Tough going at Towneley Park

●● Richie Watts coming to a full stop in the horrendous conditions at Towneley Park

CYCLING

DEREK SCHOFIELD

THE North of England cyclo- cross championships took place at Towneley Park, Burnley on Sunday

●● Eve Davies-Heywood with her Ladies Championship trophy at the Manchester Track League and Rossendale riders were well represented at almost their local circuit.

Heavy rain in the days leading up to the event meant that sodden parts of the course were always going to be tough going and additional overnight rain resulted in a course of which only about 20 per cent was truly rideable, with running being the main requirement.

The conditions suited local top rider Dave Haygarth of Helmshore though, who powered himself to a fine 11th overall in the Mens V40 event, which was won by Rob Jebb, with Rob Hope in second, both perhaps better known for their fell running feats.

However, the conditions didn’t appear to suit Tony Bowler, who has been the leading Rossendale Road Club member in the North West series so far this year, slipping – literally! – to 38th in the V50 race, some way behind Carl Nelson of Helmshore in 32nd.

In the same race, Mick Taylor finished 43rd, Paul

●● Some of the Rossendale team at the end of the NoE cyclo-cross championship race

Warrener had a good ride in 52nd, with Richie Watts 56th.

The V60 event saw the Rossendale team well bunched, with Derek Schofield leading in 9th place overall and 2nd V65, Roy Flanagan 12th, Phil

Warner 13th and Graham Wright 15th.

In more sublime conditions, congratulations to Eve Davies-Heywood of Crawshawbooth who confirmed her development at the Manchester Velodrome by taking the

Ladies Championship for the Autumn series in the Manchester ACT Track League.

A new series starts in the New Year and Eve will hope to carry on from where she finished at the end of 2019.

●● Members of Rossendale Golf Club’s Junior section