Eastern CX League Round 1 Basildon

An always tough  MTB type of course set into the side of a steep grassy knoll.  Some light drizzly rain showers had passed though during the morning ensuring the verdant conditions where greened up for the riders.  it was most certainly a win the toss and put the opposition in type of wicket*

First cab off the rank, and in the trickiest conditions,  where the Vets 50-59 riders.  Tim Brown started strongly but drifted backwards as the race continued having just returned from holiday.  Steve James missed his call up for griding, had to start at the back of the field, but made the best of his bungling foolish incompetence to work his way though the field.   Dave Kiely, elevated to the ranks of the Vet 50s this season, found the downhills sections rather more to his liking than the unfortunately numerous up hill sections.

Tim was 21st, Steve came 22nd, Dave 49th at +5.11 and +1 lap and 5.23 respectively  down on the winner, Richard Muchmore, who completed six laps in 39.51.  64 riders started with three DNFs

The Vets 40-49 race contained what Londoners would describe as ‘some tasty geezers’** It seemed more of a quality field than usual meaning both John McDowall and Bryan Holland where further back on the starting grid than is usual.,  Track and TT rider Simon Best was ungrided making a CX appearance on his MTB.  Bryan got a poor start, a slide out on a tricky corner also cost him some time and a collective intake of breath from the watching crowd.  John rode a solidly paced ride picking his way though the field pleasingly.

Bryan came home in 21st, John 28th and Simon 49th.  The winner was Mike Sinpson who raced round six laps in 35.56.  Bryan was +4.02, John +5.13 and Simon + 1 lap and 2.17. 68 riders with four DNFs.

*Cricket analogy.

** Said in a Ray Winstone accent.