Newport Cyclocross

Here is this weeks cyclocross report !! Yes they did ride in the snow.

The penultimate race of the season was hosted by Newport Cycling Club at the local rugby ground. Despite the freezing blizzard conditions and snow on the ground the event continued as planned with only the hardy or mad turning up to race!!

The U10's started the day off just as the snow started to fall. With a nasty, cold cross wind, ice and deep snow to contend with the race was more of a test of courage rather than cycling speed. Just three Redditch riders made the Journey. Sullivan Berry keen to improve his league position used his technical skills to finish 11th despite loosing 4 places as his chain came off on the last lap. Ryan Oldfield who is only 5 years old braved the conditions wearing at least 5 layers of clothes to finish with his best result in 26th. Alexandra Franks showed her enthusiasm and determination for the sport she loves finishing strongly in 28th place. All were rewarded with a very large bag of sweets each for their efforts.

James Ralph was the only Redditch rider to brave the conditions in the u12's race. This was a fast a furious race with James again showing that the Redditch riders can make up good ground on the technical parts of the course using their superior skills. He finished exhausted after a great battle with riders who are higher up in the league in 11th his best position of the season.

The sole Redditch Competitor in the largest field of the day the Youth race was Gareth Richardson in the u14's boys category. Gareth had a solid race continuing his brilliant form this season. In almost Blizzard conditions he finished a very credible 9th backing up his strong league position showing that the extra training that Gareth is doing is providing dividends on race days.

The final race for the seniors and vets had a depleted field with many fearaing they would not be able to get off the car park as the snow continued to fall. Despite this Terry Richardson showed why he is the strongest of the Redditch riders again having a solid race finishing in 10th Place in the Vets over 40 category. John Potts a true Redditch club stalwart had his best finish of the season 22nd in the Vets over 40 category.

For everyone that competed and for the parents and spectators who all made the considerable effort to attend the event well done you have done your club proud