Team captain and National Champion Paul Oldham led his Hope Technology team to the win in the opening round of the Rapha Super Cross at a sun-soaked Windermere.
Photo Wig Worland
The picturesque backdrop proved a fitting setting and provided a testing course for the eight teams in the big race of the day, the finale of an action-packed day of cyclo-cross.
Oldham powered away in the opening lap to take the prime, only to judder to a halt with a lengthy mechanical soon after, but the backing of team-mates Dave Collins and Dan Booth proved sufficient to hold off the challenge of the Scott trio of Nick Craig, Kenta Gallagher and Luke Grivell-Mellor who finished in close order.
Former National Champion Jody Crawforth (Hargroves) and Lee Williams (Wiggle) slugged it out for the top position before Williams pulled away in the closing stages for a surprise and appreciated individual win from the sizable crowd.
Fourth placed Rob Watson, riding for Rapha / GB Development, took the under-23 prize and wears the competition leader’s jersey going into the second round at Huddersfield on Sunday (16th).
Williams on his way to an individual win in round 1. Photo Wig Worland
Cyclists of all ages were competing …Photo Wig Worland
The Hope team in winning form …Photo Wig Worland
Sunshine, the lake in the background, the event was a superb day out.Photo Wig Worland
Photo Wig Worland
RESULTS – TEAM
1. Hope Technology
2. Scott UK
3. Rapha / GB Development
4. Wiggle
5. Hargroves / Specialized
6. Wheelbase
7. Sigma Sport / Specialized
8. Charge
INDIVIDUAL
1. Lee Williams (Wiggle)
2. Jody Crawforth (Hargroves)
3. Paul Oldham (Hope)
4. Rob Watson (Rapha / GB)
5. Dave Collins (Hope)
6. Dan Booth (Hope)
7. Kenta Gallagher (Scott)
8. Luke Grivell-Mellor (Scott)
9. Nick Craig (Scott)
10. Joe Moses (Rapha / GB)
UNDER 23 – Rob Watson (Rapha / GB)
