The second round of the National Trophy cyclocross series was in South Shields on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th October.
This meant the journey for the riders (and their families) started on Friday afternoon…
All photos courtesy of Benson Ho.
Isaac, Open Youth Category A (2nd year)
I was gridded 7th based on my performance in the first round of the series, so started on the front row. After a good start I found myself in 3rd place on the first lap.
Recently, I have been focusing on being consistent with my lap times and I did just that this race! After a solid first few laps I was in a group of three fighting for 4th place on the last lap.
Unfortunately, I didn’t play it right and didn’t move up quick enough to be able to get that 4th position. I finished 6th out of 73 riders but was only two seconds behind the rider in 4th place.
I’m already looking forward to the next round in Torbay where we will hopefully see some mud!
Elizabeth, Female Youth Category B (1st Year)
The long journey was worth it for the great venue on the coast and a course which was technical, hilly and had lots of features.
I didn’t have a great start but I was pleased to finish in 19th position after a 44 minute long battle with a group of other U14s that were near me.
James, Open Youth Category B (2nd Year)
Overall, the race didn’t go as well as I’d hoped. Starting 20th after a good ride at Derby, I had hoped to move forwards… but unfortunately, it didn’t pan out that way.
The course was very technical with lots of short/sharp ups and downs, alongside features like sandpits and off-camber sections. Even though my legs felt tired and heavy I had a good start, holding position for a couple of laps, but then I dropped back – ending up finishing 37th.
Although I was disappointed, I learned a lot. I think I could have fuelled better and planned my training sessions the week leading up to it better.
Youth Cycling
The discipline of cyclocross is for children and adults of all ages and is a great way to get into competitive cycling. Although the regional league has a category for under 8s and Under 10s, the national competition requires riders to be at least 12.
Isaac, Elizabeth and James regularly do well when they compete in the regional Eastern Cyclocross League. But competing in National Trophy races means tougher competition and tougher courses.
The Colchester Rovers’ Committee recognise the commitment of the riders and their families and offer financial support so that youth riders can experience national competition.