History tells us the Geoff Shergold Memorial Cyclocross hosted by Crabwood CC is never dry in January – Geoff would have approved. But that’s what we got for round 12 of the Miche Wessex CX League at Southampton Sports Centre. Fast racing with a dash of slippery mud thrown in and fields were still large as riders chased late season points for the overall standings.
Sotonia youth kicked things off well with highlights from Freddie Trosh and James Sutton second and third U8 boys, Matilda Wilks, Eve Carline and Jaya Martingale all making the U10 girls top five with Billy Dyer third U10 boy. In the U12s, Tom Wilks took the win in a thrilling sprint finish, Sophie Jacobs third U12 girl. In the U14s, Izzy Hall won the girls race, Tom Allen and Niclas Olley third and fourth in the boys. The U16s saw Lucy Phillips in 3rd place.
The adult races also got off to a flying start – Tom Budden making a successful return in the v40 men, with a second place. Gemma Wilks followed up with another strong ride for fifth in the senior women and Jon Hall came fourth in the v50 men.
As for the overall standings, things are tight going into the final race at Crow in the New Forest. Tom Allen sits in fourth place in the U14s eyeing a top three finish, Izzy Hall leads her U14 category. Gemma Wilks sits in third place in the senior women, Jon Hall third in the v50 men’s league and Phil Wilks seventh in the senior men. For the teams it’s just as tight at the top – Sotonia U14s and womens “A” teams sit in second, with the v50 Sotonia men holding a narrow lead in that classification.
Great riding and good luck for the final round everyone!
Photos: Pitchside Paul