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Certini Cyclo-Cross - South West Cyclo-Cross League Final
December 13 2009 - Central Park, Plymouth
Organiser and Report: Gary Andrews Photo: Nick Lumb
Results | Overall Standings
Crisp wintery conditions and an unusual blue sky greeted the South West riders for the tenth and final round of the South West league calendar. The Team Certini event returned to Plymouth's Central Park for the second year and a modified, more flowing, course was well accepted by all.
49 riders lined up for the main race of the day with an equal spread of vets and senior taking the start. Vin Cox (Empella Cyclo-cross.com) lead from the gun as the other contenders jostled to get on his wheel. Cox needed to finish better than fifth on the day to re-claim the overall SW crown from rival Roy Wyle Smith (Shred Racing). The head of main race consisted of all the local favourites who began to reel in Cox after his early efforts and after two and half laps of the circuit the leaders regrouped and included Vin Cox, Roy Wyle Smith, Luke Eggar, Steve Davies and Ben Price.
It was young Ben Price (Unattached) who managed to pull away on the tough grassy incline and set off in search of the win. Behind Cox took up the chase whilst Wyle Smith and Eggar formed a chase partnership as Steve Davies lost contact as taking a tumble. Price was able to build on his advantage and without incident took a much deserved win after challenging at the front end of the pack all season. Wyle Smith fought hard behind, catching Cox and snatching second place in the final couple of laps. However, it was Cox who finished in third spot who would be rewarded with the Senior Men's title.
The Vets race had a familiar look to it as Steve Davies (Unattached) took the win with Tim Carpenter (Empella Cyclo-cross.com) coming home in second.
In the women's event South of England Champion Maddie Horton (Team Certini) cruised home to a comfortable win over Lisa Parsons (Welland Valley), finishing high up overall in 15th spot. Mark Percival (Unattached) took the honours in the junior's race over local Shred Racing duo Harry Smith and James Birch.
In the Youth's event Joel Kelly (MDCC) made light work of his rivals, whilst Laura Clode finished second overall and took the Under 16's win. Joel's younger brother Will (MDCC) rounded of the top three.
A good field of ten starters took to the shortened Under 12 circuit and it was arch rivals Harry Birchill (U10) and Jack Hawtin (U10) who once again battled for supremacy. Harry took the early lead, but Jack rode back up to Harry's back wheel on the completion of lap three. However, Harry was to strong and pulled away again to take the win and the title.
Following the completion of the days racing everybody enjoyed a piece of the 2ft long sponge cake laid on by organiser Gary Andrews and contemplated the days racing and the close of a great season's cyclo-cross racing.
The final award of the day was for the Royston Chandler Cup, an awarded voted by the league members for an outstanding performance, commitment to the administration of the sport etc. The votes were cast and it was a draw with Mark Deakin and Roy Wyle Smith being awarded the cup for their contributions to the league.
The 2009 South West Cyclo-Cross League Champions are:
• Senior Men: Vin Cox - Empella/Cyclo-cross.com
• Veterans Men: Steve Davies - Unattached
• Veterans 50+: Robin Delve - MDCC
• Ladies: Fiona Verney - Exeter Wheelers
• Junior: Harry Smith - Shred Racing
• Under 16 Female: Laura Clode - Unattached
• Under 14 Male: Joel Kelly - MDCC
• Under 12 Overall: Matthew Bryant - EMBC
• Under 10 Overall: Harry Birchill
• Under 8 Overall: Freddy Birchill
• Royston Chandler Cup: Mark Deakin and Roy Wyle Smith
