ABERGAVENNY’s hugely popular cycling event Crosstober saw visitors far and wide taking a trip up to the ‘Gateway of Wales’ for a weekend of two-wheeled action.

On Saturday, first up were the next generation of riders who got stuck into their mini version of the cx course. Hundreds of eager youngsters some as young as four, peddled their hearts out, in a series of races that encompassed the under 12s/10s/8s, sponsored by Isla bikes. Fun was had by all. There was also fantastic team prizes up for grabs courtesy of SA Partners.

The team prizes were awarded on a lowest points scoring basis and included both boys and girls in the same age category.

Next up the Novice women set the course alight with Anna Stickland (Brecon Wheelers) taking the win. A massive field of over a 140 riders lined up next in the heavily contested Veteran men and Women’s race, with Ed Moseley (Malvern Cycle Sport) dominating the MV40 field. Tim Davies (CC Abergavenny/JP Signs) battled hard in the race taking first MV50 and a creditable seventh behind the ‘youngsters.’

Ffion James (Abergavenny Road Club) was the popular winner of the senior ladies race, while Clare Hoskins (Cardiff JIF) took the honours in the women’s vet race.      

Less than a second separated the top three in the senior men’s race with Jeremy Durrin (NeonVelo) outsprinting veteran cycle cross competitor Paul Oldham (Hope Factory Racing) and Matthew Fratesi (Swansea University) for the win. Junior rider Barney Clacy (Hargroves/Ridley/Montezuma) rode a strong race to finish fifth overall while taking first in his category.

Last races of the day were the also the first of the weekend’s National Trophy races, the youth categories.

Euan Woodliffe (Welwyn Wheelers CC) took the U14 win, with a good seven second lead while Alec Gregory (Pedal Power Loughborough) narrowly pipped Oliver Stockwell (Welwyn Wheelers CC) for the U16s win. It was Zoe Backstedt (Maindy Flyers Youth CC) who took a commanding win in the U14s girls, while Millie Couzens (PH-MAS/Paul Milnes/Oldfield) took a comfortable win in the U16s.

Inbetween the racing the event village buzzed with activity, with spectators and competitors alike browsing the wares on offer. VIP visitors were treated to coffee and cake by Three Degress North Coffee co run by former World champion and Olympian Becky James and served by her partner Rugby international George North.

Come Sunday and anticipation was high, as riders and spectators alike were eager to see the racing unfold. For those that couldn’t be there, S4C Chwaraeon sports programme were on course with numerous cameras televising the action live.

Conditions were running fast, blue skies and a gentle breeze set the day’s agenda. The day’s races were full of riders that you would expect to see fighting for titles on the worlds stage.

The organisers raised the bar even more with their inclusive decision to offer parity in prize money across the board, something Abergavenny RC the organising club have been doing for many years and also they introduced a separate race for Veteran women, a first in any National Trophy and one which hopefully sets a bench mark for other organisers.

First race of the day was the hotly contested Vet men’s race with Nick Craig (SCOTT Racing) the firm favourite. He didn’t disappoint, taking the win in the V40 despite being pressed all the way to the line by Ian Taylor (C and N Cycles RT), Neil Ellison (WDMBC/Specialized Ruislip) and Darren Atkins (Ride Coventry).

Obviously not suffering from any tiredness from his previous day’s win was Tim Davies (CC AbergavennyJP SignsPrint) in the V50 category taking his second win of the weekend.

The first ever stand alone Vet women’s race was won comfortably by Kate Eedy (Team Empella Cyclo-Cross.com) with runner up Maddi Smith (Bolsover & District CC) consoling her second spot overall with a win for the V45 category. First lady in the V50 class was Marie Jackson (Paul Milnes Bradford Olympic) taking sixth spot overall while Nicola Davies (Beacon Wheelers) secured victory in the V55 category.

In the junior men it was Sean Flynn (Edinburgh RC) who took the honours.

In a highly charged and emotional tribute to Charlie Craig, who was lost to the CX community earlier in the year, his Dad, Nick Craig and former World Champion and Olympian Becky James presented the “Spirit of Charlie Trophy” to Junior William Thackray (Paul Milnes Bradford Olympic) for his unyielding and unwavering determination throughout the race.

With round one of the National Trophy Series already comfortably tucked under her belt, Beth Crumpton came into the elite women’s race brimming with confidence. Not even the presence of Olympian Eva Lechner (Clif Pro Team) , but Crumpton off her race. She rode maturely, controlling the race as she wanted it. Taking a comfortable win over Lechner, to secure a firm hold on the overall series lead. Anna Kay (EDCO Continental) completed the podium line up in third taking the U23 win on the way. Junior Harriet Harnden (T-Mo Racing) fresh from a mob camp in Scotland, rode a strong race to take the junior win, finishing in a strong seventh spot overall.  

Finally all eyes were on the young precocious talent of Tom Pidcock (Telenet Fidea Lions) who was certain to put the cat among the pigeons. In only one of two races, former junior World Cx Champion, Pidcock intends to race in the UK, he displayed all the markings of the champion he is. Bunny hopping the hurdles, was just one of many advantages he built into the race for himself leaving the rest of the field in his wake, finally romping to the finish line with nearly 40 seconds to spare to take the win overall and the U23 win. Current National UK Senior Champion Ian Field (Hargroves-Ridley-Montezuma’s) consoled himself with a well earned second with Piddock’s team mate Jim Aernouts (Telenet Fidea Lions) taking third.

Once again everyone involved would like to the the incredible team at Abergavenny RC for all their hard work.