Day 2: Lazer/Ridley British CX Championships

Liam Killeen wins first ‘cross title as Nikki Harris wins her second on day 2 of the 2016 Cyclo-Cross Championships

Day 2: Lazer/Ridley British CX Championships

Day 2 of the 2016 Cyclo-Cross Championships saw plenty of the expected battles at the front of races and none more spectacular than the one between Helen Wyman and Nikki Harris.

On a tough day not just on legs but equipment, both suffered mechanicals but when Wyman suffered hers in front of a gallery of fans, the drama escalated as Harris came back to run away with the victory ahead of a gutted Wyman who was after her tenth win.

It was the second title for Harris and the closeness of the racing showed just how evenly matched they are on a British course with a British title up for grabs. The race began with Helen Wyman (Kona/FSA Factory Racing) leading and opening up a small gap on her rival but Harris, with family and partner Matt Brammeier cheering her on, wasn’t giving anything away and fought on.

The two were soon together in the latter stages, swapping the lead and keeping the fans guessing as to who would win as commentator Matt Payne kept everyone informed as to what was happening on the course out of sight.

“I’m so happy it was a close race but I got better every lap and it was one of those courses where I felt stronger throughout the race,” said Harris to British Cycling. “I had a mechanical and my chain came off so I went flat out through the wooded area to get it back. Luckily she had a problem here which allowed me to win.”

The first champion crowned on day 2 of  Iain Paton, a rider in the GB academy

L-R: Ben Wadey, Iain Paton and Nicholas Barnes (Hargroves Cycles-Ridley)

Elite Men’s Championships
The Men’s race was also expected to be a close one, especially between Liam Killeen and Ian Field (Hargroves Cycles – Ridley) and so it was with the added bonus of Jack Clarkson being in the mix close by.

The 33 year old Killeen from Malvern, a local which was evident from the support he had from the fans, is a former Commonwealth Games champion and also medal contender in Olympic mountain biking, battled with Field for lap after lap in a man on man battle.

It was like one of those fist fights, waiting for someone to fall away from the battle and after halfway, it was Field’s legs who had to give in a little to Killeen’s who was not going to be denied the title after no less than six podiums without a win in the cross championships with the likes of Roger Hammond keeping him off the top spot.

First off the line was Ben Sumner in his Bioracer Beeline-Gener8 kit who led the charge through the first technical section with Ian Field (Hargroves Cycles) chasing (see the video). As Sumner dropped away, it was Field who took up the racing at the front chased by Killeen with Clarkson gapping the rest for the Bronze medal.

From then on, it was a slog in the mud, relentless running in the sticky mud that had me out of my shoes from time to time. Killeen was the rider who fared better and he rightly celebrated the win all the way down the finish straight.

Afterwards he told British Cycling “Field is a class cross rider and I was a bit apprehensive because of the amount of running,” said Killeen. “But it all worked out as on the bike I felt strong. I’m really pleased as it has been a long time coming”.

Evie Richards was the second winner, also a rider from the GB Academy, winning the Under 23 Women’s title

L-R: Bethany Crumpton (2nd) Evie Richards (1st) and Sophie Wright (3rd)

Future stars
The other races during the day were reserved for the future stars who like Jack Clarkson (3rd in the elite race later on), will be competing for the wins in the Elite races in future years. First race of the day was the Under23 Men where GB academy rider Iain Paton came back to overtake leader for much of the race, Nick Barnes (Hargroves Cycles-Ridley) and win the title. Second was Ben Wadey who also came back strong in the race to nick second off Barnes who finished third.

In the Under 23 Women’s race, Evie Richards, also a GB Academy rider, rode clear of her rivals to clinch the first ever under 23 women’s title. Richards led from the get go chased by Bethany Crumpton (Boot Out Breast Cancer). Richards though kept increasing the gap all the way to the line where she celebrated a historic victory.

Crumpton held on for second whilst the leading junior Sophie Wright held off the challenge from Ffion James to take third overall and win the Junior category.

In the Junior Men’s race, Mark Donovan solo’d to victory, not only his first title but first cross win at this level! The 16-year-old from Penrith in Cumbria led from the first lap along with Harry Yates (Hargroves Cycles-Ridley) and Ben Turner (Paul Milnes). But by the second lap, Donovan had a small lead which he increased lap by lap to clinch victory. Yates was second whilst Will Gascoyne was third.

Mark Donovan wins the third race of the day, for Junior Men.

L-R: Harry Yates of hargroves Cycles-Ridley) (2nd), Mark Donovan (1st) and Will Gascoyne (3rd)

Nikki Harris, wins her second title after a tense battle with 9 time winner Helen Wyman with mechanicals affecting both riders.

L-R: Women’s Podium, Helen Wyman (2nd), Nikki Harris (1st) and Delia Beddis (3rd)

Liam Killeen wins his first cyclo-cross title

The 2016 Cyclo-Cross champion is Liam Killeen (centre) after the expected battle with four time champion Ian Field. Jack Clarkson was a brilliant third.

Best team in the Men’s championships, Hope Factory Racing, Clarkson who was third, Dan Booth (10th) and Paul Oldham who went head first into a tree but was still sixth.

Best team for the championships, Hargroves Cycles Ridley – Ian Field, Jody Crawforth, Michael Butler, Harry Yates and Ruby Miller.

THE VIDEOS

Start of the under 23 Women’s title race

Winner of the Under 23 Women’s title Evie Richards spot interview post race

Junior mens title race start …

Junior mens winner Mark Donovan talks after the race

Women’s Elite podium presentation of medals

Women’s Elite Podium – Matt Payne interviews Delia Beddis and Helen Wyman

Men’s Elite race action as the riders approach the steps during the early laps

Lap 2 and Jack Clarkson is in touch with Field and Killeen as they approach the steps

Men’s Elite Race and the off camber section after lap 1

Start of the men’s Elite race

Winner Nikki Harris spot interview post race

Jack Clarkson has a few words post race and a great bronze medal ride

Four time champion Ian Field of Hargroves Cycles Ridley talks post race

Elite men’s winner Liam Killeen talks post race

Results – Full official results (thanks Jim Court and team)

ELITE MEN
1 Liam Killeen Specialized Racing 1. 5. 6
2 Ian Field Hargroves Cycles – Ridley RT @ 0. 44
3 Jack Clarkson Hope Factory Racing @ 1. 36
4 Nick Craig SCOTT Racing @ 1. 56
5 Giles Drake Leisure Lakes Bikes.com @ 2. 19
6 Paul Oldham Hope Factory Racing @ 2. 45
7 Grant Ferguson Betch.NL.Superior-Brentjens MTB RT @ 3. 17
8 Alex Paton Pedal Heaven RT @ 4. 1
9 David Fletcher Pines Cycles-Felt-Enve @ 4. 26
10 Daniel Booth Hope Factory Racing @ 4. 32
11 James Spragg inthemud.cx @ 4. 51
12 Ben Sumner Beeline – Gener8 @ 5. 30
13 Jody Crawforth Hargroves Cycles – Ridley RT @ 5. 59
14 Ian Bibby NFTO @ 6. 5
15 Lewis Craven Wheelbase Altura MGD @ 6. 25
16 Steven Roach Team Raleigh-GAC @ 6. 48
17 Adrian Lansley Pedalon.co.uk @ 7. 24
18 David Lines Velosure Starley Primal @ 7. 25
19 Paul Cox Pedal Power Loughborough @ 7. 51
20 Alexander Forrester www.Zepnat.com RT – Lazer Helmets @ 8. 15
21 Richard Jones Renvale RT @ 8. 40
22 Michael Butler Hargroves Cycles – Ridley RT @ 9. 13
23 Chris Metcalfe Charge Bikes @ 10. 2
24 Bruce Dalton Team Kinesis UK @ 10. 26
25 Scott Chalmers Felt Racing @ 10. 53
26 Lee Shunburne Fossa Racing @ 11. 36
27 Gruffudd Lewis Madison Genesis @ 11. 56
28 Dave Collins Hope Factory Racing @ 12. 3
29 Scot Easter SCOTT Racing @ 12. 27
30 Thomas Payton Stourbridge CC @ 12. 44
31 Grant Martin XRT-Elmy Cycles at 1 lap
32 Llewellyn Holmes Individual Member at 1 lap
33 Neil Ellison WDMBC /Specialized Ruislip at 1 lap
34 Anthony Glover Derwentside CC at 1 lap
35 Andrew Naylor Fossa Racing at 1 lap
36 Dave Powell Horwich CC at 1 lap
37 Stephen James Renvale RT at 1 lap
38 Mike Wardle Wheelbase Altura MGD at 1 lap
39 Dave Saunders Individual Member at 1 lap
40 Paul Sheers Vicious Velo at 1 lap
41 James Thompson Rutland CC at 1 lap
42 Stephen Adams SportGrub KUOTA CT at 1 lap
43 Martin Woffindin Team Moda-Anon at 1 lap
44 Steven Chapman Islabikes at 1 lap
45 Alec Briggs Rollapaluza CC at 1 lap
46 Ben Spurrier Vicious Velo at 1 lap
47 Ross Tricker Vicious Velo at 1 lap
48 Alex Blomeley The 5th Floor CC at 1 lap
49 Scott Wilson Team Elite at 1 lap
50 Nick Morris Clee Cycles at 1 lap
51 Craig Sefton Horwich CC at 2 laps
52 Matthew Fostun Langdale Lightweights RT at 2 laps
53 Jeremy Hicks Rugby Velo at 2 laps
54 James Furniss www.Zepnat.com RT – Lazer Helmets at 2 laps
55 Dan Vockins Bridport CC at 2 laps
56 James Griffiths Clee Cycles at 2 laps
57 Paul Beattie Rockingham Forest Wheelers at 2 laps
58 Marcus Nainby Team WNT at 2 laps

TEAM RESULT
1 Hope Factory Racing
2 Hargroves Cycles – Ridley RT
3 Vicious Velo

ELITE WOMEN

1 Nikki Harris Boels Dolmans CT 0.49.49
2 Helen Wyman Kona/FSA Factory Team 0. 55
3 Delia Beddis Vicious Velo 5. 17
4 Diane Lee Cannondale Girls 7. 51
5 Annabel Simpson Hope Factory Racing 9. 57
6 Claire Beaumont Vicious Velo 13. 1
7 Flo Dannah Individual Member 15. 28
8 Ruby Miller Hargrove Cycles – Ridley RT 15. 58
9 Rebecca Richardson Hafren CC at 1 lap
10 Sarah Barber North Hampshire RC at 1 lap
11 Sam Burman Team WNT at 1 lap
12 Ruth Taylor Manchester Wheelers at 1 lap
13 Lisa Webb Team Milton Keynes at 1 lap
14 Elanor Cadzow Welwyn Wheelers CC at 1 lap
15 Fran Whyte Bicester Millennium CC at 1 lap
16 Karen Lennox Team Milton Keynes at 1 lap
17 Suzanne Golder Team Milton Keynes at 1 lap

UNDER 23 WOMEN

1 Evie Richards 100% ME
2 Bethany Crumpton Boot Out Breast Cancer CC
3 Sophie Wright Renvale RT Junior
4 Ffion James 100% ME
5 Alice Barnes 100% ME
6 Amira Mellor Oldfield/Paul Milnes Cycles ERT
7 Sophie Thackray Oldfield/Paul Milnes Cycles ERT Junior
8 Emily Wadsworth Beeline Gener8 Junior
9 Rebecca Preece Leisure Lakes Bikes
10 Natasha Reddy RP Racing Team Junior
11 Hannah Saville www.cxmagazine.com
12 Madeleine Gammons SRAM Youth Development
13 Amy Garner Welland Valley CC Junior
14 Tiffany Fletcher Team Empella Cyclo-cross.com at 1 lap

UNDER 23 MEN
1 Iain Paton 100% ME 0 51 46
2 Ben Wadey Clee Cycles @ 0. 14
3 Nicholas Barnes Hargroves Cycles – Ridley RT @ 1. 25
4 Frazer Clacherty 100% M£ @ 1. 51
5 George Thompson Sleaford Wheelers CC @ 2. 3
6 Billy Harding Oldfield/Paul Milnes Cycles ERT @ 2. 24
7 Arthur Green Clee Cycles @ 3. 1
8 Mark McGuire 100% ME @ 3. 22
9 Jake Poole Jake Poole Racing/Raleigh @ 3. 41
10 Joe Griffiths Individual Member @ 3. 55
11 Hugo Robinson Neon-Velo Cycling Team @ 5. 5
12 Jacob Phelps Muddybumbikes CC @ 5. 15
13 Jack Humphreys Wheelbase Altura/MGD @ 5. 26
14 Christopher Barnes www.Zepnat.com RT – Lazer Helmets@ 6. 6
15 James Edmond Mountain Goat Coaching @ 7. 28
16 Jordan Peacock Rhino Racing @ 8. 16
17 Joseph Andrews Individual Member @ 10. 48
18 Anthony Neave Stourbridge CC @ 10. 55
19 James Madgwick Hackney GT @ 11. 9
20 Chris McGovern T1Diabetes.info @ 11. 44
21 Joshua Brooks Malvern Cycle Sport @ 12. 46
22 Jake Hubbard Welland Valley CC @ at 1 lap

JUNIOR MEN
1 Mark Donovan Beacon Wheelers 45.2
2 Harry Yates Hargroves Cycles – Ridley RT @ 0. 21
3 William Gascoyne Pines Cycles – Felt – Enve @ 0. 56
4 Daniel Tulett Specialized Racing @ 1. 20
5 Ben Turner Oldfield/Paul Milnes Cycles ERT @ 1. 36
6 Calum Fernie Nottingham Clarion CC @ 2. 7
7 Harry Hardcastle VCUK PH-MAS Junior Cycling Team @ 2. 32
8 Ewan Grivell-Mellor Mid Shropshire Wheelers @ 2. 37
9 Dougal Toms Iceni Velo @ 3. 19
10 Ross Harnden Malvern Cycle Sport @ 3. 22
11 David Barnes Corley Cycles – Drops RT @ 3. 28
12 George Fox Paul Milnes Cycles/Bradford Olympic RC @ 3. 51
13 Christopher Rothwell Ride 24/7 @ 4. 16
14 Kieran Howarth Nottingham Clarion CC @ 4. 31
15 Finlay Robertson Derwentside CC @ 5. 9
16 James Armstrong VC Lincoln @ 5. 34
17 Joe Williams VCUK PH-MAS Junior Cycling Team @ 5. 45
18 Matthew Fratesi Severn RC @ 6. 2
19 Joseph Peatfield Horwich CC @ 6. 41
20 Joshua Waters SRAM Youth Development @ 6. 56
21 William Warre Cycle Lab @ 7. 14
22 Simeon Young Pedalsport CC @ 7. 42
23 Cameron Biddle Solihull CC @ 7. 54
24 Tim James Bourne Wheelers CC @ 8. 15
25 Harry Lewis SRAM Youth Development @ 8. 36
26 Kieren Brown Bolsover & District CC @ 9. 7
27 Bailey Wilmot Derby Mercury RC @ 9. 43
28 Kieran Jarvis St Ives CC @ 11. 16
29 Harry Rose Zappi’s Racing Team @ 11. 36
30 Luke Hind Bolsover & District CC @ 12. 21
31 Tyler Brennan The Bulls @ 13. 23
32 Samuel Marriott Bolsover & District CC @ 16. 30
33 Michael Parry Welwyn Wheelers CC at 1 lap
34 Samuel Morris Revolutions Racing at 1 lap
35 Thomas Burnett VC Londres at 1 lap
36 Jack Nash Marsh Tracks RT at 1 lap
37 Richard Atkins Mammoth Lifestyle RT at 1 lap
38 Ryan Middlemiss Otley CC at 1 lap
39 Max Gibbons Climb on Bikes CC at 1 lap
40 Mark Allen Congleton CC at 1 lap

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