
On Sunday our riders added 3 more British Championships to their tally to make it 21 British Individual Championships—1 World Championship and 3 European Championships plus a British Team Championship in 2013, surly the leading sports team in the Midlands if not the UK.
On Sunday—Kenilworth’s Darren Atkins added to his already massive list of victories, by winning the LVRC National Cyclo Cross Championship for riders 40 yrs and over.
The event , organized by Mick Ives on behalf of M.I.Racing and the LVRC , was sponsored by Coventry based “JEWSON”.—and attracted riders from all over the U.K.–and held on a very tough course at Warwickshire College, Moreton Morrell , Nr Wellesbourne, –a course that included , steep, muddy technical descents,– tree rooted slippery tracks—a flight of steps,– one very tough climb,– several running sections — flat grass land ,and a ¼ mile of road,–certainly one of the toughest Cyclo Cross events of the season.
Atkins led from the off, and floated round the course with ease, such was his class, –retaining the Championship he won last year—He won the Midland Championship a few weeks ago, next week he will be out to win the National series Championship ,–he has a massive points lead going into the final event at Shrewsbury– both of which he won last year, and then the following week he brings his season to a close with the British Championships at Derby, where he will be out to better last years 2nd place., as well as leading a very strong team ., out to retain the Championship they won last year.
3rd rider to finish the race , and 2nd in the 40-44 class was “Jewsons” Phil Blacker—the recent Midland series winner for 2013—Blacker , may have secured 2nd place overall, had he not broke his gear mech. ¾ way thro the race, requiring him to run some considerable distance to his spare cycle.
In the 45-49 class—the teams Mark James finished in 2nd place with former champion Steve Knight in 4th—Knight riding his first race , since having a terrible crash out training 2 weeks ago , when his forks broke , and he woke up in hospital—with severe facial injuries—clearly not at his best, but hopefully he will be in better condition for the British Championships at Derby.
In the 50-54 class Rugby’s team member Phil Roach , repeated last years victory with a brilliant ride, finishing 4th fastest rider overall, Coventry’s Peter Busby finished 3rd, his first National Championship Medal.
“Jewsons ” Pete Smith regained the Championship for riders 55-59 and team mate Tim Stowe from Wellesbourne the reigning champion, finished 3rd—Tim is another rider recovering from injury, and should benefit from the race..
Hinckley based John Gaberial , showed the flag for “Team Jewson” in the 60-64 class by finishing 3rd,
Marton’s Barrie Mitchell was 4th in the 65-69 class , behind World Champion Vic Barnett, –and Event organizer Mick Ives, finished 2nd , with team mate Graham Clements 3rd in the 70-74 class, behind 2012 World Champion John Ginley
A great performance by the team with 3 Championships ––3 seconds and 4 thirds and 2 fourths.
Photo attached of first 3 riders to finish—L.to R. Organiser and rider Mick Ives—Phil Blacker—Darren Atkins—Tim Davies ( Ex Pro )
Photo taken by Simon Riley