Mercia CC-Lloyds cycles Report 17.10.19

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Mercia CC-Lloyds Cycles report 17.10.19.

A return to an old favourite venue for Round 4 of the Notts Derby Cyclo Cross League when the racing took place at Hilton Fields farm and hosted by Team Empella Cyclo Cross.com. Unlike most modern day Cyclo Cross races which generally take place in park land or playing fields this was in traditional pasture land made very bumpy by cattle etc with some good climbs provided by the ‘bomb holes’.

The Under 12 category saw Mercia CC-Lloyds Cycles duo of Daniel Ward and Sam Parker racing and as ever both rode tenaciously throughout. Ward was well in contention for much of the race but slipped back for a still well earned 8^th place. Parker was riding well in a consistent 11^th/12^th place but a fall near the end cost him dearly and he finished in 15^th postion. Jacob Steed of Sherwood Pines Cycles Forme was the winner.

Other Mercia CC-Lloyds Cycles riders took part in the Veteran classes, Oliver Parker again showing great consistency, despite not liking the course, finishing in 23^rd place in the V40 category behind the winner and series leader Ben Eedy of Team Empella Cyclo Cross .com. Adrian Waters took first place in the V70 class. And Pascal Arnoux of Zepnat RT-Lazer Helmets was 9^th place in the very competitive V50 class.

The ride of the day amongst the local riders must go to Julie Tipper. The relative newcomer to the sport riding in only her second full season rode to a very impressive 1^st place in the ladies V50 class beating many younger riders in the process on what was a very demanding course. Her relaxed riding style paid dividends over the demanding terrain and will no doubt stand her in good stead in future races.

The following day in the West Midlands League at Newport, Shropshire, the course was a sea of very wet slippery mud. Daniel Ward had a great start but was inexplicably taken out by a rider who went straight on instead of turning left at the first bend. Race over so many thought but Ward who was in last place at this point had other ideas and for the rest of the race stormed past his competitors to cross the line in an exceptional 3^rd place to maintain his challenge near the top of the league table. George Cooper of Sherwood Pines Cycles – Forme was the winner.

In the Leicester Cyclo Cross League new signing to the RST/Cycle Division Racing Team, Zak Machin, had a fine first race for his new team. Riding in the older Under 16 category he battled the very wet & muddy conditions to great effect to take a well deserved second place.