Rain-soaked course was a challenge

●● Valley riders at the start of the V50 race BY DEREK SCHOFIELD THE latest round of the North West cyclo-cross series was held on Sunday at Heaton Park, Manchester and, after several days of heavy rain, the course proved to be tough for all competitors, with grassy climbs, greasy adverse cambers, and slippery exposed tree roots.

Of all the Rossendale based riders, the best performance came courtesy of Katie Taylor to come home 1st Junior and 4th overall in the senior ladies event. This really was an outstanding result for young Katie.

Earlier, Elsie Haygarth of Helmshore gave a solid performance to finish 6th U12 girl.

As the day wore on, the rain eased up, but conditions underfoot continued to deteriorate and previous rideable sections became treacherous.

In the V50 race, both Mick Taylor and Derek Schofield got entangled in separate multiple pile ups, ,and both lost precious time in getting back on their bikes. Schofield went on to finish 1st RRC rider in this event in 28th place, down on his recent showings, just keeping in front of Carl Nelson in 31st with Taylor in 34th.

Richie Watts showed a good improvement in 37th, with his brother, Adrian returning to racing in 49th. Paul Warrener in 60th and Graham Wright in 73rd completed the valley interest.

The final race of the day was the Senior Men’s event and Matt Toman had an excellent ride in tough conditions in this highly competitive class to finish 27th overall. Nick Cooper, in just his 2nd cross race, was finding the technical aspects challenging and did well to finish 37th.

Action this weekend goes to a new circuit at Sandiway, Cheshire, for the next round of the series on Sunday.