Cyclo-cross leagueIn the senior race Haverhill rider Nick Ainsworth (Fat Birds CC), held off a challenge from Diss & District's Ian Newby, to win the final round on a course where climbing and descending ability was at a premium.

Cyclo-cross league

In the senior race Haverhill rider Nick Ainsworth (Fat Birds CC), held off a challenge from Diss & District's Ian Newby, to win the final round on a course where climbing and descending ability was at a premium.

If Newby could have repeated last week's win it would have given him the bronze medal place in the league standings.

But Ainsworth made his usual rocket-assisted start and grabbed a gap ahead of the mêlée as the field entered the woods for the first time.

Newby was momentarily obstructed - and Ainsworth stayed in front to the finish.

It was the toughest course seen recently at Mistley - several trees had fallen during the recent storms so the course was altered from previous races. The organiser took the opportunity to add some new climbs and lengthen others.

These, and in particular the corresponding descents, put the less experienced riders on a steep learning curve, with Craig Beech (Interbike) crashing out and Tim Bonnett (VC Baracchi) finding better and better lines on the corners in his cat and mouse battle with Stuart Chatting (Angliasport).

At the line Bonnett beat Chatting by three seconds for third place, and the two riders will tie for fifth position in the League.

Dave Copland (Ipswich BC) took fifth place at Mistley and was the first veteran finisher.

David Nichols (Chelmer CC) and Luke Newby (Diss & District) were close in the early stages of the Youth category race, but Nichols eventually drew clear. Hugo Robinson (IBC) was best among the Under-14s.

Sean Dunlea had a 19-second win in the Under-12s, ahead of Plomesgate CC's Jack Hardwicke, who was best Under-10.

Following the race, Ipswich Bicycle Club retained the trophy for inter-club competition in the Cyclo-Cross League.