Rossendale team shine at Beacon Hill

●● Elsie Haygarth showing determination in the U12 race CYCLING DEREK SCHOFIELD A STRONG team from Rossendale made their way to the 7th round of the North West cyclo-cross series on Sunday, held at Beacon Hill country park, Upholland.

The course was well set out by the Middleton CC, comprising some fast descents and equally tough climbs, with more skilful riders able to ride the full circuit without a dismount.

Family ties were in evidence and first up was Elsie Haygarth from Helmshore who continued to show well in her first year in the elder age group, finishing 4th in the U12 class.

Elsie’s father, Dave, continued to improve from his lay-off through injury with a 16th placing from the 92 starters in the highly competitive V40 event.

In the Ladies event, Kate Taylor had another excellent result with 10th overall, but lost her 100 per cent record in the junior women class with 2nd placing.

Father, Mick Taylor, rode in the V50 event and finished in 39th, despite a couple of falls on the increasingly greasy turns.

Derek Schofield also suffered several mistakes, losing places on the final lap, but held on to take 1st V65 spot and 21st overall.

In the same event Carl Nelson improved to take 29th place and brothers Richie and Adrian Watts rode to 42nd and 56th places respectively.

Rounding off the valley contingent were Paul Warrener in 59th and Graham Wright 63rd.

Final event of the day was the men’s Senior race and Matt Toman showed his improving strength on the bike, riding to 38th overall and 6th Junior.

The series takes a break this weekend with the next round at Ulverston on 18th November. ●● Dave Haygarth taking the dismount option on the main climb