Mercia CC-Lloyds Cycles Report 01.02.19

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Mercia CC-Lloyds Cycles report 01.02.19.

 

The final round of the Notts Derby Cyclo Cross League took place at Chetwynd Army Barracks, Chilwell, Nottingham hosted by Fossa Racing. The relatively good conditions made for some exciting and close racing in all categories. Although a number of series winners had been decided before this event, competition was fierce for the remaining classes and for the minor placings which made for hard racing throughout.

First off were Mercia CC-Lloyds Cycles Under 12 riders Daniel Ward and Sam Parker. With neither rider looking at a top three series finish they might have had an easy end of season ride. However, the pair always race hard and this was no exception. Ward, probably thinking of the following days East Midlands Championship race, still rode hard throughout and finished in 8^th place whilst Parker had his best race and subsequent highest placed finish of the season when taking an excellent 12^th place. The winner was George Cooper of Sherwood Pines Cycles Forme.

The course was much more to the liking of Julie Tipper Mercia CC-Lloyds Cycles V50F rider than at the previous round. She found the firmer going much better than the previous weeks sticky mud and finished in a fine 2^nd place behind winner Elizabeth Bridgen of Ilkeston CC.

Pascal Arnoux of Zepnat.com RT Lazer Helmets V55 rider suffered a mechanical problem midway through the race but still managed to finish well up the field in 6^th place behind Philip Roach of Team Jewson-M.I. Racing.

The East Midlands Cyclo Cross Championships took place the following day in Lincoln with Daniel Ward the only local representative a lot was placed on his young shoulders. He rose to the challenge however and after a close very competitive race he finished in a well deserved 3^rd place. Jacob Steed of Bolsover & District Cycling Club took the win and the Under 12 Championship.

A very cold day heralded the start of the road racing season for Mercia CC-Lloyds Cycles Under 14 rider, Zak Machin. He took part in the Woolly Mamil Winter Series at Stourport Sports Club, Worcestershire. In a very close race four riders quickly broke away from the remaining riders and Machin was always in contention with all four riders taking turns at the front in a fast race. At the finish he broke too soon and had to settle for 3^rd place behind the winner, Emyr Truelove of Abergavenny RC. None the less a very satisfying start to the season for him.

Mercia CC-Lloyds Cycles had a good turnout for their Anniversary Club runs. The non-competitive events of 100k and 50k attracted 70 riders despite the very strong, cold wind. All the finishers were grateful for the cakes and coffee and the finish. The next similar ride takes place over the same distances but different routes on February the 24th starting from Henhurst Clubhouse at 10.00 am.