Welsh Cyclo-Cross League Round 7

 

Sunday, 25th of November, (Margam Park)

Photos from Mike Anstice - To see more, click a Gallery button at the top of the page to display an album of images.

After last season's enforced relocation to mtb territory the Ogmore Valley Wheelers' promotion was back on its usual site at Margam Park. Renowned for its long muddy stretches, organiser Tim Raine was pleasantly surprised by how rideable the course was. Refreshed after the previous Sunday's lay-off (and, no doubt, relieved considering the weather) and with many League positions still too close to call, riders enthusiastically took to the start line to renew their rivalry.

Nowhere is this greater than in the U12s, and with the field showing no sign of diminishing, riders are contesting every round. Going into this race only one point separated Abergavenny RC's Ffion James and Sam Beckingsale and victory for Beckingsale would see them with an equal number of wins. From the start it was evident that, barring misfortune, this was going to be the outcome as Beckingsale took to the front, with James following the wheel of Rowan Miller (Maindy Flyers). A little further back U10 Amy Hinchly (Maindy Flyers) was looking determined and having an excellent race. These three were the only ones to finish on the same lap as Beckingsale, as he took a comfortable third victory. With James holding off Miller for 2nd place, the two Abergavenny RC riders are now equal on points, well ahead of William James (Brecon Wheelers) in 3rd. Hinchly's 4th place (1st U10 Girl) has narrowed the gap to leading U10 Jessica Roberts (Towy Riders) to just one point. Jack Broadley (Maindy Flyers) was 1st U10 Boy.

The line-up for the Youth race included National Trophy Round 3 winning girl Ruby Miller (Maindy Flyers), out to test herself against the boys. With Tom Walker (Abergavenny RC) immediately taking up his usual position out in front, Miller was challenging his team-mate Ryan Nash. Her off-the-bike strengths soon began to show and she moved into 2nd place on the second lap and held this to the finish, even closing on Walker. Jack Llewellyn (M & D Cycles) was 1st U14 Boy in 4th place. An excellent start by Nia Knight (Towy Riders) saw her battling with fellow U14 Girl Molly Sander (Cardiff 100 Milers) but the two were overhauled midway through the race by winning U14 Girl Elinor Barker (Maindy Flyers).

Not surprisingly, it was Ben Simmons (Lifeforce), Anthony O'Boyle (Gateway RT) and Lee Williams (Abergavenny RC) followed by Junior Andrew Williams (Cwmcarn Paragon) who led the field through after the first lap of the main race. But it was not long before Lee Williams, showing his customary strength, moved into the lead with Simmons slipping behind O'Boyle and being challenged for the entire race by Andrew Baum (Gateway RT). Baum eventually got the better of Simmons while team-mate Richard Bowen overhauled Joe Lally (CC Abergavenny) mid-race in their battle for 3rd placed Senior in the League. With Veterans Daren Williams (Abergavenny RC) and Ross Porter (Cwmcarn Paragon) finishing between them Bowen is now only three points behind 2nd placed Porter.

O'Boyle valiantly chased Lee Williams but had to settle for 2nd place ahead of Baum and Simmons with Guy Stevens (Abergavenny RC) the only other rider to finish on the same lap. Mechanical problems on the third lap forced Andrew Williams to retire.

League leader Daren Williams and 2nd placed Ross Porter (both Veterans) pushed each other hard right to the end with Williams taking the win. Matthew Jones (Cwmcarn Paragon) finished 11 th (and 1st Junior) to move into the League lead in the Junior category and Nina Davies maintained her unbeaten record in the Women's category.

The riders now turn their attention to the Welsh Championships at Pontypool Park on Sunday. Over 100 riders have entered in the four categories with 37 in the Under 12s alone - some exciting racing can be expected there. Following the return of cyclo-cross to North Wales it is good to see that several riders will be making the journey south.