CYCLING DEREK SCHOFIELD
SUNDAY saw the 8th and penultimate round of this winter’s North west cyclo-cross series – the Macclesfield Super-Cross held at the town’s South Park.
And Macclesfield Wheelers put on an event that lived up to it’s name with everything that this sport can offer, for both juniors and seniors alike.
After a lot of rain over the previous few days, the course held up surprisingly well, with plenty of grip on the adverse grassy bankings with only one hill defeating all but the very best, and with enough wide, fast areas for plenty of overtaking.
First showing from Rossendale based riders was the Youth’s event and Helmshore’s Elsie Haygarth continued to shine with a well placed 4th to her credit.
National champion Nick Craig riding for Scott Racing took the win in the V50 race, with Dave Haygarth of Wheelbase taking an excellent 4th spot in this top company.
For the valley club, Tony Bowler came home 22nd, Mick Taylor 38th and Paul Warrener 56th.
A welcome return to racing for Adrian Watts in the V60 category, coming home 16th, with club colleagues Derek Schofield 11th and Graham Wright 19th, after suffering a puncture on the last lap.
Phil Simcock of Ramsbottom scored another top 10 finish in the V40 event, with Iain Hazell coming home in an excellent 19th spot after a long break.
National V40 champion Lewis Craven opted to compete in the Senior Men’s race and came home 5th in a very strong field.
And in the Women’s event, Katie Taylor came home 17th overall and 2nd U23, with Jacqui Simcock 27th and 2nd V50.