So who is new cycle cross champion then

[Tamar]

Mr Mundy was clearly worried (though I expect more by my threat of tin tacks than anything else) as he brought two bikes with him so he'd have a spare if disaster struck.

It was an unnessecary precaution as he stormed round to deservedly retain the ACC Cyclocross Trophy, lapping me on the line just to make sure I was in no doubt of my place in the grand scheme of things. I could see him pedalling hard as I entered the final bit of single track and my heart sank. I was really tired and at the best of times am cr*p on single track, losing the ability to steer the minute I get near trees. I didn't so much mind him getting the trophy but I really didn't want to be lapped as well. I exited the trees without having hit any and tried to muster a sprint for the finish, but too late. My legs were gone and Richard motored past easily. I was 2nd placed woman though (of 4) and got £10 for my efforts, so that was nice.

Chris Colford had mechanical problems and I'm not sure if he even finished as I can't see his name on the list.

Maria arrived with her usual impeccable timing about 3 minutes before the race started. This meant she had not had my advantage of scoping the course in advance and lost time on the first couple of laps through not knowing where the steep bits were until rounding a corner and coming across them. There was a scary bit going diagonally up then down a steep, loose dirt embankment. It looked impossible at first, and took me three or four attempts to get over it on my practice laps, but by the last lap I was almost enjoying it. Maria took a couple of falls and has some impressive scrapes up her shin from the chain rings.

Paul Tunnell almost rode but in the end good sense prevailed as his chest and throat sounded pretty dreadful. Instead he provided huge encouragement and kept popping up at various points on the track so there was no slacking off. I got a bollocking when caught chatting to another rider instead of racing. Joyce and Richard's partner (sorry, never asked name!) also did great job of yelling encouragement. Apologies to Joyce though, who positioned herself right near the bit where I was most scared so was not rewarded with a grin of thanks but instead was mainly ignored as I glared at the embankment.

Everyone finished grinning madly so another good day out. I can't believe there's not more people doing this. Where are you cross country mtb guys? Cyclo-X is tops. Fast and furious. My heart rate averaged 95%for an hour's racing. Cool.

[Elliot M]

what happened to shaun "haribo"?

[sylv]

Tamar, i was tempted to go but

a) had pledged to lead the sunday xc ride
b) thought it might be a bit cheeky to do just the one race which counted for the trophy
c) thought i might actually not do that well given my recent total slackness in training

but glad you enjoyed yourselves! you were lucky it was dry though (i assume), i did a couple of cx in the mud there last year (as well as some wet beastways) and have no fond memories of them.

[Maria David]

Was that really me ? I thought I grimaced my way through the race as I clung on to my bike for dear life.
Hat's off for getting that photo so early on before I realised what hairy challenges lay ahead of me !

That aside, it was a great fun - definitely recommend it !