Eastern CX League round 2 Springfield

The Vets 50-59 had two North Roaders at the start line.  Sadly Tim Brown’s race was curtailed within half a lap as an errant foot from a competitor took out his rear derailleur for a conclusive early bath and a DNF.  Dave Kiely picked his way though the field and showed a vast improvement on last weeks CX shock to the system.

Dave finished a creditable 37th at a lap and 2.25 mins down on the winner.  73 riders entered with five DNFs

The same trio as last week -  Bryan Holland, John McDowall and MTB riding Simon Best where on the line for the Vets 40-49.  John got away well but suffered a series of major chain issues as he had unwittingly damaged it in warm-up.  The final chain drop and mangling of about six suffered,  250m from the finish, left John in a ‘sod it’ mood and a jaunty run to the finish completed a difficult day.  A new chain required and twenty quid for the swear tin.    Bryan was going well, in a good competitive group, when he suffered a puncture necessitating a bike change that cost three or four valuable places.    Simon got in some more agreeable work on a course more suited to the ‘larger gentleman’

Bryan was a handy 22nd, John 50th and Simon 65th.  A total of 75 riders started with two DNFs

Two North Road riders in the hour long Seniors race.  Matt ‘Van Der’ Crees and young Jobe Usher.  Jobe seemed to get a terrific start and was holding position in the top twelve.  However, hie started to suffer and had an off bike ‘course inspection’ at a tricky little ditch.  After that he held his position in the field maintaining a very respectable finishing position.   Matt went about his business as usual, riding tidily, and picking his way methodically through the field.

Jobe came 22nd with Matt 33rd.  61riders with four DNFs.