Cycling
Tricky Boxing Day challenge for cyclists

THE 59TH staging of the Kenilworth Boxing Day Cyclo-cross race attracted entrants from Redditch Road & Path Cycling Club.

In the under tens category Luke Richardson and Sulli Berry were the only riders representing Redditch among 24 racing on a relatively flat, but narrow course.

It was, however, great for spectators as it was all within easy view. Berry started off badly with a fall at the start, but Richardson started strongly, particularly as he had not been on his bike since the Solihull race back in October.

Both managed to weave their way through the slower riders and were soon near the front of the race, but Berry was knocked off his bike again and had to work hard to catch up.

He caught up to the second group and worked his way up into his best result to date of third place, but the leaders just had too much of a time advantage for him to make up following his falls.

Richardson finished in sixth place, which was a superb effort considering he had no training whatsoever.

Redditch did not have any representation in the under 12s race, which was held on a much harder course and was won by local rider Ed Woodward.

The main event consisted of the usual tricky woodland course which tested all of the riders' bike-handling skills to the maximum.

There were some sketchy moments as fast downhill sections finished in deep muddy bog holes, throwing riders here, there and everywhere.

James Strain (45th) nearly had to hug a large tree to save his new bike, whilst Terry Richardson battled a calf strain, man flu and the conditions to finish 18th veteran (32nd in the race).

John Potts was a creditable 49th as he pipped Alex Potts, who was 50th, in what was a great team effort by the guys.

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