The Wessex Cyclocross got underway at a new venue – Newbury Race course last weekend and was a great introduction to the 2018/2019 season. Sunny skies, not too far up the A34 and an “easy” grassland course to stretch the legs. The organisers forgot to mow the grass before the race so our riders had to keep pushing those pedals as there was no coasting! Two short hurdles provided a good skill test and the Sotonia coaches kept an eagle eyed watch on the dismounting and mountain technique used. A number of highlights were a podium for Tilly in the U8, Alisha making a return to racing, Izzy pushing the older U12s hard, Samuel giving his all and collapsing at the finish of the U12, George C charging through the U12 field after a dropped chain. Louis pushed Max in the U14 as they worked together to get away from rivals before the coaches and parents got their chance to race each other!
A total of 18 Sotonia riders made their way to the new venue and their placings were:
U8 Girls
Tilly Wilks 2nd (41), Jaya Martingale 4th (50)
U10 Girls
Skye Martingale 4th (22), Ella Ridgment 7th (29), Marit Davidse 10th (34), Alisha Kirk 13th (44)
U10 Boys
Finlay Banks 13th (17), Tom Wilks 14th (18), Sam White 15th (19)
U12 Girls
Olivia Allman 5th (24), Izzy Hall 6th (26), Emma Harrison 12th (45)
U12 Boys
Samuel Ridgment 10th (10), George Connell 15th (16), Charlie Shepherd 22nd (28), George White 31st (41)
U14 Boys
Max Darnton 20th (38), Louis Kirk 21st (39)
Great riding everyone!