After an 18 month break during the pandemic Stratford Cycle Club are finally back to racing in the West Midlands Cycle Cross League. Round 1 was a home event held on 5th September at a circuit set up at Ullenhall. The break didn’t dampen enthusiasm with 295 competitors from across the region turning up to race. Stratford was well represented again with 24 racers ranging in ages from Fredrick Warner in the under 6 category through to a number in the Vets 60-65’s! 
 
Cycle cross involves a number of race categories linked to age with race times ranging from 10 minutes for the youngest riders through to 50 minutes for Seniors. The circuit is off road and around 1 mile per lap with a few obstacles to either jump or carry around. Often the biggest hurdle is the mud and cold, however this first event was basked in sun where heat made hydration really important. The circuit was dry and fast.
 
As a club we had a fantastic set of results with 2 first place finishes for Molly Kostka in Under 10 Girls and Lewis Tinsley in U16 Boys. We also scooped 4 second place finishes with Fifi Kostka and Benedict Sherriff in U8 Girls and Boys plus Alison Bagnall and Nigel Jones in the female and male Vets. Spencer Corder also got placed finishing third in the U16 Boys. Lewis, Nigel and Spencer are sponsored by Rotor from the Bicycle Rooms in Stratford. 
 
I big thanks goes out to the local host John Johnson of Johnson Coaches and Peter Graham the lead organiser. Also a big thanks to the 30 plus club volunteers that are essential for an event this size. Round 2 will return to Stratford with proceeds going to St Basils Charity which provides accommodation for homeless young people.”

Photos courtesy of Michael Jaye, Gary Sanderson and Maria Haslam.