National Cross Champs - Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield - 12th January '03

With a return to Sutton Park for the Nationals, could I move back on to the podium? I like the course here and it always draws a big crowd, not to mention I won both of my cross title here and have had many podium finishes.  This was my first outing for 2003 in my new Giant Racing kit.

The course was a fast one with no running. It was frozen and a little slippery. How would it go?  Roger Hammond had never had a particularly good race here, so would the pressure get to him again?  But even before the start he was a different man, he was talkative and seemingly more relaxed. Did this me he was not interested in winning... no chance!

After an initial charge from George Richardson a group formed with Roger Hammond, Matt Ellis, myself, Jody Crawforth and Stuart Wearmouth at the front. It was soon whittled down to just Roger, Matt and I with Stuart Wearmouth yo-yoing at the back of the group. The pace was fast. After about 20 minutes Roger made a break for it, opening a gap of 10-15 seconds over myself and Matt. In previous year that would have been it. This year was different... Matt and I chased and did not let up. Roger slipped off and we were all back together. I thick Roger had problems with his bike, but Matt did not take advantage and I could not (as the chase to catch him had taken its toll).  A few laps later Roger tried again opening a similar gap. This looked like the end, but you must never give up.  The three of us were clear of the rest. With the bell ringing, Matt made a very big effort, I could not respond. I was left to finish the race on my own in bronze medal position. Matt managed to close the gap to only 5 seconds at the line, with Roger winning the title again.

I was happy with the bronze medal, I did my best on the day and surprised a few that I was still in contention at the front.

2003 National Cyclo-Cross Championships - Senior Results

1st   Roger Hammond     (Collstrop/Palmans         1 hour 42 sec
2nd  Matt Ellis                (Ace RT )                        at 5 sec
3rd  Barrie Clarke          (Giant Racing)                 at 26 sec
4th  Stuart Wearmouth  (Science In Sport.com)      at 55 sec
5th Jody Crawforth       (Evans)                           at 1 min 54 sec
6th  Nick Craig             (Pertex/Planet X)             at 1 min 55 sec
 

Click to read report in Daily Telegraph

BCF website - Larry's Pictures www.bcf.uk.com

Race Pictures www.veloriders.co.uk

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(written 12/01/03)