Race Report – NDCXL Round 10 – Markeaton Park

Derby Mercury RC Derby Mercury RC

The SRAM NDCXL returned this weekend to Markeaton Park in Derby for round 10, courtesy of organising club Derby Mercury. Although this was the second time the series has visited Markeaton this season, changes to the course and difficult, muddy conditions meant that riders enjoyed a significantly different experience to the race earlier in the year.

The Senior Men’s race saw a series of different leaders throughout the race, with Chris Metcalfe (Charge Bikes) setting some of the early pace. As conditions took their toll on riders and bikes, fast and effective pit changes were required, and the race began to favour those who excel in the mud.

In the end, Fossa Bikes’ Lee Shunburne’s ability to deliver consistent lap times rewarded him with the victory, ahead of Pedal Power’s Paul Cox. Shunburne’s Fossa team-mate Andrew Naylor took third.

In the Women’s race, Sarah Lomas (Nutcracker Racing) delivered a strong performance to take the win, ahead of first Vet Maddie Smith (Bolsover and District CC).

After the race Lomas said “I was happy to take the win. My skills really came into play on a good muddy course”

Last week’s winner, Kate George (Empella) appeared to find this week’s conditions tougher going, and finished 3 minutes behind Smith in third. Derby Mercury’s Eve Roberts and Nottingham Clarion’s Caroline Mansfield took second and third veterans respectively.

In the Men’s Junior Race, all of the top three rode strongly into the top of the Men’s field overall, with Arthur Green (Matlock CC) taking 5th overall and first Junior. Sherwood Pines’ Josh Waters was second Junior with Kieran Howarth (Nottingham Clarion) rounding out the top three.

The Veteran Mens race saw Zepnat’s Daniel Alexander deliver some of the fastest laps of the day on his way to victory, finished over a minute ahead of Peak Road Club’s Dan Cook, and third placed Stephen Whitehouse (Bicicielo).

In the Youth races, the U16 Boys victory was taken emphatically by Sherwood Pines’ Cameron Orr, ahead of VC Lincoln’s James Armstrong and Bailey Wilmot (Derby Mercury). The U14 Boys race saw Pedalsport’s Jensen Young clinch the win, ahead of Nottingham Clarion’s Finn Mansfield, and Josh Scales (Derby Mercury)

Continuing a strong season, Elena Smith (Fossa Racing) claimed the overall Youth Girl win, as well as first U14. Host club Derby Mercury filled the top three U16 girls places, with Xan Crees, Isabelle Boon and Alice Warbrick. Second and third U14 girls were Matlock CC’s Amelie Wayte and Sarah Briggs.

The U12 Boys race saw Heanor Clarion’s Joshua Giddings battling with Rutland Rouleur’s Owen Lightfoot and Derby Mercury’s Ben Chilton. This week Chilton took the win ahead of Lightfoot, with Giddings coming in third. Matlock CCs Libby Smith put in a strong performance to see her take victory in the Girls U12, nearly two minutes ahead of her nearest rival, Grace Fishleigh (Bolsover and District CC). Nottingham Clarion’s Lotta Mansfield took third place.

Ben Mellor shrugged off the challenges of Oscar Atkinson in the U9 Boys race to claim another victory, with Lola Jamieson (Cycle Derby) continuing her winning ways in the Girls.

Photos here