Eastern CX League, Springfield - Sun 21st Sept 2014

 A double weekend of Eastern Cross League for some up-and-at ‘em North Roaders.  A pleasing circuit at  Springfield on the outskirts of Chelmsford.  It is a favourite of cross regulars and can be best described as a proper cross course.  Some off-camber work, steps, and some twisting and turning complete the layout with only some forest  single track missing to complete the perfect course.

A good start by Bryan, from the second row of the grid, saw him again battling for sixth place.  However, a slide out and a little tiredness from Saturday’s efforts meant a gradual slide down the order.  John’s race was slightly marred by some clipping in fumbling at key moments.  He did catch ‘his’ group of six or so close rivals, battled his way past them, and then worked hard for most of the race to gradually increase the gap, although one rider did make it back to his wheel to nip past in the sprint to the finishing line. 

Another good result for Bryan, 11th at +2.47mins, with a solid effort from John to claim 20th at +4.18.  Sixty riders competed with the winner, Shaun Aldous of Iceni Velo, doing seven laps in 42.07.

Matt Cress was our sole entrant in the Senior race, completing the triumvirate of North Roaders to ride twice in the weekend.  Matt had a reasonable start, marred by running into a dog that decided to take part in proceedings!   Some evasive maneuvers forced Matt almost to the back of the field.  A five lap long battle ensued between Matt and four riders, which looked likely to go our man’s way before pushing too hard led to a crash and a chain off, sadly costing most of Matt’s hard earned gains.  More signs of improvement for Matt, with lap times 45 seconds quicker than last years race at this venue. 

Matt was 34th at 1 lap and 7.10 down on the winner.