Cyclocross visits Thornbridge
Notts & Derby League Cyclocross Closes the 2011 Season at Thornbridge
Some big names in the sport were present taking the opportunity of one final race of 2011. Local legend, ex-Senior and current Veteran national champion Nick Craig (Scott) was victorious in the race. A field of 179 in the main race was led away by David Fletcher (Boardman Elite) and Tom Last (Sigma Sport) with Craig down in around 5th place. By lap two Craig had got across to and past Last and was chasing hard to catch Fletcher, which he did by lap 3. They stayed together for a while but as the course cut up further Craig came into his own and was able to pull away by lap, employing his usual technique of taking lines that few others use in order to find traction.
On a day with a top-class field (ex national champion Ian Bibby was a non-finisher with mechanical troubles), Notts and Derby league regulars found themselves a little further down the order than usual, the first of these being Andy Naylor (Ashfield RC) in 9th followed by Chris Metcalfe (Charge Bikes) in 10th, just behind another local Pete Middleton (Zepnat) in 8th.
Annie Last (Boardman Elite) took an anticipated victory for the women's honours, using all her technical ability to finish 28th overall after a recent break from training and competition.
The Final Results are:-
Nick Craig (Scott) 9 laps in 52-17
Women: Annie Last (Boardman Elite). Juniors: Alex Welburn (Cycleshack).
For images from al the days racing go to gallery pages or click on link http://www.sportsshots.co.uk/index.php?menu=24
In the preceding Youth race, James Shaw (Heanor Clarion) continued his current run of good form, finishing 24 seconds in front of the visiting Billy Harding (Paul Milnes Cycles) and Dylan Robson (Rhos-on-Sea) after 24 minutes of racing. Arthur Green of the promoting club took 4th and Sarah Lomas, also of Matlock, was the first girl.
Top 5
Girls: Sarah Lomas (Matlock CC). Under-14s: William Gascoyne (Matlock CC). Under-14 girls: Jess Willett (Heanor Clarion).
Under-12s:
1 Sol Kerfoot-Robson (Rhos on Sea CC) 7 laps in 14-32
2 Jenson Young (Pedalsport CC) @ same time
3 John Webster (Matlock CC) @ same time
Girls: Poppy Wildman (Nottingham Clarion).
Under-9s:
1 Ben Chilton (Derby Mercury RC) 4 laps in 7:05
2 Alex Colston-Shield (Lichfield City CC) @ 1sec
3 Libby Smith (Matlock CC) @ 24sec
Girls: Libby Smith.
For images from al the days racing go to gallery pages or click on link http://www.sportsshots.co.uk/index.php?menu=24
Images by M Ludbrook & D Thorburn of sportsshots. Words by M Ludbrook and L Shunburne