Eastern CX League 12 - Hempton

A two hour drive to the outer reaches of the Eastern CX empire proved worth the trip for two North Road CX’ers. Some fast descents, followed by some steep lung busting run ups, and a long out-and-back closed road section all added variety to a course that just remained the right side of tricky grip dynamics despite the effects of Storm Abigail. 

John McDowall and Brian Holland were therefore our sole representatives in the Vets 40-49 race.  A baulked and then a CX sardine packed pinch point as the road sprint entered the forest meant both our riders, along with many others, lost out early on. Bryan committed to a supercharged first lap and although he struggled later in the race it held him in good stead for the final result.  John had a couple of difficult minutes in the general clowning about at the start as the sardine mass sorted themselves into some sort of order.  After that he rode an effective race posting good lap times and making few technical errors on a tricky course.  

Bryan finished in 18th, John in 22nd with 67 starters and six DNFs