on 19th November 2011
Coventry based Team Jewson–M.I.Racing–Thule–CNP, dominated the Jewson sponsored L.V.R.C. National Cyclo Cross Championships for Veteran riders at Moreton College , Nr Wellesbourne on Saturday
With a field of over 50 riders from all over the U.K. contesting a tough but testing circuit, including steep descents and climbs in the wooded section combined with fast road and grass sections, and 2 running sections, Event organizer and course designer, 5 times World Masters Champion, Mick Ives, said “it was always going to sort the men from the boys, personally I was hoping for some rain to make conditions tougher, but it stayed dry all day.”
Following his usual slow start, reigning Champion, and former British Senior Champion, Team Jewson rider ,Steve Knight, ploughed his way to the front, with a masterly display of riding, being the only rider in the event to ride one section of the course, that even Mick Ives thought would be impossible, this he did on each of the 8 laps, with out any problems. Knight won in convincing style, winning the Race and the 40+ Championship, next season he will contest the 45+ event Lorenzo Buratti finished 9th and 4th in the 40+ Championship Further success for the Team , with 54 yr old Pete Smith a former British Road Race Champion—finishing 4th in the Race and a clear winner in the 50+ Championship,, Team mate Tim Stowe (Wellesbourne) who won the Championship last season , and who lives just 2 miles from the course, finished 3rd to take Bronze Medal In the 60+ Championship –John Gabriel (Hinckley) finished 2nd, and Team mate Martin Hackley (Dunchurch) finished 3rd, both winning their first ever Cyclo Cross Championship Medal.
The 70+ Championship was dominated by the reigning Champion, Mick Ives (Baginton) who has now recorded his 75th British Cycling Championship, an all time record, that may never be beaten! Team Mate Graham Clements finished 3rd, New Lady team member Hanneke van der Werffinished 4th in the Ladies race.
Had there been a Team Championship, Team Jewson would have won that too, with 1st, 4th and 9th in the race.
What is more impressive is that 3 of their ” Big Guns ” didn’t compete–Darren Atkins and Mark James , part of the current National Championship Team winners, both had to work , and British 50+ Champion,–unbeaton this season, who was expected to push Knight for overall victory in their event, went down with a heavy cold in the week and was advised by Team Director Mick Ives, not to race.
These 3 British Championships, now brings Team Jewson–M.I.Racings tally to 21 National Championship wins plus 2 Team Championships, this season–no other Team in the UK can compete with that .