26 November 2011: Redgrave Cross

The cyclo-cross course at Redgrave (near Diss, Suffolk) was very flat and exposed, and a strong breeze made some sections quite a slog. The lack of hills was compensated for by a great many technical sections, including a steep 2-metre earth pile which riders had to scramble over; even the best riders decided to carry their bikes over it.

There was a short road section which was great for those of us without course tape wrapped around our gears! The tape was being really stretched by the wind, and at points the racing line was unavailable. To see what Fergus Muir had to say about the event, read his EDP report, Guy moves up as Sophie strikes blow for girl power.

For full results, head over to EasternCross.org.uk!

Seniors Race

Tim Guy (Iceni Velo) comfortably won the seniors race, with Greg Simcock (Team Corley Cyclees) coming in as fastest elite vet. James Jobber (Colchester Rovers) was fastest junior. I managed to finish safely mid-field again, 15th out of 24 seniors.

One other rider of note was Richard Dunnett (Diss & District CC) who finished 4th. He is planning on racing solo and unaided 18000 miles around the world, riding 120 miles per day to try and beat Vin Cox's 165 day record. He is raising money for the Make-a-Wish Foundation UK, so why not make a small donation! Go to OneBigPedal.co.uk, or keep up to date with his progress at Facebook or Twitter. His latest tweet didn't do justice to his excellent ride: "100 miles rode today with a cyclocross race in the middle! Legs were not up for 1hr flat out 50 miles into ride! Painful!!"

Here is a helmet-cam video of the start of the race, captured by Russ Cook:

Youth Race

The under-16's winner was Cameron Woolsey (CC Ashwell), and from the under-14's the fastest was Mitchell Powell (Chelmer CC). Great Yarmouth CC riders Dan Swindells and Matthew Baker were 9th and 11th in the under-14's age group, really struggling in the wind and soggy grass.


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About the author

My name is John Swindells and I'm a keen recreational cyclist with a preference for long one-day rides. I've also previously dabbled in time trialling and cyclo-cross. See more of what I get up to on Strava!

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