The final round of a thrilling cyclocross season drew to a close at Crow in the New Forest on Sunday. An updated circuit that was big on technical and tight turns on the undulating hillside was paired with some testing single track action in the woods to make a cracking course in dry and mud-free conditions.
Matilda Wilks and Eve Carline podiumed with 2nd and 4th in the U12 girls. In the U14s, Tom Allen capped a fine season that saw him come 3rd in the league table with 2nd place on the day after a tight battle. The U16s saw gutsy performances by Niclas Olley (6th) and George Connell who was near the front when he dropped a chain in the opening corners and had to chase hard from the back to grab 9th place.
In the v40 men, Andy Gardiner and Tom Budden were inseparable in their battle for 2nd and 3rd places, Andy just getting the better of Tom in the last wooded section climb. The pair rounded out the league in a brilliant 3rd and 4th overall.
Elsewhere, top Sotonia finishers were… Lucy Phillips 2nd Junior woman – and league winner! Jon Hall with 7th place in the v50 men. Gemma Wilks 7th v40 women and Lewis Revill 24th in the senior men.
Big congrats also to our Wessex League team champions:
U14 boys team champions – Tom Allen, Tom Wilks and Jos Robson
V40 men’s team champions – Andy Gardiner, Tom Budden and Phil Wilks
Great riding everyone!
#Crossisdone
Photos: Pitchside Paul