Over 80 British veterans made the self-funded short trip across the channel to contest the UCI 2016 World Masters Cyclo-cross Championships
News: Vets at the World Cross Champs
By Dean Barnett
Over 80 British veterans made the self-funded short trip across the channel to contest the UCI 2016 World Masters Cyclo-cross Championships.
The two day event was staged in Belgian municipality of Mol in the heart of Belgium’s home sport. It was a welcome return to Mol after the Championship had been on its travels to the States and Switzerland.
With many Brits arriving early to get plenty of practice on the brutal 3km circuit, which featured strength sapping ankle deep sand, ultrafast flowing sections and short sharp ascents and descents around the tourist lake of Zilvermeer.
484 competitors aged between 30 and 78 years old representing 24 nations produced a series of outstanding races in their age groups.
Great Britain got the championship off to a flyer as former National Champion Tracy Fletcher stormed across the finish line, arms aloft to secure Britain’s first gold medal in the 50 to 54yrs age group, a fantastic achievement for Tracy. This was shortly followed by Helen Pattison sprinting down the finish line to secure a superb silver medal in the 45 to 49 yrs.
Next to take to the start line for GB were Dave McMullen, Vic Barnett, both defending Masters Champions and former champion John Ginley.
The trio are stalwarts of the sport securing many titles in off-road racing. McMullen wasted no time asserting his authority in his age 65 to 69 years, he produced a polished performance as he retained his title.
Vic Barnett was once again looking to complete a unique double of holding the both the World MTB and Cross title. After the first lap Vic took control and went onto enjoy a trouble free ride to secure his 9th World title. Â … continued after advert
John Ginley proves he gets better with age and was pure class in the 75 years plus race. After 36 minutes of racing the GB rider once again secured a World crown.
Day two saw a large number of GB riders battle across the 300 meter sand section in their various age groups. With great support from family and fellow competitors there was real Team GB ethos by the band of veterans.
In the 45 to 49 years age group Ian Taylor revelled in the conditions and loved the running section through the sand. The course certainly tested all of the competitor’s fitness and agility, in a tight battle Taylor looked strong as he galloped through the sand to secure his first World Masters title and ensure Great Britain were the top Nation ahead of France.
With so many Brits racing there were other outstanding performances in both men’s and ladies age groups.
All of the competitors were a credit to Great Britain, well done all.
Send your results as well as club, team & event news here
Other Results on VeloUK (including reports containing results)
- Features, Reports, Results
- Former Winners: Lincoln Grand Prix
- Chris Lawless Joins Saint Piran Team
- Youth Result: Milton Keynes Youth Development Races
- TT Result: Southern Counties CU Sporting 21
- TT Result: Manchester & District TTA 10m TT
- TT Result: Northampton & District CA 10m TT
- TT Result: Knockhill Mountain Time Trial
- Youth Result: Lawford Youth Series
- TT Result: Bristol South CC Hardriders
- TT Result: Newmarket Cycling & Triathlon Club TT
- Paracycling Track Worlds Day 4
- Para CyclingWorlds Final Day
- Startlist: National Youth Circuit Series Rd 1
- TT Result: Orwell Velo 15m TT
- TT Result: Hull Thursday RC Hard Riders 2Up
- TT Result: VC Sevale 10m TT
- TT Result: Maldon & District CC Hilly 22m TT
- Youth Result: SCC Youth Races
- Youth Result: ERC Ben Forsyth CRY Youth Race Day
- Report/Result: Azets Spring Classic
- Track Result: Manchester Regional Track League
- Startlists: RCR Fat Creations Road Races
- Crit Result: Not the Portsmouth Easter Circuits
- Crit Result: March Hare Classic
- Crit Result: Haus RT – Darley Moor #3
- Crit Results: Spring MK Bowl Series #3
- Crit Result: No Nonsense Circuit Races 1
- Crit Result: Salt Ayre Spring Series #3
- RR Result: NCRA Handicap RR #3
- RR Result: Halesowen Academy Road Race
- RR Result: Primavera Pursuit Road Race
- Startlist: Capernwray Road Race (March 31)
- TT Result: VTTA Kent 8 mile TT
- TT Result: Kernow Racing Team TT
- TT Result: Banbury Star CC 21m TT
- TT Result: Velo Club St Raphael 16.5 TT
- TT Result: Port Talbot Whs 13m TT
- TT Result: Cleveland Whs Sporting 21.7m TT
- TT Result: Velotik RT 15m TT
- TT Result: Border City Whs Hilly 20.2m TT
Other News on VeloUK
- Former Winners: Lincoln Grand Prix
- Chris Lawless Joins Saint Piran Team
- Paracycling Track Worlds Day 4
- Para CyclingWorlds Final Day
- Startlist: National Youth Circuit Series Rd 1
- Report/Result: Azets Spring Classic
- Startlists: RCR Fat Creations Road Races
- Startlist: Capernwray Road Race (March 31)
- Team Report: Fensham Howes MAS Design Junior Team
- Team Report: CiCLE Classic Junior Men
- RIDER REPORTS – Zoe Parker (Solihull CC)
- GB News: Two World Titles for GB at Para Worlds
- Team News: Alba Development Road Team
- News: British Road Champs Return to NE
- THIS WEEKEND: Peaks Two Day is Back!
- News: Laura Kenny Retires
- Team News: Lee Valley Youth Cycling Team
- 2024/25 CYCLO-CROSS CALENDAR
- Startlist: Cardiff Ajax CC 10 Mile TT
- Startlists: 16th Gifford Road Races (Scotland)
- News: Ellingworth is new Tour of Britain Director
- Startlist: Circuit of Ingleborough TT
- STARTLIST: Evesham Vale Road Race 2024
- Mammoth fields for Women’s/Junior Men’s CiCLE Classics
- Saturday: Fusion Media Women’s Series Rd 1
- Saint Piran’s Global Women’s Project
- Ribble Rebellion: The Riders
- Team News: Ribble Rebellion Team Launch
- British Classics – 64th Wally Gimber Trophy
- Startlist: 62nd Eddie Soens
- Startlist: 10th Junior Men’s CiCLE Classic (March 17)
- Startlist: 8th Women’s CiCLE Classic (March 17)
- Startlist: 40th Jock Wadley Memorial RR
- Riders: Azets Spring Classic (March 24)
- Bike News: DJ Spoony’s Special & unique Ribble Ultra SL R
- GB Team News: Helen Scott now Men’s Sprint Podium Potential Coach
- Startlist: Royal Navy Cup 2024
- News: Halesowen Academy 2024
- Report: Day 3 British Track Championships
- New Women’s Series in the Midlands