Round 10 of the SRAM NDCXL was hosted by Beeston CC at Broxtowe Park this weekend. The Broxtowe course is already a popular one with regular NDCXL riders, but the organisers took the opportunity to improve things further this season with a few subtle course changes, including more wooded sections and extra use of the tricky ditch feature. The course also changed throughout the day, with early firm conditions giving way to slippy, muddy corners by the later races.
The Men’s race saw a fast start from Josh Waters (Velo Schils – Interbike RT), closely followed by Charge’s Chris Metcalfe, returning strongly from injury. As the laps progressed though Metcalfe was unable to hold the pace, and was ultimately overtaken by Fossa’s Lee Shunburne in his final ride as a senior, with Jakrabbit’s Alan Duncan taking third. Nottingham Clarion’s James Swadling took first Junior.
Team Empella dominated the Women’s race from the start, with Kate George, Xan Crees (Jun) and Tiffany Fletcher leading out the first lap. The trio held these positions through to the end of the race. The Veteran Women’s top three was Helen Dussek (Nottingham Clarion), Caroline Mansfield (MI Racing) and Zoe Codd (Nottingham Clarion). 1st V50 was Marianne Heffron.
The V40 men’s race saw a fast start from Bolsover’s Mike Leaney, who led for the first half lap. League leader Matt Crouch (Fossa) soon made a move to the front however, and quickly built an unassailable gap on the rest of the field. Nottingham Clarion’s Rich Edge finished three minutes behind the Fossa rider, with Steven Henshall (St Helens CRC) in third.
The V50 race saw a familiar show of strength from Zepnat’s Pete Middleton, who rode through the V40 field on his way to victory, 3 minutes ahead of chaser Phil Roach (Team Jewson-MI Racing-Polypipe) Leicestershire Road Club’s Nigel Gregory took third spot.
Empella enjoyed yet more success in the Youth races, with Amelie Wayte taking a convincing win in the U16 Girls race, ahead of MI Racing’s Lotta Mansfield (also first U14 Girl). Second and third U16 Girls were Alice Crane (Derby Mercury) and Cycle Derby’s Ellie Dilks. Second and third U14 Girls were Lucy Buckley (Cycle Derby) and Holly Bailey (Heanor Clarion)
In the Youth Boys race, Lichfield City CC’s Marcus Holmes claimed victory, despite early challenges from eventual second placed rider Finn Mansfield (MI Racing). Ben Chilton (Derby Mercury) took third overall, and first U14 Boy overtaking Josh Giddings (MI Racing) who punctured on the last lap, with Jack Brough (MI Racing) and Christopher Hilbert (Sherwood Pines CyclesFelt-Enve) third and fourth U14. Third U16 was Ben Dowson (Hetton Hawks Cycling Club)
U9 race report
On a fresh winter morning, cold but sunny, the U9s got the days racing action underway at Broxtowe Country Park on a course that had been revised from previous years, the increasing rider numbers necessitating a longer course as the hill often proved a choke point with smaller riders. The changes were well received by parents and riders.
At the sound of the whistle, 46 riders went charging up the hill on the start loop, with the familiar sight of Bolsover & District CC rider Jacob Steed being chased by the new league leader and clubmate, George Cooper, as they crossed the timing mat for the first time. The pair stayed within a wheels distance of each other for the entire race, both attempting attacks at various stages that were quickly reeled in. Approaching the finish hill, Steed had the lead but Cooper mounted a last gasp attack and had just saved enough energy to overtake before the finish line, taking the win by 2 seconds. This win saw Cooper become the U9 League Champion with an unassailable lead at the top of the table.
Behind the lead pair, a equally enthralling battle was occurring between Dillon Preece (Bolsover & District) and Daniel Ward (Mercia CC). Much like the lead pair, attacks by both were quickly nullified, neither rider prepared to let the other get away. Again it came to the last hill to decide the remaining podium place, Preece replicating Cooper’s attack and just beating Ward to the finish line by a bike length.
A familiar Bolsover & District 1-2-3 and some brilliant racing, well done to all.
Edie Bott (4 Life) was first girl lapping almost 40s quicker than second and third placed Lottie Lissaman and Eleanor Gordon.
Under 12
Ahh Broxtowe – guarantee of mud and even the possibility of snow, ups and downs it did deliver. 52 compete.
New gridding etiquettes were observed again today. Marshalls reported that it seemed to be well received by parents “very organised, seems to keep a lid on emotions, the children responding well and everything seems fairer and calmer”. Racers keen to line up with 15 minutes to go were sent off in a relaxed style for just one more warm up lap ahead of said gridding, with little resistance. That said some riders anticipating the start look decidedly not warmed up – that’s the micro-climate in the dell at Broxtowe where we start our u9 and u12.
Coats thrown, whistle’s blown, they’re off. Soon George Amor-Hughes (DMRC) and Zak Machin (Lloyds Cycles/Mercia) together take an early advantage, taking turns at leading. They quickly establish more than 14 sec lead on the rest of the field, followed by Luke, Ben, Otto, Tom and Jude then first girl Flo Lissamor with Ben Mellor also putting in a strong performance.
At the bell lap we see George have a slight tangle with course tape and put Zak ahead for most of the lap. Coming out of the trees on the final push George has taken the lead following a crash on Zaks part, the rest of the field 20+ seconds behind.
Over the finish Line we have George then Zak after a good battle, followed by Luke Kinimonth ahead of Ben Marsh. First Girl is next, Flo Lissaman with Harriet Limb and Evie Steed completing the top three.
Away from the podium competition the action near the pits – up the deadly bank, saw a sweepstake on who could ride cleanly or run faster. It’s nice the way the changing of the courses for the different age categories brings different “pinchpoints”. Having had to get off your bike because of the mud (deliberately on otherwise) you then had to decide where is the best place to get back on – a new skill presented and practised today at last 5 times for some. As congestion eased the “tech-heads” delivered clean ascents and comments and cheers “Good lad that was epic” as well as advice of the plenty about when to get off, when to run and when to keep on running.
We love cross, Bring on Chilwell