The rain and mud held off for another day at our home round of the Miche Wessex Cyclocross league. We saw close fought racing on a tried and tested track that our devilish designers modified, tweaked and extended to include more grassy banks than the square mile. Judging by the feedback from competitors and spectators, it was the best Sports centre course in many a year – a fast, flowing and technical course featuring a new wooded section (thanks to Jason and his chainsaw) and the deceptively tricky offcamber section.
With close to 500 entrants, 63 Sotonia riders took part across the age categories and it was extremely pleasing to see so many under 10s (many participating for the first time) in the opening race, itself attracting a field of 60+ youngsters. Bringing top 5s for Billy, Freddie and Rita. The U12s saw our first win of the day for Matilda, closely followed by Eve and Jaya (2nd and 5th). Closest duel of the day went to Tom Allen and Noah Smith (GKR Racing), the duo inseparable until the final corner when Tom sprinted clear to take a brilliant first U14 win, Tom Wilks also scored an impressive 3rd as a first year in the category. In the U16s, Izzy Hall and George Connell both finished 5th. Lucy Phillips was also 2nd in the Junior women.
For the senior races, our v40 men continued to dominate the team age classification – Andy Gardiner, Tom Budden, Phil Wilks all in the top 10 (3rd, 4th and 8th). Gemma Wilks was our top finisher in the women’s race. In the v50 men, Jon Hall was back in action with a very good 6th place, Jon Dudley making the third step on the v60 podium. Phil Banks our sole senior men rider, rounded off the day, with 14th place in a strong field.
Last but very definitely not least, big thanks to the band of nearly thirty Sotonia helpers who helped set up and take down the course, marshal and run the event so smoothly.
Photos: Pitchside Paul