As the Lincs Cyclo Cross League campaign heads towards the final few races Spalding Cycling Club’s results paint a very different – but nevertheless highly creditable – picture compared to previous seasons.
In the recent past it has been the younger club members who have turned out in force to compete regularly.
However, with the exception of the club’s own event, this season has seen the opposite with older members flying the club flag in almost every event.
The wetter and windier weather conditions this year have arguably favoured the stronger riders, so it is perhaps unsurprising that fewer younger members were out on the track.
Chris Bettinson and Gary Hignett have been the most prolific performers, putting in some fine consistent races in the vets 50-59 and senior categories – with Hignett posting several finish places inside the top 40.
Bettinson, meanwhile, has been the first Spalding vet home on the few occasions when Tom Webster and Simon Wright took the starts at recent Lincoln Wheelers and Boston Wheelers hosted events.
The youth race at Boston Wheelers also featured Jake Norton and Tom Wright.
In the under-16 race Norton took a fine win, 50 seconds clear of Bradley Sproggis of Paul Milnes Cycles.
He heads the overall standings in the youth category, while Tom Wright was third in the under-16 category and fourth overall.
Norton has also been active in the Notts and Derby Cross League, with podium places and in the National Series in which some of the older members also rode.
Spalding’s Tilly Gurney, riding for EM Velocita, was also present at Boston. She finished in 40th overall and was fifth lady.
Another second claim member, Matt Ellis (Steve Pool Plant Hire Raleigh), followed his win at Spalding up with a well-earned second place overall behind Sleaford Wheelers’ George Thompson to finish as first junior category rider.
