Parker Wins at Taunton

Sunday 20th September saw the first round of the South West Cyclo Cross League run in the traditional format. After the
crit style races of the Flan Rou event the riders were ready for the course at the Castle Sport Centre, Taunton, a venue
mmaking a welcome return after a couple of years abscence.

After the rain showers of the past week and overnight mist, the grass surface of the course had plenty of grip but started
to cut up through the event. The flat profile lead to riders sprinting from corner to corner, making overtaking
surprisingly difficult considering the wide open space. Two sand pits and some tight sections between trees tested the
riders skills and balanced the course.

In the senior race Chris Rathbone(Unattached) and Mid Devon’s Andrew Parker spent the hour pulling out a 1.30 minute gap
over the rest of field. Neither was able to shake off the other with Parker just finishing ahead by 4 seconds to take the
overall race and first veteran position too.

The Mid Devon had many riders taking part throughout all the categories, including a win in the Youth race for Oliver
Allen. More details to follow when the results are published.

This Tuesday, the club will be holding the usual cross training session. Meet at the Velopark in Paignton starting at
6.30pm. For this session we’ve hired the velopark so we can use the stakes and planks to create a small cross course to
practice on. It will give you a good opportunity to try out some different tyre pressures, while we practice skills and do
some interval sessions. There will be small charge for the evening so please bring along £3.