Stanmer Park in Brighton once again hosted Round One of the Challenge Tires London and South East Cyclo Cross League, which was also Round 1 of the Aeightbike.co Sussex League.
The sun never fails to show up for this event, as commented on by all the racers, but thankfully there was a nice breeze to help keep us cool.
VC Jubilee, under the direction of organiser James Stone, put on a great race for the nearly 300 racers on the day, from Under-6s to Masters in their 70s. It was great to see the world-famous tuck shop BBQ being manned by volunteers in custom-made chef’s aprons!
Stanmer Park is a course you can break down into three sections: the flat, power-based grass section, the climb, and the fabulous downhill through the woods. The latter challenges all riders to hold a precise racing line; venture away from this line and you are into loose, loamy ground that will certainly test your bike-handling skills.
Notable results included top-notch women’s racer Hope Inglis winning the women’s race before also racing the Senior Open race, where she finished an excellent seventh overall and third Under-23, behind winner Ollie Richardson.
With thanks to Stuart McGhee for the race report and photo!
