September kick-starts the cross season.

September kick-starts the cross season. 

As we roll into the October, members of Welland Valley Cycling Club have enjoyed a multitude of success through-out September in cyclo-cross. 

Podiums, nearly podiums, mid pack battles to beating the course, over thirty competitors have enjoyed a positive result :O) . 

Cyclo-cross is the most accessible cycling discipline for every family member. The local leagues are alive with participation from Whizz Kids to newbies, to established members, to former World Champions.     

As a cycling club it is the most competitive element outside of club events.  

Backing up the weekly mid-week off-road training sessions at Corby Capers (Tues) or Welland Mudlarks (Wed) or the skills developed at Whizz Kids, the ‘yellow train’ has been prominent on the National and local stage. 

Welland Valley CC organised round 1 of the Leicestershire Cyclo-cross League at Marston Lodge, near Marston Trussell. Over 230 riders conquered the fast, hilly course based around the castle motte and bailey on Mount Pleasant.  

A racing incident in the final event, Senior, Vet 40 and Junior, resulted in the racing being stopped so that the injured rider received medical attention. The injured rider has made a full recovery.  

Results –   http://results.d3racetec.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=17077&RId=218

Round 2 of the LCXL was promoted by our good friends Rockingham Forest Whs. The Weldon Country Park course was ultra-fast with technical elements to challenge all levels of ability. 

New for 2022 is Women’s only events at every LCXL event, after only two rounds the additional race is proving to be a massive hit. 

Results – http://results.d3racetec.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=17077&RId=222

The Leicestershire League will see the greater number of Welland members pin on a race number this season. Round 3 is on Sunday 16th October, the venue is Western Park, Leicester. 

Check out the league Facebook page for the latest information  Leicestershire Cyclocross League | Facebook

With the Central and West Mids Cross Leagues incorporating or bordering many members postcodes, a handful of Mudlarks have enjoyed racing every weekend with success. 

As all leagues wait for the arrival of damp conditions, the going has been ‘firm’ for September. 

The last Sunday in September is the traditional Three Peaks Cyclo-cross, known to be the Worlds Toughest Cross Race. A truly unique event which sees the competitors crest the peaks of Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen-y-Ghent in the Yorkshire Dales. 

Six members enjoyed the leg and back braking challenge, big respect to James Moore, Dominic Switzer (2nd Junior), Josh & Hans van-Nierop, Mark Henderson and Dale’s resident Dean Barnett. 

This weekend see’s the first Round of the National Trophy at Moorways Stadium, best of luck to Welland members stepping up to the National stage. 

This month we will see the ground condition change and the courses become even more fun. 

A date for your diary is LCXL Round 4, Sunday 23rd October. Misterton Hall will host the next Welland Valley promotion. 

Dean Barnett 

#greenisgoodbrownisbad #muddymarvels #beatthecourse 

Images by Mick Bown