After round 1’s brutal course and season open I felt like the pressure was off today starting 32nd on the grid only just making the seeding as the cut of was 35th.

I had a great start to the race staying out of trouble and managing to get through the first few narrow sections avoiding any major build ups.

With the first few laps I found myself in a group of four riders Craig Hay, James Bracy, Allan Collins Which I manged to stay with for the entire race all doing our bit on the front with a few close calls on the overtaking department.

3 laps from the end the group of four turned into three with Craig Hoy dropping off the back which left myself & James Bracey & Allen Collins Battling it out.

With two laps to go myself & James Bracey Got tangled up together allowing .Allen Collins To get away.

Final lap I closed the gap on James Bracey And managed to get into a sprint for finish which was a close call but I think managed it.. ( See video) managed to finish 23rd

Overall an excellent day and Venue moving on to next week at Abingdon in Oxfordshire.

Once again thanks to Paul at Sarum Velo for the support.
Tim from Hills cycles & fishing tackle for the Bike maintenance
and dad and the pit crew.

Caroline Light did the New forest TT P1183 on sunday, and a time of 46.50 mins for the 14.5 mile hilly course.

Caroline came 4th Lady out of the ladies that raced road/TT bikes.

and found the course very hilly, not her liking,

i know the feeling caroline 😉 Gravity isn’t my best friend either going up hills…

But never mind,shes said she rode for fun anyway 🙂 which is great to hear

attached is a is a photo of caroline climbing the final steep hill at Nomansland.

Great effort caroline keep it up

.

First of all, it’s great to be back racing again in the Wessex Cyclo – cross League and especially great that we are slowly beginning to see other Sarum Velo members at the event. It was also good to meet Matthew and Colin from Cycle Reviewer sporting the Sarum Velo Colours!

Now on to the racing…

As I finished 15th overall last season, it meant that I had 15th position on the start line for the race. This was quite daunting, as I was in the second row amongst some of the national riders, and with a field of 88 behind.

I managed to get a great start, and avoid a first corner accident, which allowed me to hold 13th position for the first couple of laps with a strong field chasing. About the mid way period of the race, I found myself in 22nd position only to find I had a puncture and needed to change bikes! This meant a loss of five positions making it hard work chasing the groups I was in.

I had a good battle for a couple of laps with my good friend David Brazier, each taking a turn at the front.

Towards the end of the race, I started to struggle with cramp if I didn’t keep my legs spinning. This cost me a couple of places, and I eventually ended up a respectable 31st out of 88 – considering the strong group of riders, a few mishaps and a hilly circuit. I’m happy!

Moving on to Swindon next week for Round 2. I haven’t been to the venue before, but apparently it’s flat!

Once again thanks to Paul at Sarum Velo for the support.

Thanks also to Tim Hills from Hills Cycles and Fishing Tackle for keeping the bikes up together week in and week out!

Thanks to Dad for being in the pits as always!

Alex Watkins.