As a club we made a brilliant start to the CycloCross season last Sunday at the Essex Roads promoted event at Basildon Sport Village. To be honest it wasn’t the best organised meeting I’ve been to, but the brilliant turn-out and performance by our members made it a very memorable start to the season, with no less than 16 West Suffolk riders taking part across the age and ability range.

First off was the Under 10 race with Oliver Griggs making up places as the race progressed to finish 9^th, with Harley Gregory making a fine debut in 12^th and second best U8, just ahead of Victoria Asker, who came through from a disastrous start to finish 13^th.

In the Vets (over 45) Mike Bowen excelled as usual, using his super new lightweight bike and excellent climbing ability to come home third, on what is undoubtedly the hilliest course in the series. Ian Mortlock rode well on his debut, pipping Adrian Grimwood for 46^th, Adi 47^th, Barry Denny 49^th, Paul Barry 54^th and David Griggs 60^th also in his first race.

Sam Asker rode very well in his new U16 age group race, 16^th and 6^th U14, with brother Matt 19^th, Fraser Elsworth 21^st and Max Bidewell 27^th.

The main senior race was ridden at a frightening pace at the front with top riders from the region and beyond, and more than 80 starters in all! Richard Stiff continued to improve to come in 58^th, James Asker 65^th and Matt Denny starting well but fading to 73^rd.

Next event is in Chelmsford this coming Sunday (Sept 15^th) on a much better course in my view, and with better facilities.

Full details on www.easterncross.org.uk