Wolverhampton was the venue for the final race of the West Midlands Cyclocross League. The course was very different from previous years due to the wet conditions. A bright sunny but cold morning greeted the u10's race in which Redditch fielded 10 riders a great turnout. Being the final race this was a chance for everyone to consolidate their league positions and each rider had their own goals of who to beat. Sulli Berry rounded off an impressive season managing to beat many of his local Halesowen rivals finishing in 8th place his best position of the season just 4 seconds off 6th place. He has another year left in this age group so he will be hoping to be up their with the leaders next year. Luke Richardson improved significantly with a gutsy ride. Having to start at the back of the grid he scythed his way through the field staying strong all the way to the end to finish 14th. Charlotte Blundell was the first Redditch Girl home finishing 31st but 8th Girl. 5 year Old Ryan Oldfield was close behind with an impressive first season in the u6 category where he has finished the league in second position. Hannah Turnbull struggled a bit with the conditions after a long lay off from racing but had a great battle with Alexandra Franks and Lucy Blundell all finishing well in 9th, 10th an 11th Girl respectively. Mathew Blundell battled all race against the muddy conditions often having to push his bike up the slippery technical parts but his smile showed he enjoyed every minute. All of the u10's have shown a great deal of courage and determination this season and all have achieved more than they thought they could in this technical and difficult sport well done.
Sam Wainwirght was joined by Clarissa Palmeri in the u12's race. The course was now very cut up and becoming increasingly difficult to ride. Sam used his stamina to build on a solid start seeing off older riders along the way. Sam again has another year in this age group and by finishing 15th this race consolidated his 15th position in the league over Friend and Rival James Ralph. Clarissa Palmeri rode strongly all day often having to get out of the saddle just to get enough power to get through the mud. Her determination and infectious smiles were rewarded with a 3rd Position in the u12's girls. Clarissa will end the season 4th U12 Girl.
Tracey Palmeri returned to racing after having a few weeks off to nurse Husband Fino who had a knee operation which put an end to his seasons racing. Hopefully Fino will recover well and will be racing again next year. Get well soon Fino. Tracey found the conditions hard after her break however as usual she was never fazed by the wind and rain and fought hard to maintain her great season finishing 5th in her women's category.
Just two riders entered the youth race this week Gareth Richardson and Joe Geehan. Both battled rain, wind and hail as the conditions started to deteriorate. The course by now was just unridable in some locations both of the lads had a solid race and were pleased to have finished their season strongly. Both riders have shown a staggering improvement over the course of the season and have showed what hard work and determination can help make massive improvements.
The seniors and Vets race was always going to be hotly contested between the Redditch riders with Paul Salkeld needing his best race of the season to stick any chance of catching Terry Richardson in the league. At first it seemed that Salkeld was on course of a record ride he had the bit between his teeth and had gained almost a minute in the first few laps on Richardson who was still suffering from a calf strain . Unfortunately for Salkeld this was not to last and bad luck struck as his rear mech broke effectively ending his challenge for club honours. He finished the race on his daughter bike. The only Redditch entry in the seniors U40 senior race was James Strain who has been the most enthusiastic of Redditch Riders. His first season has been a massive learning curve in both technique and fitness however Sundays race was to be a culmination of this where he passed Salkled and was challenging to be the first Redditch rider home pushing Richardson who is normally minutes ahead all the way to the line. James finished the senior category in 15th Place, if he remembers to register for the league next year he will have his eyes of the Redditch Cross Trophy.
A great season came to an end and it has been the best Redditch has seen for many years with multiple entries throughout the age groups top 10 finishes brilliant league positions but most of all lost of fun. All of the children have had a great time and this infects the adults encouraging them to have a go so if you want to try cyclocross or just want to join the club please see the website for details
www.rrpcc.co.uk. The club is a family club and membership is just £12.
Paul Berry
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