Cyclocross National Champs
Last weekend, the most prestigious cyclo-cross race in the UK, the GB Championships, were held in the North West for the first time in over 20 years. The principal organiser, Helmshore’s Dave Haygarth, had organised an event befitting it’s national status, ably assisted by Adrian Watts and members of the North West CX league, attracting the top UK riders including several World Champions and World Cup contenders. The event was staged at the excellent venue of the Westmorland County Showground near Milnthorpe with a circuit presenting all that is expected in top level ‘cross’ – steep drop-offs, tiring climbs, , tricky off-cambers, fast open sections and, of course, MUD!
Several Rossendale riders were also competing with Ramsbottom’s Lewis Craven of Wheelbase CabTech Castelli taking the Gold Medal and winner’s jersey in the Men’s V40 race, after a 3 way battle with Paul Lloyd and Paul Oldham. In the U16 girls, Helmshore’s Elsie Haygarth was pleased with her 20th place finish and Iona Simcock in 26th.
The Men’s V50 race was clearly won by Nick Craig, but there was plenty of local interest further down the field. Phil Simcock riding for JMC continued his excellent season with a stunning top 10 finish in 9th, with Dave Haygarth in 17th. Carl Nelson, also a Ramsbottom JMC member took 68th spot.
Rossendale’s own Graham Wright continued to go well in the V70 class, and earned a well earned podium place, taking the silver place for 2nd. Derek Schofield finished 29th in the V60 class.
There was a crowd of over 2 thousand people on the Sunday to watch the televised Elite races. U23 World Champion, Zoe Backstedt, showed her class to lead from the front to take the Senior Women’s jersey by over 4 minutes.
The Elite Men’s race was the race of the weekend though, with a race long 3 way battle for the win. Cameron Mason of Trinity Racing missed a pedal at the start, but steadily worked through the field to catch Joe Blackmore and Thomas Mein, eventually taking the win from Blackmore with a tired Mein losing pace towards the end taking 3rd.
Next event locally will be the penultimate round of the North-West series , at Buile Hill Salford on Saturday 28th January.
Photos:
Graham Wright tackling the mud
Phil Simcock in the water, which had to be crossed 3 times every lap
Typical conditions on course for the Elite Men’s event
Cam Mason takes the win!
