Doug Hart wins Jeff Whiteley Trophy at Calder Clarion's 5 Mile TT
A Grand Way to Spend a Sunday – Yorkshire Cyclocross Round Up
We have seen some fantastic riding from both children and adult riders over a pretty muddy season. The under 8 and under 10, after enjoying our Autumn Pedal in the Park sessions went to use their skills in competition. Well done to Lucy Christenson, Rosa Wilson, Sophie Leijssen, Ellie Hart and little Nell Thornton (5yrs), specially well done to Jake Thornton in his first winter with ICC came in 4th place and just off the bottom step at most events and with another year to go in the U8’s this bodes very well for him. The under 12’s being a much tougher nut to crack on a harder course and against more experience competition we saw some sterling efforts from Zac Wilson, Harry Leijssen and Theo Hart. British Cycling rules prevent U12’s from getting points and being part of weekly standings, this was introduced to prevent undue pressure and to encourage children to enjoy competition, which we whole heartily endorse.
Moving on to the league where riders must compete in 7 of the 9 events to qualify for a standing. We saw some exciting riding in the U14 and U16 competitions, many of our youth club members are representing teams now but we continue to support them and follow their progress with interest. Young Alfie Robinson in the club colours tried hard but as the youngest in the U14 it was a rough season for him but hopefully will be back stronger and keener over the summer. For their teams we have to mention Freya Whiteside who won the U16’s regional league and 8th in the National Trophy which is a country wide competition, she has a super season here and in Belgium and Ben Houlihan who came 4th in the juniors and 23rd in the National Trophy, and Ethan Whiteside coming 9th in the league and 27th in the National Trophy. Good riding from Alex Beldon U16 16th who mainly concentrated on track this winter, choosing not to contest the National Trophy and from Joe Turnbull in the U14.
In the adult competition we saw the battle of all battles in MV40 from Arthur Wilson and Dave Wilby all season with each race seeing them toing and froing dependent on the terrain. The final standing left Dave 5th and Arthur 6th, I am sure they will continue this over the coming summer season with some unfinished business for Arthur. Andrew Whiteside came a commendable 12th. Riding for his team Stefan Macina came 2nd. In the M50 John Woods came hard fought for 9th, riding for his team Mike Burden came 2nd – pit partners at least that did not lead to any competition from Stefan and Mike who always travel together. In the senior ranking Daniel Sharp came 13th and Rob Watson came 9th for his team. Other competitors who are not in the rankings across the categories are Jason Bishop, Liam Rees, Ian Cliffe, Michael Strange, Tim Walton, Ryan Tiffany, Stuart Christenson and our most senior rider MV60 is Tony Limbert.
In the women Kelly Wilby came 2nd in the FV40, Kelly will be riding for ICC next season and we are really looking forward to that. Unfortunately, club member Alison Kinloch was not able compete this season having nasty injury at the Skipton Cx at the beginning of the season, be good to see her on her bike next season.
The Yorkshire cyclocross is a great way to cycle across the winter, it is very family friendly and it does not matter whether you are at the front or the back. There is summer series too on alternate Wednesday nights, please ask Arthur Wilson, Ged Millward or any of the competitors to be pointed in the right direction.