PHOTOS FROM MIKE ANSTICE
Welsh Cyclo-Cross League Round 8
Parc Cwm Darran, (Wales)
Promoted By: New Tredegar Nomads CC
Report: Liz Slater
Photos from Mike Anstice. To view albums, click the Gallery button at the top of the page.
There was a feeling of deja-vu amongst those riders who turned out for the New Tredegar Nomads 'cross at Parc Cwm Darran on Sunday. Heavy rain had made the 2006 Welsh Championships at the same venue a mud bath and history was set to repeat itself. However, a new course for the U12s and re-routing of the main course made the going a bit easier for the riders. 
Numbers were expected to be low and indeed only those in contention for an overall series position and a group of friends of ODP rider Becky James's sister on an adventure weekend braved the conditions.
Few U12s gave up their waterproofs as they huddled together on the start line and few club jerseys were in evidence as they took off over the sodden ground. A good start was essential as they were soon off their bikes and running up a short, single track climb. First to show at the top and quickly back on his bike was Sam Beckingsale (Abergavenny RC). A series of switchbacks brought the riders back onto the finishing straight and into the wind. Beckingsale was first through with Rowan Miller (Maindy Flyers) already some way back in second and Emma Roberts (Towy Riders) third.
The gap steadily increased to half a lap by the finish as Beckingsale comfortably took his fourth successive win. Behind him Roberts dropped off the pace and Miller held off Ffion James (Abergavenny RC) for second place. U10 Boy Jack Broadley (Maindy Flyers) had an excellent race finishing unlapped in sixth place and U10 Girls Jessica Roberts (Towy Riders) and Amy Hinchly (Maindy Flyers) had yet another race-long battle. Roberts' win sees her just one point ahead of Hinchly in the series.
With a full run of wins, Youth series leader Thomas Walker (Abergavenny RC) could easily afford to give this round a miss. So, with Ruby Miller (Maindy Flyers) contesting the National Trophy, Ryan Nash (Abergavenny RC) started as favourite to win the Youth race. But it was team-mate Bobby Coles who finished the first lap ahead of Nash; and a puncture half way round the second lap dashed Nash's hopes of a win. U14 Joe Anstice (Newport Velo) moved into second place. Anstice took the lead as the two sprinted up the finishing straight but Coles just found the strength to edge past him for his first win of the series; Anstice was first U14 Boy. Amy Roberts (Towy Riders) was first U14 Girl.
In the main race Sam Harrison (Cwmcarn Paragon) and Luke Moseley (Climb On Bikes) soon broke away from the rest of the field and were swapping places at the front. Behind them battles for League positions were being fought. Richard Bowen (Gateway RT) gained most from the race, getting the better of Veteran Ross Porter (Cwmcarn Paragon) on the final lap and finishing in third position, putting more points between him and season-long rival Joe Lally (CC Abergavenny). Series leader and Veteran Daren Williams (Abergavenny RC) could not quite get on terms with Porter on this occasion and had to settle for second Veteran. With the leading pair still together as they turned onto the road for the finish, it came down to a sprint for the line - just won by Harrison. Having an excellent first season as a Junior, Matthew Jones (Cwmcarn Paragon) was first Junior in eighth place and Becky James (Pinarello RT) was first Woman.
The final round of the series (Maindy Flyers' Christmas 'Cross) will be held next Sunday (16th December) at Blackweir Park, Cardiff. Signing-on/changing will be at Maindy Stadium so allow sufficient time to get between the two. It promises to be a cracker of an event!