Eastern CX League Rounds 5 - Revolution Cross, Hillyfields

A pleasing approximately  third, third, third split on the course with one third a triple series of zig-zag plunging followed by ascending climbing sandwiched between a third of dusty twisting single track deep in the dark forest.  The remaining third was a wide open savannah to the start finish line that allowed you to explore the ‘big boy’ gear ratios.

Dave ‘come back kid’ Kiely was our only representative in the Vets +50.  Having missed a couple of races due to illness it was back to the unyielding CX grindstone.  A hard sprint to the finish for Dave for 57th place out of 69 starters and another rung completed on the Kiely back to form ladder.

John McDowall and Bryan Holland lined up in another competitive field of Vets 40-49.  All riders got away safely in what could have been a dodgy starting sprint although a narrow choke point early doors caused some hold ups but was universally sensibly navigated.  John passed Bryan just as he pitted to change bikes after some technical issues although he didn’t gain a significant advantage.  Bryan reclaimed his placing ahead of John and worked hard to eke out some additional yardage.  With Bryan inching away John was then embroiled in a lap and a half battle with two other riders to hold his position.  Often in CX the last lap can become a ceremonial spin round with placing secured.  Sometimes, most unfortunately, you have to go hard all the way to the line.  This was the case here as John went full gas into the last third to the finish, just doing enough to hold off his battling rivals at the line.  

Bryan was 34th, John 35th out of 76 starters at +6.23 and +6.24, respectively, on the winner 

Matt Crees was in the Senior/Juniors race.  He got  a solid start and entered the early choke point holding his position although he was held up through the narrow single track with limited overtaking opportunities. When the course opened up Matt attacked riders when he could but due to traffic was slowed in the first lap until gaps opened up.  He continued to push hard, passing riders and riding aggressively to try to force mistakes, but unfortunately this resulted in a accident filled lap where a lapse of concentration resulted in an off on the only slippery corner of the course (and lucky not to break his rear dereaullier) and a second fall shortly after for a detailed inspection of a conveniently  combined nettle and bramble bush. Thankfully Matt managed to work his way back past two of the three riders whom had managed to pass him.