needed to be crossed several times. In contrast to last year’s mist, it was a glorious warm day – which was one reason that some of the off-camber sections in the woods became crumbly as the day wore on, making them rideable for more of the competitors in the later races.
We had 12 Wheelers racing, as follows:
Youth: Sam Brook (8th), Isabel Moore (4th Youth Girl), Ella Stewart (1st U14 Girl) – a season’s best finish for Sam, and great results (and good bike handling practice for summer tri) for Isabel and Ella.
Male Vet50: Paul Watson (4th, and 1st Vet60), Peter Golding (13th and 3rd Vet60), Karl Hale (40th), Nick Rush (59th), Adrian Grimwood (61st) – Paul again making a technically tricky and bumpy course look easy with a typically smooth ride.
Male Vet40: Stephen Brook (26th), Simon Christie (32nd) – Stephen was the first rider to be lapped by a barnstorming Stuart Pryce, and was glad not to do the extra lap !
Women – Laura Prime (5th), Megan Free (14th) – a close battle between Laura and her namesake Laura Lawson throughout the race.
National Trophy kicks off
Meanwhile, an excellent grassland course at the Derby Sports Village saw some fast and furious action in Round One of the National Trophy series. Peter Golding had a great result with 15th in the 60+ event on the Saturday and Harley Gregory was pleased with 45th in his first ride in the Junior category on Sunday, having been randomly gridded 72nd out of 84 riders. Next round is in Falkirk on Oct 23.