Back in the saddle on tough course

AFTER another enforced delay, competitive cycling returned to the North West at weekend with the 1st round of the 2020/21 winter Cyclo-Cross series, hosted jointly by Rossendale Road Club and JMC of Ramsbottom.

Thanks must go to Hope Engineering, well known locally for their cycling accessories for brokering the deal with the Broughton Hall estate near Gargrave for the venue.

There will be a series of four events at this venue, sanctioned by British Cycling and strictly in accordance with government guidelines and regulations.

The venue provided a huge potential for the event and, after heavy sleet and snow on Friday, the courses proved to be tough going for all riders.

First race was the Juniors and Elsie

Haygarth rode well to sixth girl overall, against much older competitors.

In the boys U10 event,

Tom Black had a great result in his first ever race, finishing well up in the field.

Onto the joint V50 men and Ladies event, and event organiser Dave Haygarth rode to an excellent 3rd place, in a top class field won by 3 Peaks fell race record holder Andy Peace.

Tony Bowler of the valley club fought through to 17th, Carl Nelson 21st and Mike Taylor suffering a number of mechanical problems slipped to 38th. Mike’s daughter Katie took 6th place in the concurrent Ladies event.

In the men’s V40 race, English champion Lewis Craven of Ramsbottom took a magnificent 1st place, Phil Simcock of JMC 7th and Mark Berry of Rossendale RC in 33rd. Matt Toman unfortunately had a mechanical on the 1st lap and failed to finish.

excellent day’s racing on a super challenging course, with all now looking forward to the next round on 19th December.

●● Mike Taylor on the right, holding off a chasing posse; top: Tom Black enjoying his first ever ride at ‘cross’ and, inset: Tony Bowler cresting the steepest climb, demonstrating how tough this race was