Yellow medals shine through the mud and gloom as WVCC riders brave the conditions at the East Midlands CX Championships

Sunday 3rd December saw the Regional CX Championships take place at Market Harborough Showground.  Organised by the original muddy marvel Dean Barnett, with a late change of venue, crossers faced cold and challenging conditions on a dynamic course.

Younger racers woke up to snow and ice – very cold conditions for the Under 9s and Under 12 races.

• Daniel Hardwicke built on recent strong performances to take a storming 3rd place and bronze medal in the U9s.  Emilia Giles and Silvia Baxter also had strong races.
• In the Under 12s, Mea Moore took the female title and a gold medal, and Charlie Hardwicke took bronze after a race long battle.  Nate Durnin also rode well.

As the day progressed, the mercury rose to just above freezing, and the surface got very slushy and muddy.  Testing conditions sapped the energy, skills and concentration of the riders.

• In the Youth Races, Aubrey Elmer was 7th and Rory Harrison 9th in the U14s, and Jamie Kershaw 10th in the U16s.
• In the Womens race Alex Hardwicke added to the family medals with 2nd and a silver medal in the 40-49s, and Linda Hubbard took 1st place and a gold medal in the 50-59 category.  Ellie Humphries was 5th senior.
• The Mens Vet 50+ race had 12 WVCC riders on the startline.  The race was full of battles, with Rob Moore deepening his love of cyclocross with a gritty ride to 9th, with Denis Smith taking 9th in the 60+ category.
• In the Seniors and Vet 40-49 category, Jason Williams was 9th vet, with Chris Orfeur and Simon Askham also having strong rides.

See link to full results http://results.d3racetec.co.uk/

The effort and dedication that went into organising this event was huge, massive thanks to Dean, the commissionaires and the volunteers from LCXL clubs.  It is very much appreciated, riders are lucky to have so many race makers dedicated to our crazy sport.

It was a cracking event, and the conditions, the camaraderie and the competition will live long in the memory.