Miller Claims National Title!

 

Huge medal haul for Welsh riders at National Cyclo-cross Champs

 

Welsh youngster Ruby Miller (Maindy Flyers) commenced her 2008 racing season with style, living up to her billing as favourite to win the National Cyclo Cross title in the Under 16 girls category. Miller's achievement raised expectations for the Welsh contingent competing with a further three medals being won over the championship.

 

Miller, leader of the National Trophy series, overcame her early nerves despite the crowds expectations, to set the early pace around the tricky, fast corners of the championship circuit. Accelerating away from the corners in her characteristic smooth style, it was left to nearest challengers Lucy Garner (Leicestershire Off Road Club), Hannah Shenton (Team Chance and eventual Under 14's champion) and Hannah Barnes (Palmer Park Velo) to continually close the gaps Miller's accelerations created. However, the challengers saw a glimmer of hope when Miller unshipped her chain early on lap two, allowing riders to gain a 20 second gap whilst the Welsh youngster changed bikes in the pits.

Miller then displayed her abilities as title favourite to calmly chase the attackers, moving past each in turn and ultimately build a 20 second lead by the line, claiming the title.

 

Shortly behind Miller, Amy Roberts (Towy Riders) sprinted across the line to claim a surprise bronze medal in the Under 14 girls category. Roberts, competing in her first National event, proved she had put the demons of a broken wrist last season behind her and displayed little intimidation at this level to confidently claim her first National medal, with the former triathlete displaying impressive skills around the technical sections of the course.

 

The boys Championship saw Sam Harrison (Cwmcarn Paragon) line up for one of the few Cyclo Cross events he has contested this season. Harrison was billed as a serious challenger, however, given his National Track competition titles. The boys event commenced at a furious pace, with Harrison immediately attacking the early leaders and favourite Luke Gray (Hargroves Cycles). This proved to set the style of racing, with each competitor continually attacking each other Gray moving ahead on the technical sections whilst Harrison used his considerable power to bring the favourite back on the straights. Alas, the continual efforts proved to be the undoing for Harrison, as Gray moved ahead to a clear win, but the Cwmcarn youngster comfortably taking the Silver medal.

 

Wales final medal of the event proved to be won in a similar vein to the Youth Boys. Harrisons clubmate Andrew Williams used his considerable strength from the road and track to challenge defending champion Alex Paton (VC Deal) from the gun. Again, as Williams slowed on the sharp, technical corners, Paton would pile on the pressure, only for the Welshman to power past and counter attack. However, the continual efforts again took their toll allowing Paton to draw out a 10 second lead over the last half lap, with Andrew powering into the Silver medal position ahead of a fast finishing Hamish Creber (Sandy Wallace Cycles).

 

In non-championship events, Ffion James took victory in the U12 Girls category, Jessica Roberts was 2nd in the U10 Girls closely followed by Seren Kerfoot-Robson with Christian Smith 3rd in the U10 Boys.

 

1st

 

Ruby Miller - Youth Girls

Ffion James - U12 Girls

 

2nd

 

Andrew Williams - Junior Men

Sam Harrison - Youth Boys

Jessica Roberts - U10 Girls

 

3rd

 

Amy Roberts - U14 Girls

Seren Kerfoot-Robson - U10 Girls

Christian Smith - U10 Boys