Race Report – Round 5 – Bingham– VC Nottingham

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Picture Lucy Kong

Round 5 of the SRAM NDCXL travelled to Bingham this weekend, courtesy of organising club VC Nottingham. Although the lack of recent rain meant another dry race, the course was perhaps the most technical of the season to date, with the organisers making full use of the grass banking at the venue to create a multitude of off-camber challenges for riders.

The Senior Men’s race saw Sleaford Wheeler George Thompson lead riders through the cambers on the first lap, with Pines Cycle’s Dave Fletcher on his wheel. By lap two, Fletcher had pulled away from Thompson, who found himself back amongst the chasers, with Pedal Power’s Paul Cox taking over second position. As the laps went on Fletcher never looked in doubt for the win, and Cox looked as though he may well hold on to second, but within the last two laps George Thompson had a resurgence that saw him fight his way back into second place. Cox eventually slipped back to fifth place, with his team mate Adam Gascoigne claiming third.

Fletcher commented on social media afterwards – “Nice to take the win in today’s NDCXL at Bingham – Good prep for next weekend’s National Trophy!”

The front of the Women’s race saw much less close racing action than the Men’s, with Bolsover & District CCs Maddi Smith stamping her authority on the race from the start. After the first short lap she already had 20 seconds on her rivals, and her chasers never managed to get any closer than this. Although Empella team mates Kate George and Tracey Fletcher had a close battle for the first couple of laps, they soon split apart by a gap of 10 seconds, which George held to the finish to take second.

Pedal Power’s Julie Elder and Velosure’s Sian Botteley took second and third Senior behind George, with Marianne Heffron (Zepnat) claiming third Veteran.

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The Veteran Men’s race saw Bicicielo’s Stephen Whitehouse take the win ahead of Darryl Hewson (Ellmore Factory Racing). Fossa Racing’s Matt Crouch took third place in his first NDCXL race of the season.

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V50 pics Lucy Kong

The V50 race saw another Ellmore Factory rider enjoying success, as Graham Clark took the win by a clear margin over Pedal Power’s Mick Davies. Leicestershire Road Club’s Nigel Gregory rode to third.

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In the Youth races, last season’s FU14 National Champion, Poppy Wildman rode to a clear victory in the U16 Girls, ahead of Fossa’s Elena Smith and Empella’s Xan Crees. The FU14 race saw Amelie Wayte (Zepnat) ride to the win ahead of Sarah Briggs (Matlock CC) and Nottingham Clarion’s Lotta Mansfield.

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The MU16 race victory was claimed by Matthew Ellis (Sherwood Pines Cycles), a clear 30 seconds ahead of Nottingham Clarion’s Tom Dussek. Dussek’s Clarion team mate Finn Mansfield took third place. In the MU14, Leicestershire Road Club’s Alec Gregory took the win, with Lichfield CC’s Emile Alexander and Christian Boon (Derby Mercury CC) behind him.

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The U12 race saw Jessica Tiffney (Derby Mercury) ride to clear victory over a minute ahead of her nearest rival, Bolsover & District CC’s Grace Fishleigh. Rutland CC’s Flo Lissaman was third.

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The Boys U12 event was won from the front by Pines Cycles-Felt rider Christopher Hilbert, ahead of Matlock CC’s Sam Gould and Fred Shenton-McQueen (Beeston RC)

The Boys and Girls U9 glories went to Bolsover’s Jacob Steed and Derby Mercury’s Romy Jameson.

Uncredited pics above courtesy of Richard Davies