It was time for Sotonia’s home round on Sunday for round 5 of the Wessex CX league at Southampton Sports Centre with 400 riders signed up and eager to tackle a slightly tweaked course from previous editions that featured rider “favourite” – The Bank of Doom and a whole bunch more corners!
Sotonia riders excelled in many of the day’s races – in the U8s Leighton Riley was building a repertoire of celebrations after a second win with Annie Forsyth and Flo Boustred, 2nd and 3rd in the girls race. In the U10s, Ella Greenhalgh was on the podium with Theo Plumb second in the boys. Rita Howbrook finished 5th in the U12s and Eve Carline showed impressive skills on the ‘Bank of Doom’ in her U14 girls win.
Race of the day went to the U16 boys with Tom Allen locked in a 3-way battle for the whole race that came down to a bike throw in the sprint that he also won, with Tom Wilks 5th.
Not to be outdone, our junior men proved up to the task, Niclas Olley winning with George Connell 4th.
Next up the v40 open race and another strong ride by Andy Gardiner to win, Tom Budden (4th) and Pete Boustred (5th) also on the podium for Sotonia.
Emma Harrison was 5th in the Junior women’s race, Gemma Wilks 3rd v40 female. Finally, club coaches Jon Hall and Phil Connell duked it out in the v50 open race, Jon narrowly taking the final podium spot with more clubmate duels no doubt to come this season!
As always, these events could not happen without the hard work of organisers Jez and Tom, with so many others also giving their time to help transport kit, set up, marshal and take down the course at the end of a long day. Big thanks to all involved in creating such a successful event!
