Inch Park Youth and Womens CX

Again the cross event was blessed with good weather, there was some rain to remind us that winter is approaching. However, not enough to have an impact on enjoyment.

In addition to the 'cross race, there was a charity kit swap organised by Gary Lawson of Pentland Racers, which has raised £385 for C-R-Y in memory of Ben Forsyth. Donate here - https://www.justgiving.com/page/ben-forsyth-2023.

The day began at 8:30 when the course layout began. Within an hour the course was in good shape. The commissaire ran their slide rules over the route, made a few adjustments and we were ready to go.

While course setter-uppers were in action ERC coaches Anna Flynn (GB rider), Izzy Harris (Section head) and Simon Innes (First responder) coached 18 novice female riders in preparation for the women's race. Riders gave great feedback on the session covering hurdles, power climbs and off-camber cornering.

A 30-minute race followed the coaching. Tired but happy could have been a common sentiment at the finish line.
However, there can only be one podium, and here it is.

Our timekeeper, Brian, described the day thus, "Many smiling faces as they crossed the line for each lap never mind their finish lap!
Then in the afternoon, it was a virtual conveyor belt of youths chasing each other around in their respective age groups.
So heartwarming to see the little tots in amongst the slightly older U8 category. Not sure if I could go a bike aged 5 never mind race around a field on one. As ever the competitiveness increases as the age does so there were some fairly rapid circuits from the U14/U16."

There were some memorable performances throughout the day, Guy Rourke (Peebles CC) won the YC boys event in his first year, following his win in the YD category last year, surely one to watch. At the top end, in all senses, was double British champion Gus Lawson who gained the top step in his first year in the A's. We can see him continue to win throughout the season and expect him to come back next year for his final ride in Inch Park. Mountain biker, Daisy Wilkinson, moved to the top step following her 2nd place in '22. Royal Albert's Zoe Martin made her journey worthwhile by lapping the entire field in the 15-minute YD race, a feat repeated by Mairi Dowens (U14) and Daisy. There was a tighter finish in the YC boys with first-year Cobey Stewart beating Sam Kingan into second place by only a half second.

The promoting club triumphed at the start of the day with wins for Esmarelda Sirey (U8) and Finn Revell (U10), seconds for Eilidh Adam and James Kemp, and third place for Eric Watson Teire. Later, Niamh Waters (YA) and Andrew Levinson (YB) won silvers, while Lucy Sweeney came in third in the YB race.

There were many other struggles and battles around the circuit that didn't get mentioned here. Feedback has been very positive from newcomers and old hands alike.

As ever we have to thank a team of volunteers who pulled together to host another successful event, without them, it wouldn't happen.

Thank you also to CoE for the use of the Park, Ptarmigan Coffee as our caffeineator at IPCSC, Inch Park Community Sports Club for the use of their toilets and Cameron Toll for parking.

The full results are given below.

Many thanks to our sponsors, The Bicycle Works, Field & Lawn and Goodson Associates.