Julie is on right track by Trent

JULIE Tipper led the way for Mercia CC-Lloyds Cycles in the sixth round of the Notts Derby Cyclo-League.

It was held at Holme Pierrepont in Nottingham and hosted by Nottingham Clarion.

Being alongside the River Trent in a low lying area, the course is generally very muddy but this year, due to the recent dry weather, the usual heavy jet washing was not required.

And the usual mix of fast flat sections, wooded areas and off-cambered banks made for good fast racing in all classes.

It was a new course for Tipper and it didn’t faze the V50F rider.

She was always in contention and finished second to the class winner, Elizabeth Bridgen of Ilkeston CC.

Mercia’s Oliver Parker rode in the senior men’s class. A relative novice in a strong class of riders, he showed his general fitness when crossing the line in 17th place which was a good effort in a class with a lot of very good riders.

The winner was the experienced Bruce Dalton of Team Vitus Fabric Racing.

Zepnat.com RT-Lazer Helmets rider Pascal Arnoux always enjoys this venue and the V55 rider rode a very strong, aggressive race to finish third behind Glenn Coltman of Pedal Power Loughborough.

In the Under-12 category, the younger Mercia riders Daniel Ward and Sam Parker as ever put maximum effort into the race but could not stay with the leading bunch on what is strength-sapping course.

Both Ward and Parker were struggling with cold and chest problems.

Ward still managed to gain a place on the previous week’s result and finished seventh, while Parker crossed the line in 18th.

The winner, who is currently in unbeatable form, was again George Cooper of Sherwood Pines Cycles Forme.

One day later, Ward finished third in the Lincs League Cyclo Cross event hosted by Boston Wheelers on a very good course at Ostlers Plantation in Woodhall Spa.