Raven is quick to make an impact
Last updated: 21/10/2009 11:31:00
Elite veteran Gavin Rumbles beat all the under-40s to win the fifth round of the Eastern Cyclo-Cross League at Colchester.
Just nine seconds behind was Coltishall rider Michael Raven who was riding his first ever cyclo-cross and consequently started from the back of the grid.
Riding round the world to see the Beijing Olympics, as Raven has done, is not exactly targeted training for a 50 minute race, but he adapted quickly and came away with the prize for top senior.
His clubmate in the Norwich Extreme Sports Therapy team, Josh Hannan, took a second successive win in the youth race, comfortably clear of Alan Trolove of West Suffolk Wheelers.
Third overall in the big race was Matt Cook (API/Metrow). The inspired and experienced junior from Barnham near Thetford coped brilliantly with the fast but technical course at Hillyfields Community Park and scored his highest-ever open cyclo-cross placing - though he said he "hit a tree on every lap."
The race was never dull, with Andrew Nichols (Cambridge University CC) setting the early pace until his rim tape parted company with his back tubular tyre.
Towards the end Nichols was gaining over 20 seconds a lap on Rumbles, but he crashed and had to run to the finish with an inextricably tangled chain.
Rumbles, in contrast, was using tubeless tyres, at a pressure as low as 30 psi - there being no tube that could suffer an impact puncture.
In the veteran's race Chris Gooch (VC Revolution) was apparently securely ahead until he punctured on the last lap and early leader David Fraser took the flag, ahead of comeback man Tony Wilkins, with Gooch in third. Norwich rider and former MTB racer Patrick Stokes made good use of his early 90s classic mountain bike, entirely without suspension, to take fourth place in the 44 rider field.
In the King's Lynn CC hill climb Gary Rushmore secured the club hill climb trophy, going up Flitcham hill in two minutes 52.18 seconds. Just one-fifth of a second faster was Shane Ashby who led a strong contingent of Wisbech Wheelers visitors.
The Norfolk CTC will be holding their annual 25 mile Ruff Stuff event on Sunday.
This is an off road event: bridleways, byways, and minor roads. It is suitable for touring bikes, mountain bikes and cyclo-cross bikes.
The event HQ is Cawston Village Hall NR10 4AG and start times are 09.00, 09.30 and 10.00 - all to finish by 13.00.
Event organiser is Andrew Mills 01603 402645
Looking further ahead West Suffolk Wheelers have a similar non-competitive off-road ride on Sunday, November 15, based at Bury St Edmunds.Their website is www.westsuffolkwheelers.co.uk