Event: Interbike Strood Cross   Add this to my calendar (Outlook etc.)

Date: Sunday, 24 October 2004

Promoter: Interbike RT

Contact: Patrick Schils 01206 213730(day) 01206 521674(eve) interbikes@aol.com

Location: The Strood, Essex (B1025). Click here for a map. Click the grey arrows at the bottom right of the map to see a detailed version.

Report: There is less of Mersea Island now than there was this morning. Plenty of mud is now distributed among the gutters of East Anglia. Those with a more tactical approach to racing used the "free bike wash en course" (aka the large puddle) rather than ride round it, thus clearing off some of the claggy mud that was gumming up gears galore.

It was great to see so many first timers having a go, including the farmer's family. It was a tricky course both in terms of the twisty turny ups and downs, and the heavy rainfall on Saturday night that made the going extremely heavy.

The youth race was led by Andrew Griffiths all the way. Joe Perrett came in with an excellent second place overall and first under 14. But there are some special mentions further down the results table. Matty Cook has shown that he has made the transition from Under 12 to Youth with an excellent 6th place. Hannah Robinson had her strongest race of the season (so far) with first place youth (and under 14) girl. Catlin Perret just fancied a training ride today rather than the cut and thrust of the senior race, so took advantage of the rule allowing ladies to compete in the youth race. She rode well in her usual understated style. Nathan - if you read this please let the webmaster know your surname. We couldn't read it, and you'll be called Nathan Ukelele forever unless you tell us otherwise. [Update 28-Oct-04: it's Nathan Woodward. Results have been updated.]

The under 12's had a good field this week with several local children stepping up for the challenge. Well done to all of you, as it was a baptism of fire with such a difficult course. Daniel Young controlled the race from the start, and Hugo Robinson had the U10 category sewn up with his usual panache. Cara Ainsworth showed her mettle as first girl, and James Arden continues to display his passionate side as he fearlessly attacks the course. Alwyn Newstead and Kaley Ainsworth had a head to head, with Alwyn triumphing at the end.

Carl Davey had a minor tussle with Carl Thompson, but by lap 3 he was well in control and stayed way ahead of the chasers all race. Dave Copland and Mark Farrow had their usual battle of the vets. Mark stopped to swap bikes, but it didn't pay off - he never made up the difference. At the other end of the course Andrew Arden is snapping at Bob Griffiths' heels. Each week Andrew is improving - so watch out Bob!

Results:

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