Off-Road Racing Round Up
Last Thursday Heanor Clarion put on the first summer cyclo-cross of the year in fine, dry conditions. The venue at Shipley Hall Cricket Club used a shortened version of the course used in the Notts and Derby league, with a short, sharp lap with 3 dismounts.
In the first race of the evening the U10 and U12 boys and girls did battle over a short version of the senior race course. William Gasgoine (Heanor) held off a brave fight from Sarah Lomas of Matlock to win the U12 event. Adam Britton came home 4th overall and 1st U10.
In the Youth Men's race, John Lomas of Matlock rode a strong race to hold off a field made up otherwise exclusively of Heanor Clarion riders to take the win.
In the senior event, with some of Heanor's stronger riders racing at Mallory Park, the door was left open for Chris Metcalfe to lead home in first from Jonathan Marshall of Belper BC. Alan Gasgoine and Steve Robertson came in 5th and 7th respectively to complete a strong showing for Matlock across all the events.
This weekend sees the second round of the Midland's XC mountain bike series. The technical and hilly course at Cannock Chase will provide a stern test for the racers, with a good entry from Matlock. John Lomas will face a strong field in the Juvenile Men's category, and will hope for a strong showing after a 2nd place in round 1. Both Bruce Dalton and Matt Sumpton will race the 2 lap Youth Men's race, while in the late race Paul Dalton will take on the Vet Men, and Chris Metcalfe the Sport. The late race is sold out, but for more info and online entry for the Junior and Women's races go to www.xcracer.com