Clayton Vale Cyclo Cross
Our first Cross race of the year was at Clayton Velo, just behind the velodrome. 5 Stockport members took part with a mix of road and mtb riders. The course was great, just what you would expect from a cross race: there were some steps, mud, grass, sand and a bit of tarmac, but not enough for my liking. The start was mad as expected as about 120 riders tried to get to the first corner in the lead. I had a good start with Mark but didn't know there was a massive puddle on our line. I got soaked straight away and slipped back a few places. Tony was just infront of me as was Mark. On the main straight to the finish you had to ride along the boggiest bit of mud/grass. The bike just ground to a halt and all effort to move forward seemed harder than the hills or steps put together.
As a thick roadie I put as much pressure in my tyres as possible (they said they take 85psi so i put in 80!, most people had 40psi!!). I can see this was a mistake as about 30 people went past me on this part of the course. The rest of the course was ok but I was dreading that boggy section every lap. We all spent the hour race in our own little groups. I saw Dave for a bit near the end as he had twisted his ankle so was limping in (but he still beat me !!). A great first race and a few tips learned for the next one... No pics of Geoff though; think he must have hidden in the bushes all race and popped out at the finish. 42nd Mark McPhillips (on his MTB) |
| Some more Photos on Flickr |
