Local Cycling News

Luke Gray (Baboco) put in an impressive performance in round 2 of the National Cyclo-Cross series in Leicester. Braking late on the first tricky corner, Gray surged into the lead, taking with him 6 other riders and distancing the field.

Photo Rob Gray
A race long battle ensued, with Belgian visitor Jelie Brakman (Van de Verst CT) finally escaping to take the victory. Gray finished 7th after fading on the last lap but was the leading U23 rider and made it a 1-2 on the podium with teammate,Xandro Meurisse. The former Broadstone man, now based in Belgium had struggled with a virus the previous weekend, finishing off the pace in a local Wessex League race. Bouncing back to form in this national race, Luke was in confident mood as he drove back to Belgium. Two days later he rode the famous Koppenberg Cross, a race that attracts crowds of over 20,000. The 19yr old finished 37th in a world class field, all valuable experience as he looks to establish himself on the continent.(Due to his unexpected change of teams, Gray has been racing in plain kit but should be in Baboco colours this weekend) The third round of the National series will be held at Southampton Sports Centre on 13th November.

Photo Rob Gray

Mike Cotty (Wheelbase/Cannondale) continued his good run of form, winning the 5th round of the Wessex League Cyclo-Cross at Oxford. Cotty is leading the series overall and will be riding the National Trophy race at Southampton, before the League resumes with round 6 at Thruxton on November 20th

Photos, Reg Haskell
Bournemouth Jubilee Wheelers popular series of four reliability trials kicks off this Sunday with the 50 mile event. The monthly trials gradually increase in distance, finishing with the challenging 100-mile ride in February. The routes are mostly on small undulating country lanes, providing a good test of rider and machine. Start and finish is at Merley Community Centre, where refreshments are available.

Last years 50 mile event saw 145 riders sign on and numbers are increasing year on year. Non-members are welcome and the £5 entry fee includes associate membership and entry to all four reliability trials.

Madison School!

A two hour track session, dedicated to learning and practising the techniques involved in riding the Madison. Great fun and great for developing all-round track riding skills. 12:00-14:00 on Saturday 19th November at Bournemouth Cycling Centre. This session is suitable for riders of 13yrs upwards, who have at least some track riding experience.
As a minimum you should have ridden a few Saturday morning & Wednesday evening sessions and feel comfortable moving around the track on your bike and riding close to other riders.

You don't have to bring a Madison partner, although if you have a pair of identical jerseys, bring them along.
Cost is £10, payable on the day, no need to book.
Coach is Dr Chester Hill, author and technical editor of British Cycling's level 3 track coaching programme. For further info call Chester on 07951 776350/dr.chesterhill@yahoo.com

Lee Piercy (Trideals.co.uk) was a clear winner of the Sandy Balls Duathlon at Fordingbridge.

A winner the previous week at Thruxton, Wick-based Piercy led throughout the 5km run, 20km bike, 5km run event to win by over 7 minutes. Piercy has struggled most of the year with a persistent back injury but looks to be on the mend.

...and finally,just heard that the Bournemouth Arrow Good Friday 10 will return to the Time Trial Calendar next year.

...and finally, finally, a group ride aimed at ladies and less experienced cyclists, but all welcome, has been added to the winter programme. Meeting at bottom of Harbour Heights Hill 18:30 every Tuesday Evening. Ride is about an hour.

...and finally,finally, finally, Andy Storey of Prendas Ciclismo in Parkstone, had a letter in this week's Cycling Weekly bemoaning the magazines bias towards Sportif ridng, Andy says " Remember back to when you first started cycling? As kids nobody aimed to be a sportive rider. We all wanted to be world champ or wear the yellow jersey"