UK National Trophy #1 - C2

Cheltenham, UK, October 2, 2005

2004 Results Results Past winners

Mountain bike star claims 'cross glory

Elite riders
Photo ©: Pat Alexander

Mountain biker Oli Beckinsale (Scott UK) showed his class by defeating a strong line up in the Elite race, as Cyclo-cross again returned to Pittville Park in Cheltenham, for the opening round of this season's UK National Trophy series.

On a significantly redesigned course compared to last year, at the suggestion of both riders and the UCI, the competitors faced a greater technical challenge of several new off-camber sections and tight bends, as well as an additional climb and descent.

In mild and cloudy conditions, with the occasional sunny spell, the Bristolian rider dominated the hour-long main race. On the first lap, a large leading group formed that included last season's National Trophy winner Jody Crawforth (Evans Cycles RT), reigning UK National Champion Nick Craig (Scott UK) and Belgian visitor Ronny Poelvoorde (Flanders Cycles), who had raced the previous day in the Grand Prix de la Région Wallonne to 26th place, so may have been feeling a little jaded even at that stage.

Crawforth and Beckinsale were both keen to up the pace and split the group early on and so it happened on lap two. By mid-race, they had formed a tandem train with Beckinsale doing most of the work, well clear of their pursuers who included Ian Field (S.I.S. Trek) and Paul Oldham (Hope Factory Racing). Oldham tried to get clear of field on the last lap, attacking several times, but only succeeded in tiring himself out for the final run-in, which went easily in Field's favour.

On the penultimate lap, Beckinsale delivered the coup de grace and left Crawforth to fend for himself, cruising to a 47 second advantage as he crossed the line in a traditional two handed victory salute.

Now set for a rest after a hectic mountain biking season, he is unlikely to contest any further in the series, which leaves Crawforth with a great start to the defence of his title.

In the women's trophy race, Helen Wyman (Team Fat Birds UK/Fat Birds Don't Fly) was in a class of her own. The winner of the Women's National Road Race series, opened a gap on Sue Thomas (unsponsored) early on. She showed no signs of having competed in the world road championships the previous weekend, where she had supported Nicole Cooke, and powered around the course to take the win by 47 seconds. Even a second lap crash failed to prevent her dominance. Cheltenham's Helen Purdy (Cheltenham & county CC) finished a credible 8th place. First veteran woman was Louise Day and first Junior woman Amy Thompson (both Team Fat Birds UK/Fat Birds Don't Fly).

The Junior men's event, run concurrently with the Women's race, was perhaps the most exciting race of the day. At the head of affairs for the early part of the race, Tom Last (Matlock CC) and Steve Adams (Sherwood CC) rode very strongly to be there. As the race progressed, they collided with each other twice, the first time seeing Last bite the dust. He chased and got back to Adams only to collide again when Adams caught Last's rear wheel. Last then made the decisive move to finish with a 44 second advantage. Adams just stayed ahead of the pursuing duo of Jon McEvoy (Kinesis UK) and Andrew Griffiths (Glendene CC).

In the veteran men's competition, 40-50 years age group, Mick Bell (London Fire Brigade CC), Terry Tiffen (Cestria CC) and Andy Barnard (VC Lincoln/Mr Mortgage/SPS/Lister) fought a fierce battle at the front but were chased down near the end by a group lead by Nigel Hay (De Montfort Rage On). Coming together in the final stages of the race, the final sprint was won by Mick Bell.

Local rider Neil Armitage (Cheltenham & County CC) rode credibly to 35th place, his fitness somewhat compromised by having competed the previous Sunday in the Three Peaks event.

In the 50+ category, Roy Hunt (Science in Sport.com) beat Joseph Rowe (Wyre Forest CC) by just 9 seconds, with last season's David Smith (Derby Mercury RC) nearly half a minute in arrears. Taking a short break from his Youth development role in the Club, which helped to provide many of the local entries in the Under 12's event, Stephen Poulton (Cheltenham & County CC) finished 22nd.

The youth race, which had started the day's proceedings, led to a three way sprint across the finish line, Alex Paton (VC Deal/Hammonds/Activ) just beating Ben Roach (Rugby Velo), with Scott Thwaites (Science in Sport.com) in third place.

Luke Gray (Dorset Rough Riders) won the Under 14's section of the event, beating many riders in the older category in the process. His nearest rival for the win was too close for comfort, nevertheless, Daniel McLay (Leicestershire RC) finishing just 5 seconds behind.

Annabel Simpson (Raleigh-ERV) was the fastest Youth girl and Samantha Bryant (Marin UK) the quickest Under 14 girl.

The Under 12s event was held around a shorter version of the course, for just 10 minutes. Serena Butler (V. C. Deal) won the girls event while Jon Dibben (I.Team.co.uk) took out the boy's race.

Photography

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Pat Alexander/Cheltenham & County CC

Elite riders contemplate what lies ahead for them in the next hour.
They're off!
Adrian Timmis and Nick Craig spent much of the race together.
Former member of the organising Club returns to his old hunting grounds in style.
This duel at the front lasted until the penultimate lap.
UK national champ Nick Craig leads U23 winner Ian Field.
Tackling one of the trickiest sections of the course.
Dry and dusty can still be slippery.
Ronny Poelvoorde was a welcome visitor from Belgium.
Former series winner Steve Knight leads a train of riders across the obstacles.
Elite men's podium - (L to R) Crawforth, Beckinsale and Field celebrate.
Andrew Griffiths and Jon McEvoy fought for a podium place for most of their race.
Junior Lewis Harris on his way to 12th place.
Several groups had to sprint to the line to sort out the finishing positions.
Traditional salute as Tom Last crosses the line to win the Junior race.
Local rider Helen Purdy enjoyed her race.
Helen Wyman's victory was totally dominant.
Clean sweep for the Trek U23 squad - (L to R) Steven Roach, Ian Field and Ian Bibby.
Veteran's podium - (L to R) Terry Tiffen, Mick Bell and Andrew Shaw.
Cheltenham & County CC youth organiser Steve Poulton chases Stuart Stanton in the Veterans' event.
Veterans found it hard going.
The older riders put on a great race.
Youth podium - (L to R) Ben Roach, Alex Paton and Scott Thwaites.

Results

Men Elite/U23

1 Oli Beckingsale (Scott UK)
2 Jody Crawforth (Evans Cycles RT)
3 Ian Field (S.I.S. - Trek)
4 Paul Oldham (Hope Factory Racing)
5 Steven Roach (S.I.S. - Trek)
6 David Collins (Scott UK)
7 Ian Wilkinson (S.I.S.- Trek)
8 Nick Craig (Scott UK)
9 Ronny Poelvoorde (Belgium)
10 Jim Bryan (Ace RT/Farmers/Impsport)
11 Daniel Alexander (Ace RT/Farmers/Impsport)
12 Steve Knight (MI Racing/Fuji/Thule)
13 Stuart Bowers (Hargroves Cycles/Trant)
14 Ian Bibby (S.I.S. - Trek)
15 Ian Legg (Pacific Racing)
16 Shaun Aldous (Interbike RT/Schils)
17 Mark Thwaites (Kinesis UK)
18 Noel Clough (BikeTraks RT/Ultima)
19 Matt Ellis (Ace RT/Farmers/Impsport)
20 Shaun Snodden (Recycling.co.uk/MGX-Power)
21 Duncan Jamieson (Leisure Lakes RT)
22 Geoff Beetham (Shokwave)
23 Stuart Reid (Wheelbase/Ron Hill)
24 Darren Atkins (Ridecov.co.uk)
25 Philip Smith (Hargroves Cycles/Trant)
26 Roy Smith (Team Training FX/Bike-)
27 David Haygarth (Wheelbase/Ron Hill)
28 Greg Simcock (X RT/Elmy Cycles)
29 David Miller (API-Metrow)
30 Dan Harding (Wyre Forest CRC/Fabricolor)
31 Robert Hunt (Eastern Region Velo)
32 Robert Whenman (Team Corridori)
33 Mark Cotton (VC Lincoln/Mr Mortgage/SPS)
34 William Thompson (GB Cycles.co.uk/Geoffrey)
35 Carl Thompson (X RT/Elmy Cycles)
36 Ben Eedy (South Pennine RC)
37 Richard Lister (Fat Birds Tri Club)
38 Stuart McGhee (Evans Cycles RT)
39 Anthony Bailey (Leisure Lakes RT)
40 Hugo Hocknell (Climb on Bikes RT)
41 Adrian Timmis (Pinarello RT)
42 Dave Starr (Westbury Wheelers)
43 Jason Hawkins (Ridecov.co.uk)
44 Anthony Morris (Individual Member)
45 Mark Leyland (Horwich CC)
46 Johan Myngheer (Belgium)
47 Pete Yates (Bromsgrove Olympique CC )
48 Scott Chalmers (Chippenham & District W)

Women Elite/Junior/Veteran

1 Helen Wyman (Team Fat Birds UK)
2 Sue Thomas (Individual Member)
3 Clare Gross (Team Fat Birds UK)
4 Michelle Bergstrand (Raleigh/ERV)
5 Gabriella Day (Team Fat Birds UK)
6 Amy Thompson (GB Cycles.co.uk/Geoffrey Butler)
7 Claire Lines (Gateway RT)
8 Helen Purdy (Cheltenham & County CC)
9 Louise Day (Team Fat Birds UK)
10 Marie Stuart (Raleigh/ERV)
11 Elizabeth Clayton (Lichfield City CC)

Men Junior

1 Tom Last (Matlock CC/Wards/Impsport)
2 Stephen Adams (Sherwood CC)
3 Jonathan McEvoy (Kinesis UK)
4 Andrew Griffiths (Glendene CC)
5 David Fletcher (Newark Castle CC/Sherwood Pines)
6 Sam Webster (Triangle RT/Bianchi)
7 Darren Tiffen (Merlin Development Squad)
8 Leigh Andrews (Fat Birds Tri Club)
9 Tom Smart (VC Deal/Hammonds/Activ)
10 Louis Charity (Team Corridori)
11 Mathew Toplis (Shokwave)
12 Lewis Harris (Rugby Velo)
13 Jack Hibberd (Sandwell CSC)
14 Shaun Hurrell (Maldon & District CC)
15 Peter Banham (Wyre Forest CC/Fabricolor)
16 Thomas Hibberd (Sandwell CSC)
17 Karl Troth (Halesowen A & CC)
18 Josh Varty (Wheelbase/Ron Hill)
19 Stuart Butterworth (Science in Sport.com)

Girls & Boys U16/U14

1 Alex Paton (VC Deal/Hammonds/Activ)
2 Ben Roach (Rugby Velo)
3 Scott Thwaites (Science in Sport.com)
4 Ben Plain (Hargroves Cycles/Trant/Next)
5 Tom Buck (Aire Valley RT/Aire Valley/)
6 Rob O'Loughlin (Welwyn Wheelers)
7 Michael Butler (VC Deal/Hammonds/Activ)
8 Jordan Hook (South Pennine RC)
9 Erick Rowsell (Sutton CC/De Ver Cycles)
10 Luke Gray (Dorset Rough Riders)
11 Daniel McLay (Leicestershire RC)
12 Lawrence Frost (Ashfield RC)
13 William Verney (Shokwave)
14 Gareth James (Abergavenny RC/Govilon/Bike Base)
15 Matthew Jones (New Brighton CC)
16 Thomas Payton (Stourbridge CC)
17 Annabel Simpson (Raleigh-ERV)
18 Peter Dibben (I-team.co.uk)
19 Steven Proud (Solihull CC)
20 Timothy Rowson (Sheffield Phoenix CC)
21 Perry Bowater (Walsall RCC)
22 Annie Last (Matlock CC/Wards/Impsport)
23 Helen Clayton (Lichfield City CC)
24 Alexander Tinsley (Individual Member)
25 Danielle King (I-team.co.uk)
26 Carl Harris (Eastern Region Velo)
27 Rebecca Thompson (GB Cycles.co.uk/Geoffrey Butler)
28 Corinne Hall (VC de Londres)
29 Max Sykes (VC Deal/Hammonds/Activ)
30 Stuart Clayton (Lichfield City CC)
31 Tom Yeatman (Oxonian CC)
32 Oliver Webster (Triangle RT/Bianchi)
33 Samantha Bryant (Marin UK)
34 Penny Rowson (Sheffield Phoenix CC)
35 Thomas Walker (Abergavenny RC/Bike Base)
36 Bruce Dalton (Matlock CC/Wards/Impsport)
37 Hannah Robinson (Ipswich BC)
38 Georgia Delve (Mid Devon CC)
39 Sam Bores (Lee Valley Youth CC)
40 Samuel Cooper (Cheltenham & County CC)

Veterans +40

1 Mick Bell (London Fire Brigade CC)
2 Terry Tiffen (Cestria CC)
3 Andrew Shaw (MI Racing/Fuji/Thule/Sports Tours)
4 Andy Barnard (VC Lincoln/Mr Mortgage/SPS/Lister)
5 Nigel Hay (De Montfort Rage On)
6 Ian Wright (Lichfield City CC)
7 Philip Roach (Rugby Velo)
8 Antony Green (GA Cycles)
9 Graham Clark (VC Lincoln/Mr Mortgage/SPS/Lister)
10 Paul Gilbert (Universal CC)
11 Mike Johnson (De Montfort Rage On)
12 Mick Rowson (Rutland CC)
13 Duncan Walmsley (VC Lincoln/Mr Mortgage/SPS/Lister)
14 Martin Eadon (Evans Cycles RT)
15 John Wood (Finsbury Park CC)
16 Adge Last (Matlock CC/Wards/Impsport/Farm.)
17 Gary Hipwell (Rugby Velo)
18 Darrell Bradbury (Norton Wheelers)
19 Stephen Clayton (Lichfield City CC)
20 Andy Cosgrove (Teesdale CRC)
21 John Blackledge (WebstersCycles.co.uk/Specialized)
22 Mark Garrett (Coventry RC)
23 Barry Kipling (Science in Sport.com)
24 Duncan Stuart (Keswick MTB)
25 Mark Meacock (Individual Member)
26 David Garrett (Rugby Velo)
27 Peter Rice (Science in Sport.com)
28 Peter Bromwich (West Midlands Cyclo-X League)
29 Bob Pisolkar (Finsbury Park CC)
30 Adrian Elson (Coventry RC)
31 Robin Delve (Mid Devon CC)
32 Robert Burns (Wolverhampton Wheelers CC)
33 Phil Evans (Coventry RC)
34 Simon Bills (GS Strada/Afford/Pinarello/Rudy)
35 Neil Armitage (Cheltenham & County CC)
36 Lester Young (Individual Member)

Veterans +50

1 Roy Hunt (Science in Sport.com)
2 Joseph Rowe (Wyre Forest CC)
3 David Smith (Derby Mercury RC)
4 John Galway (Keswick MTB)
5 Graham Edwards (Abergavenny RC/Bike Base/Govilon)
6 Geoff Bores (Lee Valley Youth CC)
7 Andrew Roberts (Evans Cycles RT)
8 Vic Barnett (Welland Valley CC)
9 Chris Davis (Police Sport UK CC)
10 Michael Webb (Royal Sutton CC)
11 Mick Ives (MI Racing/Fuji/Thule/Sports Tours)
12 Richard Wood (VC Deal/Hammonds/Activ)
13 Chris Gooch (Team Clean/Timeout)
14 Terry Meechan (Coventry RC)
15 Ian MacDonald (Hargroves Cycles/Trant/Next/Scott)
16 Francis McGhee (Elizabethan CC)
17 Gavin Shaw (Team Velo Vet)
18 Tony Wilkins (GS CdS Boghetta)
19 Malcolm Wilson (Wolverhampton Wheelers CC)
20 John Hughes (Coventry RC)
21 Peter Mooney (Rugby Velo)
22 Stephen Poulton (Cheltenham & County CC)
23 Stuart Stanton (Knaresborough RT)
24 John Holmes (Derby Mercury RC)
25 Stuart Hocknell (St Ives CC/Richardsons)
26 Richard Banks (Rockingham Forest Wheelers)
27 Chris Reed (London Phoenix CC)
28 Gordon Richards (Halesowen ACC)

Courtesy of British Cycling

Past winners

2004 Jody Crawforth (GBr) Evans Cycles RT    Victoria Wilkinson (GBr) Science in Sport.com
 
Past winners by Mario Stiehl, www.world-of-cycling.com