Event: Colchester Rovers Mistley Cross   Add this to my calendar (Outlook etc.)

Date: Sunday, 23 January 2005

Promoter: Colchester Rovers CC

Contact: Ken Baker 01206 520707(h) emmross@ntlworld.com

Location: Furze Hill, Mistley, Essex. Click here for a map. Click the grey arrows at the bottom right of the map to see a detailed version.

Report: A crisp winter’s day, with the Mistley course uncharacteristically firm for this time of the year. Many thanks to Tim Butler, who brought a site light so that we could actually see in the registration hall. And, of course, thanks to Julie Baker for keeping us topped up with tea and cakes.

Andrew Griffiths ceremoniously sauntered round the course in splendid isolation for an easy day at the office, but the real action was just behind him: Carl Harris and Adam Towers were together for the whole race. It came down to a final sprint, which Carl took with style. Joe Perret had a good ride to be first Under 14, and a special mention is due to Rob O’Laughlin who came 5th in his first attempt at cyclo-cross. Well done, Rob.

In the Under 12s, media star Hugo Robinson dominated as usual. George Mattin tried to dictate the pace at the start, but from lap 3 had to settle for second place. There was hot competition between the girls today. Ellen Trigg was first girl and 4th overall, leaving Cara Ainsworth as 2nd girl.

Disappointment today as there were no ladies riding in the main race, so the scorers only had older boys to encourage. Carl Davey and Shaun Aldous led the race for the first few laps. Then Shaun decided that he didn’t need any company and flew off the front, giving himself another very comfortable win and clinching the Senior league title in the process. Nathan Miller came in ahead of Carl Thompson, despite breaking a chain half way through. Nathan clawed his way back into 3rd position in time for the chequered flag.

The rivalry at the top end of the Vets race kept up the nail-biting tension. Mark Farrow started strongly, aided by front row gridding. Dave Copland had a slower start, but steadily cranked up the pressure. While Dave was making great inroads bridging the gap, Mark decided to head butt a tree in dramatic fashion, cracking his bike frame. At first he didn’t realise the drastic effect of his crash so he wasted 20 seconds putting his chain back on. Once the truth dawned on him, Mark had to run to the pits for his spare bike. And so Rome was lost. Dave speeded up each lap and finished first Vet and 6th overall. Mark worked hard and caught Bruce Robinson in the final sprint to grab 2nd Vet. He’ll need the prize money to go towards a new frame. Jay Hunter was first Junior, finishing a minute and a half ahead of Dan Parker who was second.

We mustn’t forget young Matt (sorry – we don’t know your surname) who offered a bike washing service with proceeds going to the Tsunami appeal. It was good to see several of the winners donate their prizes to this cause.

Results:

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