ROUND four of the BWA West Midlands Cyclo-cross League was hosted by the Halesowen club, who had made the best of the old brickworks to invent some interesting courses for all age groups on a course softened by recent rain.
Redditch Road & Path Cycling Club’s Ryan Oldfield and Phoebe Strain continued their great seasons with second places in the U8s boys and girls categories respectively and Oldfield now leads the league standings.
In addition, Redditch took first place in the U6 girls through Millie Strain and second and third in the U6 boys through Owen Jervis and Arly Berry.
In the U10s race Tom Cartwright was first Redditch rider home. He is improving every race and showed great determination throughout the race.
Ellie Swingell in just her third league race managed a hard fought second place in the girls category, whilst Kai Speechley in his first ever league race rode very well and finished strongly in 30th.
The U12s start was a bit hectic with three Redditch riders caught up in a pile-up on the first corner. Sulli Berry resumed racing and, despite having a broken finger, managed a battling 11th position, with Josh Mitchell next home in only his second race as he achieved 16th place and beat some far more experienced racers.
The Youth race was as ever very fast and an energy-sapping course took its toll on the majority of the field.
Gareth Richardson was first U16 boy home for Redditch, with Sam Wainwright first U14 boy home as both consolidated good league positions of 11th and 16th respectively.
Annie Lindsay consolidated her third place in the league with a strong ride.
Joe Geehan rode into third place in the Junior League as the longer race format suited his style and this season looks set to be a great one for Geehan.
Phil Edwards was spurred on by Geehan riding in the veterans 50+ category, just managing to catch and pass Geehan, whilst Gary Davis enjoyed his first league start of the season.
The Senior race was once again graced by riders with National Trophy ambitions, making the racing fast and furious.
James Strain continued his consistent form by finishing first Redditch rider and is now just outside the top ten in the league.
Mike Matthews was not so fortunate as he suffered a mechanical problem on the first lap, but he battled through for a strong finish.
