Another cyclocross report from Dave Goodhew:

Another fine day and an earlier start for the journey, we were much helped by extra sleep hour in bed.  This looked like the furthest away of the League this year, although almost every one has been only an hour’s drive.  Adriana would swop roles and spectate, I would race to get the first one in my legs, and Tim would be planning a top ten at least.

Course was on the grounds of a Science research establishment with (at a guess a particle accelerator) on the grounds;  as well as bumpy sports field, what looked like an old runway remnant and a handy steep hill of chalky mud. Highlight was the Synchrotron #‎zappisynchrotron  (a science based spiral of doom) with added Disco and the hill was super tough up and fairly tricky down.

One lap of warm up with Tim had tired me out, Tim looked strong enough to get result and carried on warming up whilst I waited to get it over with. Start was well mannered and mild I was surprised to come through to a mid-pack position straight away. First lap was by far the fastest feeling but with only a slight bottle neck and some running on the steep hill. My plans to ride conservatively were ruined by ex MK rider Ian Marshall who seemed to be in the same little group, for some reason I could let him ride away too far and made time on him on the downhill and hurdles. I think he must have got away on the forth lap, I just couldn’t hang on to him on the drag to the hill area. As my legs and motivation waned three more riders came through on the last laps, one may have got caught up and delayed by a crashed rider on the off camber descent (hurrah) but I really should have jumped the guy in front as he was three seconds only on the line.

I rode the MTB, working brakes, comfort and control didn’t miss the cross bike at all!

I came in 24^th Tim just missed the top 10 in 11^th and was a lap up on us middle markers.

I sure the next race Tim will be well into the prize money as he has the speed and determination.

Well done to all the riders and helpers, another top race!

And an addendum to this report from Tim, who did win £5 for his efforts this time! 

Thanks for keeping the race reports coming Dave. Rolling my front tub (again!) as I was about to pass the Pretorius rider for fifth spoilt it a bit. This happened on lap 4 and having to pit and change my wheel cost me (I really need a second bike) I was a down a good few places by the time I got going again but managed to chase down a few before the chequered flag.

https://www.facebook.com/zappiscrossrace?fref=ts

http://centralcxl.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Zappis-Vet-40-49-Result-v2.pdf

http://centralcxl.org.uk/