Thornbridge Cyclo Cross

Thornbridge Cyclo Cross on Sun 25th Aug 2013

We decided on a 3 race format this year to accommodate the wide range of ages and abilities but this also meant that 3 different routes were required.  The events were largely based on the previous routes, but  the new ambitious course designers were determined to increase the technical aspects and include a compulsory dismount/run-up.  From the feedback afterwards, we seem to have succeeded in striking the right balance with the additional challenging features being well received (by most!).  The Under 12s race was won by Joss Baynes, who didn’t have it all his own way as he was pressurised throughout by the younger rider Euan Patton;  he will be one to watch in future.  Euan’s sister Ellie was third.

The Intermediate race was originally intended to be for the age group of 12+ to under 16, but as we only had 2 entrants, the race was opened up for people  injured in the previous day’s fell race or those who were not overly enthusiastic about the new ‘Big Kids’ course!  This event then quickly filled up (to the organizer’s relief!)  when 10 starters suddenly appeared.  The winner here was the experienced young rider Hannah Saville, who comfortably won and lapped most of the field.  The hero of the day was injured Dave Sykes sporting a pair of Crocs and with an ankle the size of a cricket ball.  Dave finished in second place, but had young Seb Baynes breathing down his neck for much of the race, Seb eventually finished 3rd.

The Big Kids Race is so named because the first time Cyclo-Cross was introduced to Thornbridge, it was only intended to be for the kids, but  as you ‘d expect, the ever  competitive Dark Peak  grown-ups wanted their own race.  This year’s event attracted 18 starters and was an easy win for another Saville, this time Hannah’s big brother Tom who demonstrated pure class by going to the front from the start and just staying out there totally untroubled by anyone.  The crowd pleasing thrills and spills came further back in the field particularly on the zig-zag descent and run-up where numerous fans gathered to cheer on their favourites.  Second was the improving cyclo-cross enthusiast Simon Patton and in third was 1st time racer Lee Wilson.  First lady was Claire Oliffe – closely followed by Hannah Saville in her second race of the day.  Last, but not least, to Tim Tett, who thought the idea was to carry the bike for the entire race and managed a lap before admitting the toddler’s bike was too heavy for him!

A good time was had by all if anyone fancies a go – don’t forget to bring a bike next year.

Russell Beresford