REDDITCH cycling star Beth Crumpton has expressed her delight after winning her first elite medal with a bronze at the UK National Cyclo-Cross Championships in Bradford on Sunday.
The 22-year-old said it was a “fantastic feeling” to medal against such elite opposition and reward for her efforts during what has been a busy time away from racing.
Crumpton, part of the Boot out Breast Cancer team, was only beaten by Rio Olympics star and defending champion Nikki Brammeier (1st) and Hannah Payton (2nd) in the elite women event.
Her success comes hot on the heels of finishing in third place overall in the National Trophy cyclo-cross series and Crumpton told the Standard she was thrilled with her start to 2017.
“I’m absolutely chuffed to win my first elite medal. Last year I was in the under 23 event and won the silver medal, finishing behind Evie Richards from Malvern who has had a fantastic year or so and is in a league of her own.
“To follow up this year with a bronze medal at elite women level is a great result for me. I’m really pleased because it’s been difficult for me to put as much training in as I would like having started studying full-time at the University of Worcester in September and also having a part-time job.
“This obviously impacts on the time you can dedicate, so to come away with a bronze medal against such serious competition is great. The winner (Brammeier) competed on the road in Rio and showed how good she was, but I gave it everything as I always do and really found the course enjoyable.”
Crumpton, also a talented mountain bike and road racer, revealed she has always held a soft spot for cyclo-cross.
“I’ve always seen myself as an off-road racer really,” said Crumpton, who thanked Darren Kelly of Estrella Bikes for his sponsorship and support.
“It’s a great way to break things up. The road race season is important and I will turn my attentions to that soon, but the cyclo-cross is great. I race in local leagues and against men regularly and really enjoy the challenge.
“Cyclo-cross is an important discipline for me because it’s hard to get the support you need for mountain bike racing.”
Looking back at the National Trophy series, Crumpton added: “I made a really good start to the campaign but then struggled to compete at a few events, but managed to hold on for a top three finish overall.
“Finishing in the top three of that and then winning the bronze in the cyclo-cross nationals is a great boost. I’m going to have a break now and then put everything into the road racing season.”
