CX National Trophy Paignton Report

What an absolutely epic weekend. Club members Rob Woodger and Martin Smith created an amazing event and put in countless hours to stage the largest CX race the SW has seen. Many thanks go to them both and we know they are keen for a repeat in 2023 too !

Crowds waded through ankle-deep red mud at the Torbay Velopark over the weekend to enjoy the thrills and spills of top-class cyclocross. Riders from all over the country took part in two days of racing on a purpose-built course around the velopark at Clennon Valley. With family members and supporters, they were expected to have brought with them a six-figure boost for the local hospitality trade.

Hosts the Mid-Devon Cycling Club had created a testing 2.6km course around the velopark, mixing tarmac, mud and sand with obstacles including steps, planks and a bridge. Races were held across the two days for juniors, veterans and elite men and women, all cheered on by enthusiastic crowds.

Among the onlookers were TV host Ned Boulting and former pro cyclists David Millar and Peter Kennaugh. The trio’s popular Never Strays Far podcast had been among the sponsors of the event.

The thick Devon mud was the real star of the show, though, with even the best riders having to dismount and push or carry their machines through the worst sections. Riders were changing their mud-clogged bikes for freshly pressure-washed clean ones with every pass through the pits.

The weekend culminated in races for Elite men and women, and after two days of pounding, the course was at its most treacherous. Annie Last won the women’s race from Millie Couzens and Christina Wiejak, while the men’s race saw Toby Barnes triumph ahead of Joseph Blackmore and Jenson Young.

There were some epic performances from our own riders too including 2nd for Robin Delve and 5th for Killer Kilburn in their categories.