Eastern CX League, Hog Hill - Sat 20th Sept 2014

The Hoggenberg Cross used the full topography of the Hog Hill Centre to provide a challenging cross race.  Some sections where dizzyingly fast, whilst in places multiple line choices where available making this perhaps the ‘thinking man’s’ (er...or women’s) cross race.  Some heavy thundery showers over a couple of days had broken the Indian Summer, but the course remained fast with conditions humid for the riders.

Steve James raced the Vets 50 plus race, after a week away devouring Cornish pasties in the West Country, and reported to the other North Roaders at the finish that it was ‘bloody hard’  A very pleasing 18th place for Steve at 6.18 minutes down on the winner, World Vets CX Champion Dave McMullen, who completed five laps in 38.49.

In the Vets 40-49 race, a slightly smaller field than usual, enabled better girding positions for the North Road riders with Bryan on the first row, and John just sneaking on to the second. Another strong race for Bryan who was in a long and prolonged battle for sixth with a select group of riders.  John’s race, further back in proceedings also went well, although after doing some hard yards early his finishing race position looked secure after the end of the lap two.

Bryan achieved his first top ten finish coming home in 8th, with John in 14th at +2.23 and +4.37 mins down on the winner, who did six laps in 44.38.  Fifty riders took to the start line.

In the hour long Seniors race Paul McGrath showed well again, with just one fall this week!  Adam Stone  rode stylishly again, seemingly doing the whole race entirely on the drops (these flexible youngsters!)   Matt Crees has upped his CX game and is showing a huge improvement on last years results.

Paul was 15th (+6.28), Adam 24th (+1 lap and 1.00) and Matt 36th (+1 lap and 5.58) out of  51 starters.