Six riders from WSW&TC went down to Basildon, Essex for the fifth round of the Eastern Cyclo Cross League on Saturday Oct 6. The course seemed easy enough at first impressions, comprising well kept grassland adjacent to the sports centre, but included one very, very steep hill which saw many of the riders having to dismount such was the gradient and two almost equally difficult climbs. First race was for Vets (over 40) and Women and over 80 riders lined up for the 40 minute race. Although gridded on the front row Mike Bowen made his customary slow start, but as the pack hit the first big hill he moved to the front, and eventually into the lead. He used his excellent climbing ability to pull out a considerable lead, also riding well on the flatter parts of the course, and built up an unassailable lead, winning by almost a minute from Phil Cooper from Essex. This maiden victory for Bowen strengthens his position in the league, now laying in second place to Geoff Bores (Ford CC). Dave Batterbee also had his best ride to date, coming home 13^th. Barry Denny struggled on the climbs and came home 49^tth with Adi Grimwood 59^th. Richard Balaam was one of a number of retirals.

In the Under 16 race Jonny Sjolin rode well to come home 6^th, after a race long tussle with Archie Wishart (Welyn Wheelers), the race being won by Theo Doncaster (Ashwell CC).