The second event of the Eastern Cross League took place last Sunday (Sept 15) at Springfield, Chelmsford. West Suffolk riders were again out in force, although two (Richard Stiff and Simon Elsworth) didn’t get a ride as both the vets and senior races were over-subscribed at over 80 riders each.

First off was the Under 10 race, with Oliver Griggs coming home in 9th place, Harley Gregory 14^th (2^nd U8) and Victoria Asker 16th. Lianna Denny made her race debut in the Under 12 race, finishing 32nd and enjoying the experience.

Sam Asker was again our best rider in the very competitive Under 16 race, which used the full adult course featuring lots of twisty turns on grass and three demanding run-ups on flights of steps linking the terraces of the sports ground. Sam came home 24th, (10th U14), Fraser Elsworth 33^rd, Matt Asker 39th and Max Bidewell 48th.

In the 40 minute Vets (over 45) race Mike Bowen rode brilliantly to fifth, the race being won by triathlete Dave Copland, for the second week running. It was Barry Denny’s turn to mug Adrian Grimwood on the finishing line, with Ian Mortlock close behind in 49^th, 50^th and 51^st respectively and with Darren Baker 60^th.

The ‘main race’ for Seniors, Juniors and Elite Vets of all categories saw a race-long battle between fast starting Matt Denny, with James Asker gradually reeling him in as the 60 minutes clocked by, finally doing so on the 8^th lap, finishing 68^th and 69^th.

We are all looking forward to doing battle again next week at the Ashwell meeting, near Baldock on Saturday. Who else is going to join in the fun?

~ barrydenny@btinternet.com

www.easterncross.org.uk