Kingsweston Cyclocross Race Report
Round 7 of the Western Cyclocross League unfolded at the historic Kingsweston Estate in Bristol, offering riders a short but challenging course that truly tested their cyclocross skills as conditions changed throughout the day. 🚴♂️🌧️
Race Highlights:
Youth Race:
🏆 Loris Cains dominated the field with the only sub-5-minute lap times of the day. The top riders in this race were the only ones seen to conquer the notorious “Wall of Kingsweston” ramp on their bikes. 💪
Junior/V40 Open Race:
☔ A sudden and heavy downpour turned the off-camber sections into a treacherous ice rink, with only the most skilled riders managing to stay upright. V40 winner Lewys Hobbs, visiting from the Welsh league, delivered a decisive victory. Meanwhile, rider Oliver Agombar won the Juniors. 🚵♂️
Women’s Race:
💥 As the course dried, the mud transitioned to a sticky clay, posing a significant challenge for riders on mountain bikes or bikes with limited clearance. Despite this, Natalie Jenks of Magspeed Racing remained unfazed, riding to an emphatic victory. Fastest Senior woman Charlotte Davies finished 2nd overall, while V50 standout Miriam Whitehurst claimed 4th. 🚴♀️
V50 and Senior Open Races:
🌲 The singletrack woods and the “Wall of Kingsweston” became progressively churned up, forcing many riders to shoulder their bikes through these sections. In the V50 category, Sam Miller clinched the win, narrowly edging out his Reflex Racing teammate John Russell. In the Senior race, Samuel Nisbet, also of Reflex Racing, emerged victorious, delivering impressive lap times despite the gruelling conditions. Local celebrity Simon Richardson of GCN put in a strong performance, finishing 5th in the Senior category despite being over 40, and with his bike heavily weighed down with mud. 🏅 View his ride on Strava: https://www.strava.com/activities/13025146380.
Acknowledgments:
🙏 A huge thank you to the commissaires, marshals, and enthusiastic supporters who made the day a success. Special thanks to the Kingsweston Café for keeping everyone fuelled with delicious food and hot drinks. ☕
