The first round of the Cumbria Summer Cross Race Series took place on Sunday 29 April in conditions more suited to a winter series.
The race, organised by The Lakes Road Club and held at Ulverston Victoria High School was run under British Cycling’s Go Cross banner. With races for all ages and abilities and with both mountain bikes and cyclo cross bikes allowed, the aim of the series is to promote off road cycle racing and encourage more people to participate in the sport.
Although wet and windy weather was forecast the rain kindly held off for the younger aged racers. First away was the most keenly contested race, the Under 10’s and Under 12’s. Making the most of the large school playing fields the course saw the young riders negotiate tight twists and turns, steep bankings, varied terrain and a cyclo cross style hurdle. Matti Egglestone of Beacon Wheelers was the overall winner of the race but all the riders can be proud of their achievements in completing such a challenging course.
Matti Egglestone: “It was good fun out there. The course was technical but that’s good because I like technical courses”.
Next away was the Under 14’s and Under 16’s race. Lap after lap saw Joseph Peatfield (Bolton Hot Wheels) and Mark Donovan (Beacon Wheelers) battle for control of the race. Both riders appeared evenly matched and it was obvious we were in for a thrilling sprint finish. Mark Donovan kept a cool head and with a final lunge for the line emerged the winner. Both riders exhausted by their efforts promptly dismounted their bikes and fell to the floor but with the resilience of youth were soon back on their feet smiling away.
As there was only one entry in the Women’s category, Maddy Robinson (VC Moulin), it was decided to hold the Women’s Race along with the Senior/Vets/Junior categories. As the rain was now falling steadily and the temperature feeling much colder everyone was happy with this decision. No doubt keen to get warm the riders set off at a cracking pace. The rain had made conditions slippery and there were a few tumbles throughout the race, Keith Ashbridge of VC Cumbria executed quite a spectacular fall on one of the descents, though was luckily uninjured and able to quickly remount and continue. Junior rider Jack Humphreys of Wheelbase/Cannondale was the clear winner, riding strongly throughout the race.
Maddy Robinson: “I enjoyed that! I was so cold to start with but after just one lap I had warmed up. It was actually good to ride with the men and test myself against them. I’m pleased with how I rode today. I hope to come along and ride some of the other events”
All the riders were unanimous in their praise for the course, venue and organisation. Entries were not as high as expected but as word spreads I am sure this series will go from strength to strength. The next round is on Saturday 26 May 2012 at Whitehaven Copeland Athletics Track and will follow the same format. Whether you are new to racing or want to keep your “cross fitness throughout the summer months the Cumbria Summer Cross Series has plenty to offer.
Results
Seniors, Juniors & Vets
1st Jack Humphreys – Wheelbase/Cannondale (J)
2nd Keith Ashbridge – VC Cumbria (V)
3rd Colin James – Beacon Wheelers (V)
4th Howard Lindow – Lakes Road Club
5th Colin Humphreys – Red Rose Olympic (V)
6th Maddy Robinson – VC Moulin (L)
7th Eelco Doctor – Macclesfield Wheelers
8th Michael Wright
1st Woman – Maddy Robinson
Under 14/16
1st Mark Donovan – Beacon Wheelers
2nd Joseph Peatfield – Bolton Hotwheelers
3rd Tyla Loftus – Beacon Wheelers
4th Tom Martin – Furness Future Flyers
5th Ethan Silcocks – Furness Future Flyers
Under 12
1st Matti Egglestone - Beacon Wheelers
2nd Henry Jackson – Furness Future Flyers
3rd Rhodri Silcocks – Furness Future Flyers
Under 10
1st Gregor Miller – Furness Future Flyers
2nd Harry Angell – Furness Future Flyers
3rd Finn Ballantyre – Furness Future Flyers
Under 10 Girls
1st Niamh Angell – Furness Future Flyers
2nd Lois Cowen – Furness Future Flyers
Under 8
1st Heidi Lindon – Furness Future
2nd Abbie Cowen – Furness Future Flyers
3rd Daisy Lindow – Furness Future Flyers
4th Eve Lindow – Furness Future Flyers
