Report: Sotonia Cyclo-Cross

Win for Michael Cotty in Sotonia CC’s round 4 of the Wessex Cyclo-Cross League at Eastleigh in Hampshire

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Report and photos by Graham Robins: Sunday 7th October 2012

Michael Cotty (Wheelbase / Cannondale) took the honours at the new event held on the old golf course in Eastleigh in Hampshire. Michael set a fast pace at the start and soon had a clear minute lead over new team mate Richard Phillips-Scofield.

A lovely autumnal morning greeted the riders and supporters as they arrived at the new venue and they were treated to some fast exciting races throughout the groups. The course was laid out over the disused golf course and included many off camber turns a sand pit and lots of technical wooded sections. The grass was damp to start with but soon dried with the passage of tyres and did not cut up throughout the duration of the race.

Right from the start Michael along with his brother James and supported by Richard the three Cannondale riders eased away and soon had a gap. Michael soon upped the pace and Richard soon slipped away leaving Michael to select the fast lines and stay out of trouble.

Moving up to third place was Ian Legg (Primera Specialized) and soon he was on Richard’s wheel and these two had a good tussle. Chris Minter (PedalOn) was having a strong race but was unable to close in on the two riders in front of him. A tight race was going on for fifth place with James Cotty and Richard Lewis CC Basingstoke locked together for lap after lap. Joining this group was Richard Keynes (1st Gear Cycles).

With Michael winning, Richard eased away from Ian on the last lap to take second by eight seconds from Ian Chris Minter finished clear of the scrap for fith which went down to a sprint.

Provisional Result
1st Michael Cotty Wheelbase / Cannondale 57mins 19 secs
2nd Richard Phillips-Scofield Wheelbase / Cannondale @2min 45secs
3rd Ian Legg Primera Specialized @2mins 53secs
4th Chris Minter PeadalOn @3mins 05secs
5th Richard Lewis CC Basingstoke @5mins 29secs

Ryan Keynes 1st Gear Cycles was first under 23 rider

Vet/Junior/Women Race
Mike Simpson (GS Henley) continued where he finished last week by winning in style as he soon pulled away from the chasers after one lap. This was a winning weekend as Mike won a cross race on Saturday.

The race got underway with Dave McMullen (Team GWR) leading the pack away and he was first into the opening wooded section. But as he exited the trees Mike had moved up and was near to the front along with Keith Sheridan (Cotswold Veldrijden) and junior riders and team mates Matt Woods and Harvey Lowe (Hargroves Cycles). Also in the mix was Sean Williams (Wightlink Offshore) and Steve Davis (South Fork Racing).

After the pack was shuffled it was Steve Davis and Mike Simpson at the front, Dave McMullen had dropped back and Harvey had retired, Matt Woods was 3secs back and Sean on his rear wheel, Keith was a further 15secs back.

Tamina Oliver (Hargroves Cycles was first Women and she was clear of Sarah Wood (Wightlink Offshore)

Provisional Result
1st Mike Simpson GS Henley
2nd Steve Davis South Fork Racing @25secs
3rd Keith Sheridan Cotswold Veldrijden @1min 28secs
4th Sean Williams Wightlink Offshore
5th Matt Woods and 1st Junior

Tamina Oliver finished first woman

Youth Race

A strong ride from Elliott Lassiter (Swindon RC) saw much better last week’s result by two places as he stormed to a clear win over Dan Tuley (Chapel tri Stars). Erin Baker was having a good dual with Kieran Woods (Charlotteville) until he had a mechanical and had to swop onto his younger brother’s bike. Another dual was between girls Emma Pitt (PPV) and Zoe Sheehan (Swindon RC) with Emma coming out the winner of this contest.

Provisional Result
1st Elliott Lassiter Swindon RC 31min 46secs
2nd Dan Tuley Chapel tri Stars @1min
3rd Erin Baker Southdown Velo @6mins 14secs
4th Emma Pitt PPV @6min 34secs
5th Zoe Sheehan Swindon RC @6min 47secs

The under 12’s race had forty starters and a tight battle at the front kept the race interesting right to the chequered flag. Boys Jay Alan (PPV) and team mate Angus Hawkins were locked together with Harry Dridge not too far back. Jay and Angus cut through the slower riders and then it all came down to a sprint finish with Angus just piping Jay for the win. The first girl was Abbie Manley (Chapel tri Stars).

 

 

 

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