It was fine weather once again and not a hint of mud for round 5 of Wessex League Cyclocross season at Fairthorne Manor, organised by Fareham Wheelers for the second year (conditions will surely be more ‘traditional’ cross for the return visit Fairthorne in December!)
The action kicked off with the under 12s, with George Connell appearing in his first race for Sotonia and vowing to return… so long as the post race conker pickings are as bountiful next time!
Five Sotonia vets lined up in another huge field of 120 riders – Jon Dudley, Phil Connell, Martin Ward, Jon Phillips and a welcome return by Simon Guard after injury. The start was split by age group with the v40s starting first and Phil led the team, showing that his recent french cheese binge hadn’t slowed him down too much. The course was similar to last year with large flat grass fields, technical wooded section, bankings and a small but hungry sand pit to trip up the unwary.
In the senior race was Tom Budden who was in good form, taking 25th place in a field of 52.
Jez Hart’s pics of the action can be found here
Graham Robins’ pics are here
Wessex League provisional results are here
