Track training pays dividends for Taylor
THE latest round of the North west cyclo-cross took place on Sunday in the grounds of Stoneyhurst College near Longridge.
And the organisers, Secret Training, had provided a course which fully lived up to this magnificent venue.
The day proved cold, but dry, but the previous week’s rain made several sections treacherous with those riders having the skills and bravery to stay on their bikes coming out tops.
There was a welcome return to racing for several Rossendale based riders with perhaps the best local performance was Rossendale Road Club’s Mick Taylor, coming home a fine 29th in the V50 event, stating it was his recent training on the track which is finally paying dividends.
In the same race, Dave Haygarth maintained his push for the overall series with a 3rd placing, Tony Bowler 29th and returnee Paul Warrener in 53rd.
In the V60 event, Derek Schofield will be disappointed with his 10th place, and Graham Wright gained revenge for the previous week’s event, by taking the 1st V70 spot from Phil Warner by over a minute. Ramsbottom’s Phil Simcock had another solid race with 5th in the men’s V40, with wife Jacqui 3rd V50 lady, and 19th overall.
In the final race of the day, Lewis Craven returned from the World Master’s victory to be a clear winner in the Senior men’s race.
There is now a short break, with just 2 rounds remaining in January to decide the overall series results.