Central CX League - Stopsley, Sun 16th Nov, 2014

A new fixture in the Central Cross league attracted a smaller entry of North Roaders due to holiday and social commitments.  After some technically demanding CX courses it was  a return to a rather more straight forward offering.  

A topography as flat as a steamrollered pancake with no elevation change or single track it was a ‘big chain ring’ special.  The course contained a labyrinth of twists and turns, three sets of barriers (well you wait ages for some barriers and three come along at once) and a small sand pit in an attempt to liven things up.  A greasy surface never dried out as a fine mist descended so that the challenge was less the lay-out but the changing characteristics of available grip as the course became much more skittish as the race progressed.  

John McDowall and Dave Kiely  started the Vets 40-49 race.  John got involved in a whole race battle with a (friendly) rival from the Welwyn that ensured that what could have been a dull day at the CX office was nothing of the sort.  Sadly, he was passed and nipped at the line by his rival after some thrilling racing.  Dave was further back but was also involved in his own battle with two other riders.  He passed them late in the race and was reeling in his third victim when the checkered flag ended his late race rampage.    

Paul McGrath racing the hour long Senior race got his first start off the front row of the grid.  However, the pressure of it all got to him and he messed up the all important launch off the line.  Four riders got away early but the chase was on.  Sadly, the poor start meant battling through traffic and some re-mount/clipping-in problems was costing our man the chance to bridge across to the leaders.    The best race for Paul so far, with what he thinks was fifth place, but just some work required on those specific CX skills.

A confirmed fifth place in the Senior event for Paul.  John was 12th and Dave 45th in the Vets 40-49 race.