CX Round 3 Race report
Round Three of the Guernsey Velo Club Cyclocross series sponsored by Cycleworld returned to sunny Vazon, a favourite amongst spectators with its varied terrain and superb viewing points to catch the action.
Similar to last years race, within only a few hundred yards of the start the riders are treated to tarmac, gravel and the infamous ‘Cobble Alley’ before descending the slipway onto the sandy twists and turns of the beach. The riders leading onto the beach can stretch out a significant advantage as they navigate the soft sand and boards which saw many competitors opt to run, before clambering up the stones and through the magic wall back into the car park.
The race was won by Senior rider Mark Le Page, in his first race of the series Mark chose to leave the mountain bike at home and test his skills in CX. “I really enjoyed that! It was tough getting to the front but once I was there I just had to set the right pace and not get caught” said Mark. After starting from the back of the grid, he wasted little time in carving through the field in pursuit of the early leaders and fellow podium finishers Dave Fairbrother & Zach Smith.
“The beach certainly isn’t my most favourite course and it will remain that way. I got a good start [from pole position] but lacked the strength on the sand of the two riders ahead” said series leader Zach Smith. The academy rider maintained a good pace through the race eventually taking third place behind Fairbrother and extending his overall points lead to Jason Kon who finished fourth.
Nathaniel Jones finished fifth to continue his consistent form and move to third in the overall standings ahead of Veterans Mark Naftel and Mark Smith, both scoring their best results of the series so far.
Top junior in the race was Tim White in eighth ahead of Ben Walden and Alex Margison who completed the top ten.
In the shorter Mountain Bike race it was Peter Sargent who eased to the win ahead of Wayne Piercey who takes over the series points lead. Bailey Smalldon scored a superb third place and top Youth rider after missing round two.
In the earlier race Jacob Piercey opened up a huge lead at the start and dominated the race just like he has in previous rounds of the series. Reuben Naftel continues to lead the CX bike series after his third win in a row. “I wanted to try Cyclocross because I have a CX bike, so why not. I really like the course although the sand is quite tough and carrying the bike over the rocks can be a challenge”. Reuben is clearly picking up lots of tips from his dad! Top female Erin Pipet was fifth taking her best result of the season so far.
The club are extremely grateful to the States’ Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services for allowing the race to go ahead on the course.
Anyone considering trying Cyclocross or any other form of cycle racing is encouraged to contact the club coaching team and register for coaching sessions.
Full results and standings can be found at gvc.gg