Eastern CX League Round 6 - WGC

The real sting in the tail is the heavy surface and a large earthen mound at the bottom end of the course that requires some climbing grunt to get over; not just the once but twice in  lung busting quick succession!    All-in-all a real tough CX test.

First off, and our lone representative in the Vets +50, was Dave Kiely.  Fifty-eighth place for Dave and a a firmly held determination to get back to ‘Peak Kiely’

Two regulars in the Vets+40 race - John McDowall and Bryan Holland.  Bryan required a early bike change as his front tub split and lost pressure.  John again nipped through as Bryan pitted and as last week the two North Roaders duked it out for most of the race whilst catching and  dropping s number of rivals in a determined display of riding.   Bryan proved stronger in the end and created a decent gap in the last half lap along with another rider they had both been battling.    Both achieved their best results for this current season in coming 16th and 18th with 72 starters (4 DNFs)

An even better turn out in the Seniors event.  Ever present Matt ‘van der’ Crees was joined by promising young buck Jobe Usher, returning additional tall bloke CX’er Paul McGrath, and for his his first outing in CX Colin Bailey.  

Paul McGrath reported, “First race in seven months after long lay off due to injury. I have only returned to training three weeks ago and with no top end work. So, a race more about blowing some cobwebs off and gauging where I was compared to likes of Colin and Jobe after their impressive seasons on the bike than getting a result. A second row call with Jobe and I probably got the best start I have ever had in a CX race, which resulted in me going bang roughly three mins later. Managed to catch and have a good tussle with the boy Usher. Got a gap on him when he decided to have a mid race meeting with a tree, but lost it all when I had to stop twice as I somehow managed to pull the rear wheel out.This resulted in me having to run a section, which my back didn't like. With Jobe off and no threat of losing another position I stopped pushing on for the last couple of laps. Pulled up just before the line to let Matt Holmes take the flag so I didn't have to endure another minute of pain. Had to get over the line quick as Matt Crees was finishing like a steam train - well impressed!  Overall, very pleased with today.”

Colin Bailey reflected on his maiden CX voyage, “First CX race and a big learning curve for me.  Main things are tyre pressures are very important as is learning the technical side. Starting quite far back I tried to pass too many people too soon and went way into the red. That with being technically poor meant it was

hard but not effective.  Felt a lot better after 45 mins when I'dl earned how to corner and where not to waste energy. I really enjoyed it and am now wondering whether to do some specific cross training or do I have an end of season break?”

A terrific set results from all the North Roaders.  Jobe 11th, Paul 13th, Matt 16th and Colin a very creditable 22nd (50 starters with four DNFs)

Report by John McDowall, Paul McGrath and Colin Bailey.