BETH CRUMPTON made it two wins from as many races in the HSBC UK Cyclo-Cross National Trophy as she extended her lead with victory in the women’s event in Abergavenny.
The C1 classification event in Wales attracted some notable names as multiple national Italian champion Eva Lechner (Clif Pro Team) took on the women’s race while Belgium international Jim Aernouts (Telenet Fidea Lions) raced in the men’s.
Redditch ace Crumpton, who also recently won round six of the Ridley Lazer West Midlands Cyclo-Cross League women’s event, was dominant once again as she prevailed in a round two battle with Lechner which lasted the entirety of the race.
While it was Crumpton who piled on the early pressure, three-time Olympian Lechner was never too far away until the Brit made her move with three laps to go.
Her advantage grew to just shy of 20 seconds as Crumpton crossed the line first, with Lechner second and Anna Kay (EDCO Continental) third.
“I loved the technical features in the course and to have world level competition is really good to see where I am at,” said Crumpton.
“I attacked into a corner and had a bit more speed so I got that kick and then I was into the technical sections so knew my lines then.
“I rarely get one win a season so to get two already is pretty good.
“The support I have received since winning in Derby from team sponsors has been incredible! LeCol have done an amazing job to sort me out with a yellow speed suit which looks and fits amazingly!
“To top it off the guys from Boardman Bikes built me up a yellow CXR elite 9.4 with full SRAM Force 1×11 which I then added my Revolver Kronostok wheels to!
“The course in Abergavenny is always such a good one, very technical and fast. Last year I had a great race, finishing second, but I was more than determined to come here for the win, no matter who was on the start line, especially with live TV thanks to S4C.”
Crumpton is now full of confidence as she maintains the yellow jersey heading to Shrewsbury for round three in mid-November.
She added: “Those last three laps were long as I kept trying to push on, but to my disbelief I managed to hold on and won my first C1 race and in the yellow jersey!
“This victory has proved a lot to me and given me more confidence. Anyone on that start line can win, you just have to believe that that person is going to be you.”
