Govilon Cyclo Cross Race Report

By Chris Bates

What a fantastic day! We had crashes, emotion, grit and determination….tears…big crowds !

Round 9 of the Welsh Cyclo Cross series took place in Govilon village – just outside Abergavenny on a sunny morning which was very wet underfoot from the torrential rain the night before. Grass trails quickly turned to treacherous mud with off camber muddy corners and slippery descents adding to the fun and mayhem. This course is notorious with all the Welsh riders as being tough physically and very technically demanding.

We had a great performance from our new under 8 rider in only his second race – with a dramatic improvement in bike handling and fearless descending despite taking a heavy tumble on his warm up lap. He did well to recover and get to the start of the race.

The Sosban girls put in a gritty and dramatic performance in the under 12s. One rider crashed big time – TWICE !! but still got up to finish battered and bruised – there were tears at the finish, not from the rider – but from her father who I think we will see plugging the mud in the near future. The other girls put in solid performances, making the slippery uphill sections look effortless and seemingly defying the forces of nature whilst cornering and not falling off.

Following in the footsteps of Lillian and Lucy who made their racing debut in the last round, one mum was truly inspirational – Amanda Glanville did her first race ever on one of the toughest cyclocross courses on the calendar.

She put on her number and lined up with the other more experienced ladies for her race. Having only ever ridden off road once the day before, she got stuck in and finished in one piece to a rapturous applause from the crowd and the praise and respect of everyone including the senior elite riders. Well done Amanda !

Our female riders are now increasing in number with 3 mums having competed and many more looking closer with interest. (Dads – take note).

Another good day of muddy racing with strong club support – well done all.

If you are interested and would like to take part any races or to come along to one of Saturday morning sessions – email info@sosbanriders.org.uk or phone 07816 680805.