After three dry September rounds of the Miche Wessex Cyclocross league, the Gods of Cross decided enough was enough and the heavens duly opened in early October ahead of round four with hosts, Reading CC, working hard to lay out the course early on race day. Riders faced the classic parkland parcours and twisting single track of Prospect Park. In the sunshine however, it was to be no mud bath as the ground dried in most parts with a high pace to some cracking race action.
Luke Hammond won his first race in the U8s and as his dad Roger used to ride a bit, maybe a taste of what’s to come? Tom Wilks was also on the top step in the U12s with Billy, Tilly, Eve and Jaya all top 5 in the U10 races, Sophie second in U12s. In the U14s, Izzy proudly wore her series leader jersey and finished a fine second place,
In the women’s race, Gemma Wilks also got to don the leaders jersey for the first time, finishing 5th senior. Husband and Chairman, Phil also bagged a well deserved 8th in the senior men, having held 6th for most of the race.
Jon Hall said he wasn’t “feeling it” before the v50s race but his legs clearly had different ideas as he stormed to a 3rd place!
Special mention to the noisy bunch of Sotonia kids who cheered team riders racing later in the day as they struggled up “Hilly McHillFace” – it certainly put a smile on our faces!
Photos: @Phitchsidephoto