Seaside race a real blast
NORTHUMBERLAND is famed for its expansive picturesque beaches and fantastic cycling – though it is not often the two are combined.
Sandblasted, Northumberland’s first beach cycle race, did just that.
The event pitted riders against a course with an equal measure of beach and trail riding within the Druridge Bay Country Park.
Each lap was approximately 10km and riders raced for 90 minutes to complete as many laps as possible.
Luckily for those hardy riders taking the start line, the weather was bright and dry if a little crisp.
Though they enjoyed a tailwind southward down the beach, the returning leg before exiting into the park was tough going with a respective headwind.
After a neutralised start, riders took to the beach for the first time.
After initial jostling, the Derwentside CC duo of Tony Glover and Oliver Draffan went to the front.
The pair worked well together for the 90 minutes and this effort would eventually see them winning their respective categories.
Andy Conn (MTB Guisborough/Bike Scene) was left to chase unassisted for the duration of the event – eventually finishing third overall and second veteran.
The women’s race was led from start to finish, Nicola Davies taking the win followed by local rider Caroline Cunningham (NTR) in second and Sophie Low third.
Final honours went to those riding either a singlespeed or a fat bike.
John Bardgett took the first-placed singlespeed category using his single gear to ride a consistent race. Joe France (Out Of The Saddle) took the Fat bike win.
He maximised the advantage of his fat tyres on the beach while keeping good pace around the park to finish inside the top ten.
The event proved very popular and is set to establish itself as an annual fixture on the region’s cycling calendar.
The organisers would like to thank sponsors Alpkit, Sonder Bikes and Vittoria and the marshals who assisted on the day as well as staff at Druridge Bay for their help in planning.