Lansley is Swindon 'Cross King

The Under-12 riders line up

The Swindon 'Cross, a combined Western and Wessex League event, was held in Lydiard Park to the west of Swindon on the events field. The weather was dry and very sunny and as the grass on the field had been cut in the previous couple of days, it was an especially fast course. The event was organised by Swindon Road Club who pulled out all their members to make the event a success. All the classes were full and the main race had well over a hundred riders.

Senior Race

The main race had a long run out lap in order to split the field up. As the field approached the technical area three riders had managed to pull out a small gap, Adrian Lansley (Pedal On), Jamie Newell (VC Meudon) and Crispin Doyle (Swindon RC) all looking very strong with the chasers at about 20secs. The next three laps were the same, with the gap around 20secs.

Some of the riders seem to getting caught out in the wooded section by the exposed tree roots, with a few taking a tumble, and Andy Powell (Hargroves) managed to roll a tub and part company with his bike on the furthest point away from the pit area.

With a couple of laps to go Adrian decided it was time to try to pull away, but he only managed to pull Jamie with him and these two separated by about 10secs, extended their lead over third place. With Crispin seeming to tire he was eventually passed by Keith Sheridan (Corinium).

With the bell still ringing the large field were still riding round as Adrian rounded the last turn to ride towards the large group of spectators on the finish line to take a well earned win with Jamie a distant second.

Provisional Result
1st Adrian Lansley (Pedal On)
2nd Jamie Newell (VC Meudon)
3rd Keith Sheridan (Corinium) + first Vet
4th Crispin Doyle (Swindon RC)
5th Luke Gray (Hargroves) + first junior
1st Women Hannah Barnes (Candi TV)

One and two, Adrian Lansley and Jamie Newall

Category winners, Hannah Barnes and Luke Gray

Youth Race

The youth race was won by Luke Cowley (Swindon RC) from Harvey Lowe (Hargroves). Luke started the race at a very fast pace pulling out a sizeable gap on lap one and kept the pace high throughout the race.

The Youth race lines up ready for the off