Eastern Cyclocross League 5- Sat 8th October 2011

A full turn out of North Road ‘mud-pluggers’ for the latest round of the Eastern Cyclo Cross League hosted by the Essex Roads CC at Basildon.  The course was dominated by a  grassy knoll that made the back section very hilly whilst the remainder off the course was flat verdant grassland.

John McDowall’s race ended at the first attempt to climb a particularly testing grassy slope, with a spectacular chain breakage, a fate that befall several other riders.  

Steve James rode strongly through-out and can be rightfully pleased with his finishing position, substantially higher up the field than he has achieved so far. 

 Dave Kiely entertained the troops as per usual - he too broke a chain, ran the best part of a lap, was given someones spare bike, crashed that, climbed back on and continued, and then had to deal with a medical emergency as a rider fell heavily in front of him.  

Steve Blackwell found it heavy going on his MTB, but battled on to the finish in jaunty style.

Tim Brown was star of the day though,  a truly awesome ride that also included a crash, he came home in fourth place to achieve the best cyclocross result for a North Roader in some considerable time (can any member remember a better result?)

The winner was Mike Bowen of West Suffolk Wheelers who did 5 laps in 38-38.  Tim Brown 4th +1.09, Steve James 25th +4.10, Steve Blackwell 67th plus 1 lap and 2.16, and Dave Kiely (yes, remarkably he still finished!) 74th plus 1 lap and 10-01.

82 riders started, 75 finished with many of the DNFs suffering chain breakages

Full results can be found here,

http://www.easterncross.org.uk/race11-12-5.htm