Eastern CX League 11 - West Suffolk Cross
Sat 05 Nov 2016
John's best finish to date
A new venue for this round of the Eastern CX League in conditions noticeable colder than has been the norm this Autumn with a hard edged breeze adding to the chill factor. A flat course that contained some forested single track that was enlivened by some cunning course design that required attentive bike handling and the application of proper CX ‘repeated sprint hard out of corners’ racing
John McDowall and Dave Kiely (Vets+50) and Bryan Holland (Vets 40-49) all took to the start grid in their respective races. A dip back into racing for Dave after injury and lay off so very much a get round effort. Strong races from John and Bryan, working hard after good starts along a long flat opening section. An almost pleasant last two laps from John as he was safely postponed in his eventual finishing position whilst Bryan was engaged in a tight battle that went to the North Roader with a decisive attack up a draggy climb towards the end of the lap approaching the chequered flag.
John’s best ever result in a CX race in coming home in 11th place with Dave in 70th (+3.10 and +1 lap 4.39 respectively) The winner was Jimmy Piper of MS Society who completed five laps in 40.36. A full field of 80 starters with four DNFs.
Bryan was 16th at +3.03 on the winner, Robert Purcell of Neon-Velo Cycling Team, who managed five laps in 38.48. A total of 76 starters with five DNFs.