News: Vets at the World Cross Champs

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 Britainâ€™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.Â 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 competitorâ€™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 menâ€™s and ladies age groups.

All of the competitors were a credit to Great Britain, well done all.