Here is Hans Van Nierop’s brief report on a mixed weekend of racing:

On Saturday a number of Welland Valley riders infiltrated the Notts and Derby Cross league at Holme Pierrepoint Watersports venue in Nottingham. Its one that is usually somewhat affected by waterlogging, but this year, it was rather dry and fast flowing.

Last time I rode it 6 or 7 years ago, it did a very good job of removing the rear mech from my bike!  Riding the V40/V50 race, I was accompanied by Simon Askham, James
Moore, Steve Coulam and Rob Moore, Plus Jake Jacobson, Denis Smith. 

Simon and James were gridded to the front of the start, the rest of us ended up on the 5th row and further. The race ran super fast and after a couple of laps, I settled down into a small group with Rob,
running just outside the top 10.  It was a fantastic battle and a race that will remain incredibly memorable as it ran so close, only a small error or slight mishap was going to determine who came out top. In the
end, after 46 minutes, Rob pipped me into 13th V40, me in 14th, Simon in 19th V40, Nik in 39th V50, Jake Jacobson in 42nd, Denis Smith 1st V70, Steve 57th V40.  James had a rare off day and was unable to finish.

Full results from other categories found here
http://results.smartiming.co.uk/

Sunday saw the popular Central Cross League promotion by local friends Rockingham Forest Wheelers at West Glebe Part in Corby. Again, a fast running course unlike previous years, with some (very) technical
sections through the wooded section, I lined up with Simon, James, Rob and Dave Wilson.  Another fast start but feeling the effects of yesterday, saw me slip back somewhat, and make a number of silly mistakes (5 times tasting the Corby earth!), eventually rolling in in a
battered 14th place V40.  Best WVCC ride of the V40s was Simon in 8th, with Rob 23rd (after a flat tyre and borrowed bike), and David in 39th. 
James ended as a DNF again due to a crash and damaging his bike.

Full results with other categories (and good WVCC results) here
https://my.raceresult.com/186052/results#0_3EF1B7

A tough weekend but onwards to the LCXL League at Beaumont Leys next Sunday

Thank you Hans.