Derby hosted the National Cyclo Cross Championships on the 11^th January. Attracting the best cyclo cross club riders from around the country in all age categories, this fiercely competitive event saw Sam Asker represent West Suffolk Wheelers & Triathlon Club in his first year at Under 14 Boy level.

Heavy overnight rain made for extremely challenging conditions under wheel with the course rapidly resembled a quagmire. This required a high degree of bike handling skills and strength, particularly around the tricky cambers and through the dismount sections when riders had to shoulder their bikes in order to climb the ascents.

58 riders began, with Sam gridded 4^th from the front. To begin with, Sam was equal to the conditions and acquitted himself extremely well. Starting at a fast pace, Sam put this season’s cyclo cross league racing to good effect and pushed himself to rapidly carve out a high placing in the first half of this 30 minute race.

However, the course began to cut up and, along with a number of fellow competitors, Sam took a spill and suffered a puncture. Despite inevitably losing places in remounting his bike, Sam continued in his trademark determined fashion and will be very pleased with his finish of 23^rd from 49 finishers, a fine reward for his season’s efforts.