Latest RRC Race Action
With the Spring weather now upon us, cycling competitions are in full swing and valley riders are making the most of the opportunities, with plenty of interest in road and criterium racing. Criteriums are bunch race events, generally held on closed multi-lap short circuits, with several circuits in reach of Rossendale – Tameside, Salt Ayre (Lancaster) and the Steven Burke Centre in Barrowford. They are particularly attractive to junior riders, away from the complexity of racing on open roads.
It is Mark Berry who has shown the best early season form of the Rossendale Road Club team, taking an impressive win in last Tuesday night’s Tameside league meeting, sponsored by Rapha. Helmshore’s Dave Haygarth finished 25th in the same race, with daughter Elsie 2nd in the U16 girl’s category. Mark followed that up with a second win this week, with Craig Venske finishing well in the same race. James Eastwood and Mick Taylor were strong in the front pack of the 4th Category race.
In the more traditional time trial events of the last weekend, Craig Venske is proving to be a real force in North West cycling, beating many established stars to take 5th place in Southport CC’s 15 mile event in a time of 34.34 min, with Howard Leach down the field in 44.32, and John Leach proving age is no barrier finishing with 47.09.
Derek Schofield was one of the unlucky riders with a late number, getting caught in a freak storm in Macclesfield Wheelers 25 mile TT in Chelford, dropping to 48th place from the 78 starters with a time of 1.04.04.
Rossendale RC’s evening 10 mile TT series had to be cancelled on Tuesday due to unforeseen road works, and will now start next week at Hapton, with sign-on from 6:30pm. All riders are welcome and no memberships are required, just turn up and set yourself a time for a 10 mile effort. Entry fee is just £5 on the line and with the CTT, the governing body for UK time trialling keen to attract more riders, standard road bikes are especially welcome.
Photos:
Mark Berry, on the left, in second place before the final sprint
And taking the win with a huge lunge over the line
