AS rain closed in on the Colchester Rovers cyclo-cross races, muddy battles were fought out in the woods of Furze Hill, Mistley.

AS rain closed in on the Colchester Rovers cyclo-cross races, muddy battles were fought out in the woods of Furze Hill, Mistley, writes Fergus Muir.

Racing last on the programme, the seniors found themselves running up climbs that had been rideable earlier in the day, while corners at the bottom of descents were the scene of much sideways cycling.

Senior winner Shaun Aldous was not immune, having at least one exciting moment at the bottom of the biggest drop. Nor did he find climbing straightforward, as his gears were slipping and Richard Dunnett, in second place, was gaining over the last two laps. Dunnett put in 5000 miles cycling in Australia and New Zealand earlier this year - making him fit but not necessarily fast. Back home and racing regularly, speed is clearly coming to the Diss & District rider’s legs.

Cambridge rider Martin Carter took third place and was winner of the Elite Veteran class, while Matt Cook (WV Eemland) overtook Ben Paton on the last lap to take fourth.

James Jobber (Colchester Rovers) was the Junior winner. Revelling in the demanding conditions Patrick Cook (Ipswich BC) was never far behind, closing to within three seconds in mid-race but eventually finishing 21 seconds behind.

Much of the Furze Hill course is on the side of a wooded ravine, once part of Mistley Park. It puts a premium on courage, skill and climbing ability.

The veterans raced first, and had the best of the weather. Bruce Robinson (Shaftesbury CC) and Tim Butler (Ipswich BC) led as the field dived into the woods for the first time. Robinson put in what proved to be the fastest lap of the day and secured a clear lead.

“Always liked the course” he said.

Behind two battles were being played out. Geoff Bores challenged Butler, fell back but recovered to claim the runner-up spot by four seconds. Meanwhile David Brown (Essex Roads CC) was in close attendance on 60+ rider Phil Cooper and won a sprint for fourth spot by inches. Sue Wood (Maldon & District) was first woman, comfortably ahead of clubmate Joolz Halpin.

There was plenty of excitement in the Youth race where George Wood (Maldon & District) led on the first lap and was powering up the climbs. However Alwyn Newstead (Ipswich BC) eventually used his speed to take the lead and repeat his win in Eastern League round seven at Redgrave

The Under 12s were the first competitors to face the rain. Georg Jensen (Lee Valley Youth) was clear winner, ahead of Zak Coleman (Gt Yarmouth CC) and Pierce Bacon (Ipswich BC)

Result: Eastern Cyclo-Cross League round 8, Mistley

Seniors, Juniors, Elite Veterans: 1 Shaun Aldous (Extreme Sports Therapy) 6 laps in 54:35; 2 Richard Dunnett (Diss & District CC) +0:35; 3 Martin Carter 1st Elite Vet +1:13; 4 Matthew Cook (WV Eemland) +1:21; 5 Ben Paton Elite Vet (Amis Velo RT) +1:32; 6 Ian Newby Elite Vet (Diss & District CC) +2:00; 19 James Jobber 1st Jun (Colchester Rovers) +7:46.

Women, Veterans: 1 Bruce Robinson Vet 50+ (Shaftesbury CC) 5 laps in 41:15; 2 Geoff Bores Vet 50+ (Ford CC) +1:44; 3 Tim Butler Vet 50+ (Ipswich BC) +1:48; 4 David Brown 1st Vet (Essex Roads CC) +2:43; 5 Philip Cooper 1st Vet 60+ +2:44, 17 Susan Wood 1st Women/Vet. (Maldon & District) +5:48.

Youth: 1 Alwyn Newstead (Ipswich BC) 3 laps in 28:46; 2 George Wood (Maldon & District) +0:26; 3 Archie Wishart 1st U14 (Welwyn Whls CC) +1:04; 16 Samantha Parker 1st Girl (Maldon & District) +1 lap +2:37.

Under 12: 1 Georg Jensen (Lee Valley Youth CC) 5 laps in 11:20; 2 Zak Coleman (Gt Yarmouth CC) +0:46; 3 Pierce Bacon (Ipswich BC) +1:09, 9 Aaron Freeman 1st U10 (Chelmer CC) +2:24.

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The National Trophy cyclo-cross at Mallory Park, Leicestershire was muddy and slippery, but at least not wet overhead.

Imogen Buick riding for Thetford MTB Racing took second place in the event for Under 16 Girls which was won by a convincing margin by Alice Barnes (Palmer Park Velo). On a course that runs up and down the spectator banks surrounding the motor race circuit, Sean Dunlea (PCA Ciclos Uno) took 18th place in the Under 16s race, while dad Kieron was 34th in 40+ veterans, five places behind clubmate Kevin Barker.

Next Sunday, West Suffolk Wheelers are holding their “Roads & Tracks” event - a ride at your own pace along the quieter lanes, tracks, cycle paths & bridleways to the north & east of Bury. Distance will be approximately 26 miles including 10 miles of off-road tracks. Start is 9.30am from the Wheelers’ new clubroom at the Priory School, Shakers Lane, Bury St Edmunds.

Please contact Richard Lines (rlines@btinternet.com) for any further details