Central Cyclo-Cross League - Hillingdon, Sun 29th Sept 2013

The first round of the Central Cyclo-cross league was held at Hillingdon cycle circuit, and attracted a good entry from the North Road as the club has affiliated to the league this year enabling secure, priority entry to events for club members.   A warm-up lap revealed a bumpy, long lapped course with lots of twists-and-turns.  It was abundantly clear that it was going to be a  tough race on an unusually warm late September day.

Joe Kiely was again in action in the under 12s.  Sadly, another mechanical left his chain fiendishly ensnared around his bike’s mech that meant a lap of running  to the finishing line.  it was the second time in the weekend that he had been contesting for honours before mis-fortune put an effective end to his race.  All was not lost though for the Kiely youngsters as Abi, making her first appearance this season, secured second place in the girls event and earning a place on the podium in what proved a good day for the ladies.

The Vets race produced the long awaited battle royale as the Central League puts all vets together rather than sub-dividing them.  So, vet regulars John McDowall, Dave Kiely, Simon Best, Lawrence Brenchley and Steve James where joined by promising youngster Bryan Holland.  Steve James was cut from the main vets herd into the 50 plus race that was on the same circuit but started thirty seconds later.

A good start up a road section for the all the North Road guys with Bryan attacking the first pinch point with a winner-takes-all-maneuver that got him well up the field.   Dave cornering well opened a threatening gap on John.  However, neither could cope with Bryan  who surged ahead, although his progress was somewhat checked with some chain drops on the bumpy surface and a fall on one of the bends.  It looked like another doomed chase for John who was struggling early on.  However, he recovered towards the end of the race and Dave had clearly over-revved the Kiely two stroke as he dramatically   imploded almost to a stand still.  John passed with a lap to go and opened a secure gap although there was no chance of catching a rampaging Bryan ‘didn't-he-use-to-ride-with-the-C-group’ Holland.  

Steve had a thirty second delay before +50 vets race.  He found the going tough only gaining some momentum in the latter laps when the lure of catching Lawrence and keeping ahead of a hard charging Hannah spurred him on (such things are important in cross)  He also earned a round of applause from an appreciative crowd for a particularly well executed remount on to his bike after a set of hurdles - chapeau!

Hannah’s race is covered in a separate race report but she earned hearty congratulations all round for securing a place on the women’s podium with her best cross result so far of third place.

The results combined all the vets, women and junior categories. Bryan was first back in 16th place overall (49.07 for 5 laps and 11th in age group)  John was 22nd (50.07, 15th),  Dave 27th (50.20, 19th), Simon 41st (54.12, 28th), Steve 49th (44.10 for 4 laps), Hannah Ormesher (54th. 45.31, 3rd placed Women) and Lawrence 55th (45.37, 37th place).  A total of 68 riders finished the event.

Matt Crees was alone in the Seniors race and set out expecting a good thrashing after his first two races ended in him battling at the tail end of proceedings.  With a field of 36 riders Matt was gridded mid-way and got a smooth start so that he kept position fairly well coming into the first sections. A high initial pace meant that after about half a lap Matt eased back into his usual tactic of pacing himself to last the hour.

After about 20 minutes of racing he was slowly catching the rider in front, whilst holding off the rider behind at about 10-15 seconds. However, a spill on a corner at the half way mark enabled the rider behind to close dramatically.  An edgy half period of racing ensued as Matt put in some hard effort to stay away from, and slowly increase the gap from his pursuer and keep his race position.  The welcome sound of the bell meant the bone shaking race was pretty much done, with the gaps in front and behind large enough that Matt’s finishing position was secure. 

Matt finished in 32nd, 1 lap down on the leaders.  A heartening total of eight North Road riders where therefore involved in the first Central Cyclo-Cross League event since the club affiliated for the first time this season.