News: Double Gold for GB at Cross Worlds

Ben Tulett and Evie Richards both won rainbow jerseys for Great Britain at the 2018 World CycloCross Championships

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News: Double Gold for GB at Cross Worlds

Ben Tulett and Evie Richards both won rainbow jerseys for Great Britain at the 2018 World CycloCross Championships

Richards, who won the title when it was introduced in 2016, and was third in 2017, was swamped at the start but quickly made her way to the front with teammate Harriet Harnden close behind. The 16 year old, after racing in second place for over a lap, was soon being caught by the riders from behind and dropped to fourth where she stayed until the end. Richards meanwhile, had a mechanical which mean she was stuck in her lowest gear and whilst losing a few seconds, with the course being so slow, the problem did not threaten her race.

The Malvern rider did however have to dig very very deep to keep her lead and after crossing the line to win her second rainbow jersey in cyclocross, the young lady collapsed and had to be carried to the post race centre where she recovered and gave this interview: “I feel amazing. I was just exhausted after the race so I am just taking it in now – I am so so happy.”

“I think it’s slowly sinking in, I can’t believe it. I didn’t sleep at all last night because I was thinking about the race so much. I can’t believe I’ve got two titles. It feels so surreal.”

On the course, “I love the mud and everything. When there is just such a buildup to the race, and it started so quick, I completely got swamped, so I was fighting from the start. Then I had a mechanical so I couldn’t change my gears so I was spinning my legs out and I thought I had lost it then, so to come back, I am just so so happy.”

“This one (her second title) was bloody hard to get! I think the first one was so pleasing, I was just so lucky as I came from no-where but I felt like the eyes were on me this time, so I fought bloody hard and it was not an easy race, the other girls were so strong. I am now going to live it up with all my family here and really take in the moment.”

“It was so good watching Ben (Tulett) and as he crossed the line he showed his support for Charlie (Craig), and we’re all riding for Charlie and he’ll be very pleased with our rides I think.”

Harriet Harnden was 4th in the race whilst Anna Kay, who’d been in the top 1o at the start of the race, dropped down to finish 24th.

Evie and Harriet running 1-2 early on in the race

Rainbow stripes for Ben Tulett

Earlier in the day, Ben Tulett made it back-to-back world title wins for Great Britain in the men’s junior race after Tom Pidcock led a British one-two-three last year. Ben’s brother Dan was second that day.

Both European bronze medallist Ben Tulett and Sean Flynn were in the mix early on but a fall by Flynn saw him break a rear mech and he had a long run to the pits and that was race over for the British champion. Tulett meanwhile, took the lead with two laps to go and held on to win by 22 seconds despite a strong challenge from Czech rider Tomas Kopecky. It was a dream to win the race said Tulett who added he was driven by the memory of Charlie Craig over that last lap.

“I knew I had to go full gas” Ben says, “and I had to keep going and going. Thomas Kopecky was coming back with a lap and bit to go so I sat up and then I went again and it broke him. I was riding for Charlie (Craig). On the podium, it was absolutely amazing, really emotional. Best day of my life so far 100 per cent. Tomorrow I can watch Dan ride and give him some shouts”.

Sean Flynn never recoverd from losing so much time early on and ended up 33rd in the race whilst Jenson Young finished a few places back in 35th.

In the final race of the day, the Elite Women’s won by defending champion Sanne Cant of Belgium, Nikki Brammeier was the first Brit across the line in 11th followed a few spots later by Helen Wyman in 13th. Beth Crumpton, National Trophy winner was 23rd.

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