Event: Norwich ABC January Cross   Add this to my calendar (Outlook etc.)

Date: Sunday, 28 January 2007

Promoter: Norwich ABC

Contact: Darrel Glover 01953 455772(h) 07050 038048(m) darrel@drgbodyshop.co.uk

Location: New Eccles Hall School, Eccles, Nr Attleborough, Norfolk. Click here for a map. Click the grey arrows at the bottom right of the map to see a detailed version.

Report: We had a cracking day of racing at Eccles Hall (Gromit :-) ). It was dry with a wintry breeze which gave way to sun as the day progressed. Karen Glover had evidently risen with the larks to have a formidable and fabulous selection of tea, soup, savouries and cakes on the go before anyone else arrived. A minor panic with setting up the gas stove was averted with plumber Tim Butler on hand. I believe his call out fee was a cup of soup.

In the Youth race Luke Newby led all the way with a very comfortable win. David Nichols led the chase group while Matthew Cook and Tom Castle jostled for third place. Matty snatched the advantage in a thrilling final sprint. Eliot Brooker was not on his usual form but still managed fifth place and Will Adams easily held the first Under 14 spot. Ellen Triggs kept well ahead of Jenny Hardwicke to secure the first girl prize. It was great to see some new faces amongst the usual suspects. A special mention is due to Sam Stronge who put in a splendid effort for his first cyclo-cross race.

The Under 12’s race had thrills and spills. James Arden led everyone out at a furious pace, but he paid dearly for his early effort, and in lap 5 Jack Hardwicke edged passed him, looking strong, with Alan Trolove in hot pursuit. By lap 9 Alan moved ahead to 2nd place as James was fading. Jack was on form and buzzing round the course. He looked set for his first league victory. Then, in the final bend of the final lap, Jack spun off and landed with a bit of a bump, allowing Alan to take first prize and James second. An understandably disappointed Jack remounted and struggled in to take third place. Hard luck Jack – that’s cyclo-cross – anything can happen. The girls were led in by Katy Parker, beating her twin sister Sam, whose focus impressed the judges (mainly by the way her tongue appeared to be glued to her left cheek), and younger sister Danielle. Sophie Holmes put in a determined effort as she attacked the hills.

In the run up to the Senior race Nick Ainsworth was pre-race favourite as Shaun Aldous chose to watch rather than race. Mark Farrow’s absence left the Veterans race open. For those inclined to a flutter, attractive odds were available for those willing to take the risk on dark horse Fergus Muir. It was his first ‘cross race in 40 years, but had he been training in secret? We thought that Fergus’ game plan was to mash it up with the leaders and interview them while the race was in progress. However, UCI rules prevent such behaviour during the race. He has probably already discussed the issue with Robbie McEwen, who had to stop giving Channel 4 interviews during stages of the Tour de France.

In the event, Ian Newby led the race, no doubt inspired by son Luke’s performance in the Youth race - another Newby success. Tim Bonnet had his best finish of the season for second place. Triathlete Ben Spashett showed that he can mix it with the best even when he hasn’t had to swim a lake beforehand and save something for a run afterwards. He took third place comfortably, but had obviously made a considerable effort as his face was still pink at the post-race tea-fest. It was great to see Stuart Chatting on form for an excellent fourth place and Craig Beech in fifth. The pre-race hype and pressure evidently got to Nick Ainsworth, as he only managed sixth, so the bookies can sleep easy tonight. Ben Paton’s grimace throughout the race certainly showed he was putting in the effort to get 11th place.

Ironman training is not taking its toll on Dave Copland’s performance as he easily took the first Vet spot ahead of Philip Hargreaves and Clive Ling. Club-mate Tom Stephenson needs to understand that a judge yelling “phwoarrr” was only due to his close proximity to Dave for most of race, it wasn’t directed at Tom.

Further down the results, race organiser Darrel Glover put in a good show. I expect that Karen promised him a stash of cakes to encourage him to finish the race and get back to HQ quickly. Chris Jillings and John Gabriel had a head to head battle. Chris took an early lead which John had snatched by lap 4. John held the lead till the final lap when Chris put in an extra effort and got well away from John. Then 10 metres before the finish Chris took a dramatic tumble during an overtaking manoeuvre. He scrambled back up and ran across the line a couple of seconds ahead of John.

For the Juniors it was a one-two for the Hewitts: Daniel took first place ahead of James.

Flushed with her tremendous showing at the Nationals, Jen Ives had the Ladies prize sewn up, beating Clare Deeks and Faye Walker. Brian Foster sped up a few gears when he tried to keep on Jen’s wheel. The spirit was strong, but the strength couldn’t match it! In the end the punters did well to avoid the temptation of a flutter on Fergus – Andrew Arden beat him to 51st position – just off the podium. But hats off to Fergus - it was a great effort. Don’t leave it another 40 years before your next foray into cyclo-cross.

Results:

Back to fixture list