We Will Remember Them
On Armistice day, Round 8 of the Welsh Cyclocross league moved back to Pembrey for the second of three fixtures. Being the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, organising club Bynea CC used the occasion to both raise money for the Royal British Legion and to build an innovative poppy design into the course layout; a fitting gesture on a significant date.
With the weather holding off far longer than anyone expected, the racers enjoyed a fun course defined by tight singletrack and a mix of natural obstacles.
Abergavenny RC prove strong contestants in Youths events
In the Youth races, the Truelove family (and Abergavenny RC) started strongly with Under 14 Emyr taking the Youth race - ahead of Under 16 winner Jon Pearce (also Abergavenny), with Bethany Bennett, Shannon Haird and Victoria Morgan taking the Youth Girls and Novice Women's categories respectively.
Manon Lloyd proves shes just as adept on the grass
Mark James put in another commanding performance to win the Vet50's in yet another super-competitive race, only narrowly failing to pip Abergavenny RC's Simon Loose to the overall victory. Meanwhile Manon Lloyd found the hard, fast conditions very much to her liking, proving she’s just as adept on the grass as she is on the boards, but Eluned King of Towy Riders rode a very strong race and sweeped to victory.
Final Event sees Abergavenny riders steel Top Positions on the Day
The Junior/Senior men's race was a closely contested battle, with Abergavenny RC junior Will Truelove continuing his excellent winter to emerge as overall victor ahead of Ben Nott. The racing was very tight over the first couple of laps with the pair ultimately braking away from Welsh Academy rider – and former Abergavenny rider - Joe Beckingsale, who never gave up the chase. All in all, a very impressive day for the South Wales club.
Up Next
The league now moves to Gilestone Farm, Talybont on Usk for round 10 on the 25th of November. With an enforced break preceding it, we’re confidently predicting another day of close battles, renewed rivalries and fine racing.
