Central Cyclo-Cross League - Luton Sun 17th Nov

Central League cyclo-cross at Luton drew a decent turnout of North Roaders for another course set in the grounds of a school that offered little in challenging elevation but packed in a variety of tricky surface changes, the de rigeur multiple off-camber twists and turns, and a  skid-pan top surface that although not muddy to any depth led to some great rally style on the limit cornering.

First rider was young Joe Kiely in the Under 12 boys who continued his fine form with a fourth place finish after being in second for most of the race.  In the main Vets race Lawrence Brenchley was first off in the +50 class.   John McDowall, Bryan Holland and Dave Kiely where next to the line in the +40 category, with  Hannah Omersher following them all in the Women’s event. 

 A really quick call up and starting whistle caught just about every one in the +40 race by surprise.  An even more chaotic starting sprint then usual then ensued, especially as the packed mass of riders then entered a slow speed set of tight corners.  This in a typically British fashion was negotiated with a delightful display of good manners, with plenty of ‘after you’, ‘sorry’ , ‘oohps my fault’ being offered up.

Bryan had a good grid position that was somewhat nullified by the rider in front of him being caught at the start still taking off warm-up clothing!  Dave perhaps reacted best to the surprising promptness of the start with John doing a remarkable impression of a startled Thompson’s gazelle.

 After settling John’s race imporved spurred on by the juicy carrot of Dave in sight and the worrying shadow of Hannah on his heels,  who had overtaken Lawrence and was carving through the field like it was a sale day at a Burberry handbag salon.   John started the business of reeling in the Kiely Dog.   A stumble on a difficult mud-bath of a running section by Dave bought the two riders together, and some nip-and-tuck ‘thats racing’  battling ensued for half a lap, before a long straight enabled John to put down some power and administer the coup de grace and open a defendable lead. 

The gap to Bryan was being closed by John’s late race charge, but no where near quick enough.  A  momentary lapse by Bryan led to a heavy fall on a concrete/grass section, one of those tricky surface changes that claimed a few victims, but only delayed an ebullient  Bryan being the first North Roader home.

Bryan finished in 23rd overall in 47.49 (14th in the Vets +40)  John was 27th in 48.09 (18th) with Dave in 35th 48.48 (23rd)  Lawrence was 67th, 16th in the Vets +50.  A total of 82 vets. Juniors, and women riders took part.

Hannah Ormesher was again victorious in winning the Women’s event, and came an impressive 43rd overall - chapeau!     Dave Vaughan racing in the colours of Shorter Rochford raced the hour long senior event and came home in an impressive 12th place out of 28 starters