Cyclocross Round-Up

The cyclo-cross season is in full swing now with the pleasant autumn weather making way for more muddy conditions. Last weekend saw the South West league holding an event at Central Park in Plymouth and true to form the conditions were tough. Many riders were hoping to complete the course with just one bike but found themselves stopping multiple times, during the hour,  to try to unclog bikes. At the front of the race, veteran Andrew Parker formed a lead with junior rider Oscar Wiessler. The younger rider succumbed to the course and senior,  Dextor Hurlock, caught up and eventually overhauled Andrew for the win. Mid Devon CC was well represented in the days racing with 20 riders spread throughout the categories. See the results here.

This weekend saw cyclo cross fans from all over Europe descend on Milton Keynes, for the first round of the UCI World Cup held in the UK since 1992. Many competitors and spectators from the south west made the trip up country to support the regions riders and watch the pro’s in action. On Sunday the fourth round of the National Trophy series was held on the same course as used for the world’s on Saturday, giving the riders a chance to experience a true world cup course. Conditions were muddy and sticky with long queues at the jet wash stations around the course and in the pit. Andrew Parker represented the Mid Devon in the veteran category which had a full entry of 74 riders on the day. Unfortunately, on the first lap, in the heat of the race, Andrew lost his chain on a slippery climb meaning he lost vital seconds getting the chain back on and remounting. For the next forty minutes it was a question of how many places could be made up without making too many mistakes in the difficult conditions. He finally finished 21st which should help maintain his grid position for the next national trophy rounds. In the veteran over 50 category Robin Delve continued this seasons strong showing to achieve a top ten position, coming in 9th. He’s also currently just outside the top ten in the overall ranking for the series so far. This weekend will see two days of cyclo cross competition at Stover School, Newton Abbot, as the South West league host the Southern Championships. Saturday features races for novices if you fancy having a go, bikes will be available for hire. Sunday sees the usual age category races for under 8’s right through to the over 50’s. Come along and support the club’s riders, there will be trade stands and refreshments to enjoy as well as the racing!