Report from the 8th round of the GWR team’s flood lit winter cyclo cross series
The overall series battle continued at the 8th round, of the GWR team flood lit winter cyclo cross Series at superamarine rugby club, as going in to the race Paul Lloyd had a six point advantage over Dan Lewis for the coveted prize of a week at joyriders.com. But after Paul took his fourth win of the series that lead has extended to eight points.
Finally the weather has turned to what cyclo cross racing is all about in the winter as with a heavy down pour just 30mins before the race the dry course was turned very muddy and sticky in places to test the riders and bikes to the limit. the weather conditions, which saw some regular riders turn round and go home, had a reduced line up of 32 riders for the 8th round of the winter series.
The reduced line up still had a very strong field of riders lined up on the start line, with Matt Woods, winner of the Wessex league race in reading, and Luke Cowely, winner of a round of last years series, and current series leaders Dan Lewis and Paul Lloyd. The race was run off in the usual darkness but with very little wind it was still very warm and the track was hard packed.
The first lap saw Dan Lewis take a tumble as he lead into the arena as the grassy banks had turned very slippy due to the rain. This allowed Paul Lloyd to put some pressure on early and ride on his own a few seconds ahead of the chasing pack of Dan Lewis, Scot Easter, George Bate and Luke Cowely. The 2nd group was made up of Matt Woods, Dan Smith, and Deacon Cutterham.
Mid way through the race Lloyd was still leading and his gap was starting to increase as Easter and Lewis were struggling in the muddy conditions. the race behind was an every changing as both Bate and Cowely were suffering in the muddy conditions and dropped out of contention while smith and Steve brown moved up into the top 5.
On lap 9 of 9 Lloyd was holding his advantage over his chaser which he held to the line, Easter solid 2nd place and Lewis came in for the final podium spot for 3rd. 4th place went to Steve Brown who took the 1st place for veteran rider. Joe Griffiths was 1st junior and Samatha Jones was 1st Lady.
The race for the overall is still to be decided but seems Lloyd is now in control but with Lewis, with only 8 points behind and a significant 62 point gap to Smith who is still in third. Lloyd will look to defend his lead at round 9 to be held on the 1 November.
More photos on http://www.facebook.com/pages/GWR-Team/113366335348441
GWR team – Developing British cyclists to race in Europe at the highest level
