Mercia CC-Lloyds Cycles Report 20.09.18

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Mercia CC-Lloyds Cycles report 20.09.18

The Forme – Notts Derby Cyclo-Cross League Round 1 took place at Markeaton Park in Derby hosted by Cyclo Derby. The course was probably one of the best set out on the frequently used park, containing all types of terrain, technical sections and even a few early season slippery sections to challenge the riders in all age groups. The early season warm weather suited riders and spectators alike.

First off of the local cyclists were Under 12 Mercia CC-Lloyds Cycles riders Daniel Ward and Sam Parker both of whom were in the first year of this age group, as a consequence they were gridded further down the field than the second year riders. Ward unfortunately missed getting his foot clipped in at the gun and lost a few more places as a consequence. He battled his way through the field and by the end finished in an excellent 6^th place. A better start and gridding could see him gain a few places in future events. Meanwhile Parker in only his second year of Cyclo-cross showed the benefit of a hard summer road race season and training to look far more assured than previously on the taxing circuit. His 15^th place at the finish was much higher than previously achieved and will hopefully encourage him for the season. Good results for both riders out of 58 finishers. The winner was George Cooper of Sherwood Pines Cycles Forme.

Mercia’s Julie Tipper in only her 3^rd Cyclo cross race showed great potential when riding to a very strong 4^th place in the Ladies V50 class. She beat a large number of younger and more experienced riders in the ladies event and can only improve further. The winner in this class was ex world age group Champion Tracey Fletcher of Team Empella Cyclo-Cross.com.

In the Veteran men’s class 145 riders crossed the finishing line in a packed race. Two Mercia riders took part, Steve Herriman improving on last year’s positioning despite suffering a front wheel puncture rode a consistent race to finish in 30^th place in what is a very competitive V50 class. Adrian Waters having moved into the oldest category this season managed to finish in 1^st place in the V70 event.

Sunday was a busy day for Daniel Ward, first off he rode in Round two of the Ridley Lazer West Midlands Cyclo-Cross League event at Solihull hosted by Solihull CC. He had a good ride to finish in 7^th place out of 49 finishers. George Cooper winning his second event of the weekend. In the evening Ward travelled to Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire for the annual floodlit hill climb, an event which not many youngsters like to tackle. He had a fine ride though to finish in 2^nd place of the young riders and his time would have placed him up the leader board in the Senior event.