Riders face ultimate test in Cyclocross Winter Series

Caitlin Cadoret battles through the mud during the Cyclocross Winter Series Picture: DAVID FERGUSON

FORTY-ONE competitors braved the elements to line up for round three of Jersey Cycling’s Winter Cyclocross Series.

Wet and wild conditions contributed to an entertaining event where dropped chains, lost shoes and thick mud was the theme of the day.

Twenty riders took part in the sprint race, with seven ladies setting off first.

Amber Mauger and Libby Hart asserted themselves early on before a slipped chain from Hart afforded Mauger the chance to kick on, winning with more than two minutes spare.

Kaitlyn Cadoret would secure third after a polished ride, ahead of Louise Banks in fourth.

On the men’s side, it was Herbie Buchholz whose strategy sent him into an early lead, timing his dismount perfectly.

He continued in that vein with power and determination on the climbs to seal the win.

Graham Horsley and Jamie Griffith followed him home, as the mud made it difficult for them to create any inroads into the leader’s advantage.

Hugo Nowacki made his cyclocross debut and impressed with guts and determination in a skilful ride.

The senior race featured 21 in total, with a strong contingent of four female riders.

Liam Cadoret secured the early lead, with Charlie Hart and Dillon Catney hot on his heels. However, Cadoret dropped his chain, providing an opportunity to Catney, which he duly took.

Jay Cracknell was making up ground on the lead as some shrewd decision making when running his bike paid off.

He overtook Catney on the eighth lap to claim the win.

Elsewhere, Cadoret fought back after his chain slip, and this time it was Hart who gave him the chance to hop past after he lost a shoe. On the final lap,

Hart gave it all he had; with less than 200 meters to go, there was a three-man race for third place between Cadoret, Hart and Sam Firby who had worked tirelessly and had a sudden burst of speed.

Cadoret dug deep to cross the finish line to take third, a mere second ahead of Hart in fourth followed by Firby in fifth.

Commonwealth Games athlete Lisa Mansell displayed brilliant bike handling and confidence to build an unassailable lead and finished a lap ahead of Katie Silva in second and Harley Cadoret in third.

Jersey Cyclocross extended their gratitude to the land owners of the Royal Jersey Agricultural and Horticultural Society Show Ground.

As well as the course builders, timers, marshals as well as their sponsors Group Legendre for their continued support.

The next race is on Sunday 4 December, with any newcomers welcomed.

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