(pic courtesy of Betty Bhandari)

Pete Giddings wins Rd 2 of the Ridley Western CX League

On a fast and open course where drafting had a part to play and with only one steep ramp to challenge the legs it was always going to be a rapid start for Tavis Walker and Pete Giddings who lined up against a stacked senior field. Big gears and pointy elbows sorted the field out into small groups all relishing their tussles to reach the technical sections first and a wheel to follow for the sapping grassy drags. Some strong riding by Tav saw him show the strength that bagged him his circuit racing wins this summer to grab 6th place. Once he gets his eye in for the technical sections expect to see Tav on the podium all winter as well as all Summer. At the other end of the top 6, Pete Giddings rode up to the leading group at the end of the first lap and after it was whittled down to just Doug Hall of (BW Cycling) and Ben Anstie (Cadence RT) made his move to ride the last 30 minutes solo to collect his first win of the season. 
 
Starting in the Vets/Juniors/Womens combined field were Stefan Barnett and Jason Bhandari, both looking to represent the club throughout the series over the winter. Jason’s experience in taking several recce laps before the race showed through as he cleaned the circuit lap after lap to roll in 13th Vet despite suffering in the heat. Stefan had a more dramatic race finishing with two bloodied knees in addition to the usual sore legs after succumbing the leaf strewn wooded section and it’s series of switchbacks. Despite the drama, Stefan finished a fine 7th in the junior race and all that after riding to the event and home again with Tavis.
 
The Western League continues next Sunday with a Town Centre course at Pittville park in Cheltenham and then heads for the fast and furious Hengrove leisure centre in Bristol on the 12th of October. With winter coming and a friendly atmosphere the league is exactly the place to cut your racing teeth and have some fun as well, for any information about how to try out cyclocross contact Jason via the club email.