Jody Crawforth proved fastest in the men’s elite category of the West Drayton Black Park cross-country race, held last weekend and opening the season for many racers.
A record entry of 300 people, despite less than favourable conditions, turned out to race. The fun events saw a huge turnout of the riders as Beyond/RRP/Specialized jerseys dominated the line up at they faced 4 laps of 3.5 mile circuit, in the men’s race Henry Whippet Howe at the end of the race had finished a superb 3rd to make the podium with Craig Sampson returning to racing after a 10 year hiatus not far behind in 8th then an astonishing 7 Club riders finished between 10th and 20th.
In the women’s race it was a Beyond clean sweep on the podium, with a determined Karen Sawkins just managing to hold off Shari Pay on her club debut with Jules Fox a little further back.
In the Beginners race there looked quite a few experienced riders but despite this Tom Bausor on his race debut clocked up another podium for the club in 3rd.
In the Emergency services Race, the reluctant racer Cat Ross made light of the conditions to register a clear win in the ladies section, whilst Chris Denman took a break from the organisational duties to win the veterans title.
In the London Single Speed championships reigning champion Roy Sheppard was going well but despite a great effort on the day had to settle for 2nd place with team mate Clive 3rd.
In the Elite/Expert race won by Jody Crawforth, the clubs Nick Evans was one of the few riders who kept plugging away and his reward was a 4th place, the wins had not finished for the club though as Rob Jackson in the grand vets clocked up another win to add to his ever growing list of victories.
In the vets race the clubs on form Jon Pierce and Matt Craner had the misfortune to come up against a rampant Lewis King and despite working together to try to stay with him they conceded and sportingly finished together in 2nd and 3rd .
The club had an amazing 39 riders taking port in the racing proving what great value they give to their sponsors.
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