Central League Cyclocross 10 - Culham Park Sun 6th jan 2012

Central League cross action at the motocross circuit at Culham Park Abingdon, attracted three North Road riders - John McDowall, Steve James and ever present Hannah Omersher.  Set literally in the ‘middle of nowhere’ the portents for the circuit, at least from early viewing from the car park, did not look good.  Seemingly flat, endless tundra, stretched into the wind exposed distance.  The annus horribilis  of cyclocross courses, that at Reading from a few weeks ago, leapt to mind. 

 

Fortunately a warm up ride revealed a little gem of a course.  About a third was flat grassland, but was well drained and actually encouraged flat-out crit style riding.   Whilst the remainder of the circuit weaved intricately   amongst some undulating rut strewn sand dunes.  Plenty of short sharp climbs and a longish, lung-busting-leg-pumping quagmire run up a nasty hill completed a really interesting course - koksidje lite for weekend warriors.

Central League action meant an hour long race and no gridding for the North Roaders.  Steve got off to a good start and was ahead early during the crowded first half lap of so.    Steve, unusually machismo in outlook, has decided to ‘big chainring’ as much as possible  but made the error of forgetting to change down to the inner ring when approaching one of the short sharp climbs.   A cyclocross stall ensued compounded by Steve’s chain bouncing off.  John, never to proud to take advantage of a wallowing team mate, took his chance and was past and on his way to only see fleeting sights of Steve again. 

 

Cyclocross on a technical circuit can be about minimising mistakes, the time lost on a fall or a self-inflicted mechanical, can be very costly and sapping of morale.  Steve later admitted to just  making too many mistakes whilst John kept his to a minimum and enjoyed himself on a some new cross tubs and wheels that preformed admirably.  

Hannah was mixing it with the guys and got off to that all important good cyclocross start.  The forty minute mark, the normal race time in Eastern League cross races, came and went and Hannah found he energy waning a little.  However, a battle to stop Steve lapping her provided some impetuous.  Another fatal wrong gear stall by Steve allowed Hannah to build a lead before the final sprint to the line.  Steve did his best for male honour, but Hannah wasn’t having it and managed to nip round at the line to stay on the same lap as Steve in the finishing results.  It's what cross is about, the small victories....especially over team mates.

A good day for the North Road crew that ended with them covered in sandy coloured mud and scoffing chips and mayonnaise.   

John came 33rd, Steve 45th and Hannah 73rd  (4th women) out of 78 riders.