British Championships success at Abergavenny 2015

Once again Coventry based Cycling squad “ Team Jewson–M.I.Racing–Polypipe, were fighting for Titles and Medals in a British Cycling Championship.

Last weekend it was the World Masters Cyclo Cross Championships in Switzerland; this weekend it was the British Cyclo Cross Championships at Abergavenny, South Wales.

World Masters Champion and reigning British Champion Phil Roach always knew it would be a tough battle to retain his title.  Roach led from the start, and was joined by 2 former Professionals Tim Gould and Chris Young, both multi national champions in the past,

At the start of the 2^nd lap , Roach lost the lead when he fell on a tight bend on the road section, with Tyres at 22p.s.i. to suit the muddy conditions, he lost it on a very tight bend, which was all his rival needed to attack.  From then on it was a battle to keep the gap from increasing and at the same time to prevent former Champion and fellow World Master, Steve Davies from catching him.  This he did in brilliant style to claim the Bronze Medal- not the colour he wanted but never the less a place on the Podium .

Roach led his team into 3^rd place in the Team Competition with Pete Smith coming from the back of the starting grid to a very impressive 23^rd-and 5^th in his age group, -Wellesbourne’s Tim Stowe finished 28^th, and 6^th in his age group–Coventry’s Pete Busby 34^th after a very promising start, and 67 yr old Barrie Mitchell  from Marton , in 67^th place and 5^th in his age group.

In the Championship for rider 40-49years the evergreen Steve Knight led his Jewson Team to 2^nd place with a brilliant ride that this former British champion often produces.

Knight was gridded well down the field, and went through the start area in 50^th place, possibly one of the  fastest riders on the circuit, he forced his way up into a brilliant 10^th place.  Team mate Mark James, who for much of the race was around the top 10 position, finally finished in 15^th place and Midland series Champion Phil Blacker finished  20^th, a brilliant effort from all 3 riders.