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Report: NE Cyclo-Cross & Emergency Services National Championships
Temple Memorial Park and Leisure Centre, South Shields - Sunday 8th November 2009
Organised and hosted by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service
Series Website: www.necca.org.uk/
Report by Nev Martin
Temple Park Leisure Centre was the venue for this brand new course, designed by Jamie Brady of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service CC. The course consisted of varying gradients on grass and included fast sections, off cambers. hurdles, zig-zags and the occasional nasty little climb over a total distance of 1.5 miles per lap.
Heavy rain the previous evening and early morning made for tiring conditions as the race programme progressed from the youth riders through to the senior race at 12.30, when the sun shone but, the course cut up nicely to leave sapping muddy ground.
Under 12 & Youth Races: The organisers put on an unofficial race for under 8's, which was very well received. Then the usual categories of under 10 and 12 age groups and then under 14 and 16 races were run off. These produced some good racing with Hetton Hawks riders very prominent in the results.
Above: a selection of images from the youth and various under-12 races
Senior Race: The senior race featured most of the well known riders of the region and Emergency Service personnel from around the UK.
Early pecking order was quickly established with Stuart Wearmouth and Steven Ward pulling slightly ahead of the main contenders. A strong pack including Tony Glover, Alan Nixon, Robert Smith, Cliff Featherstone was strung out along the excellent course, with first time rider Ben Lane holding onto the pace very well.
The main field line up for the start
Stuart Wearmouth went on to win the senior race
Gillian Palmer was the first women competitor home
As the race progressed and the conditions took their toll, Stuart managed a decisive gap and went on to ultimate victory by just under a minute. Ward came in second, with Nixon taking advantage of a mechanical problem for Glover to power on to third and first Emergency Service rider.
First Veteran was taken by Robert Smith in the V40 category. John Davidson (V45), Cliff Featherstone (V50), David Reid (V60) and C. Surman Wells (V65) took the other age categories. Gillian Palmer was first woman and William Brown first Junior.
The event was hailed a huge success by all riders and the organisers praised for the course, registration/sign on and organisation. A big thank you from the organisers goes out to South Tyneside Council and Temple Park Leisure Centre and its staff, for all their support in putting on this event.
Results (Link: full detailed results)
Senior:
1 .Stuart Wearmouth (MTS Cycles/In Bulid)
2. Steven Ward (MTS Cycles/In Bulid)
3. Alan Nixon (Durham and Darlington Fire)
Veteran:
Robert Smith (Derwentside CC)
Lady:
Gillian Palmer (Sandy Wallace Cycles)
Junior:
William Brown (Cleveland Wheelers)
Emergency Services:
1. Alan Nixon (Durham and Darlington Fire)
2. Simon Davison (Durham and Darlington Fire)
3. Lee Walker (Notts Fire)
Under 8 boy
1st - Paul Errington (Hetton Hawks)
2nd - Arran Brown (Hetton Hawks)
Under 8 girl
1st - Holy Smith (NE31 Tri)
2nd - Rose McIntosh (Hetton Hawks)
3rd - Edith McIntosh (Hetton Hawks)
Under 10 boy
1st - Sam Dobson (Hetton Hawks)
2nd - Chritian Worner (Teesdale CRC)
3rd - Nick Mc Whirter (Merida Road Bikes)
Under 12 boys
1st - Thomas Mein (Hetton Hawks)
2nd - Miles Worner (Teesdale CRC)
3rd - Johnathon Dobson (Hetton Hawks)
Under 12 girls
1st - Emma Brady (Hetton Hawks)
2nd - Imogen Brooke (Hetton Hawks)
Under 14 boys
1st - Alex Hopper (Cleveland Wheelers)
2nd - Charlie Tanfield (Velo 29)
3rd - Elliott Davison (Hetton Hawks)
Under 14 girls
1st - Katie Mein (Hetton Hawks)
Under 16 boys
1st - Adam Martin(Active Cycles)
2nd - Harry Tanfield (Velo 29)
