Cyclocross Hawkes Bay #3 – Lagoon Farm Race Report

The high winds forecast didn’t eventuate and conditions at the new venue, Lagoon Farm were clear and crisp – perfect for a great morning of racing.  The course had been mowed specifically (in a twisty maze section) and utilized the old stretch of road for a fast mass start.  A limestone oval track, apparently used at some stage for horse training gave a good fast stretch but this was short-lived as both A and B crossed a deep ditch multiple times before heading to a massive mud trench.  This section was popular for spectators as they cheered at the efforts and resulting spectacular crashes/recoveries at this spot.  Off-camber zig zags tested the riders’ skills along a bank – with the risk of a tumble into a stream making it even more exciting!

B graders had a large turnout of 32 riders with a tight battle for the first three places.  Podium finishers were Guy Strang (1st), Chris Shaw (2nd) and Paul Goldsbrough 3rd.  Natalie Kerwin in her first cyclocross race, took out the first female placing and impressed with only narrowly missing out on a top ten placing.

Cyclocross is alive and well in the younger generation after seeing the energy and enthusiasm of the Coffee Shot Future Stars Kids races.  In the 7 years and under group, a strong field of 21 young races lined up for 5mins plus a lap. A bumpy grass course that also had a change of surface to tarmac for a short burst of speed, proved popular.  Sofia Vesty (first girl and first overall!) timed her finish to perfection as she overtook Joseph Mullis in the final lap.  It was also a close tussle between cousins Monty Stewart and Lachie Leitch who joined Joseph on the podium in 2nd and 3rd respectively.

Those kids aged 8 and above tackled a larger course which included the tricky ditch crossings that the A and B riders also rode through as well as the fast limestone track.  Their endurance was tested as the 12 riders completed a lung-busting 10 minutes plus a lap.  Hotly contested by all cyclocrossers the top three finishes were Joshua Farquhar, followed by Karson Vesty and Sam Sheeran.  Hirani Williams took out the first girl in the Future Stars Senior race with impressive determination.

Hawke’s Bay will also be hosting the 2014 Endura Cyclocross National Champs, August 10. More info at:http://www.cxhawkesbay.com/ 2014-national-champs.html

Our next race will be held on Sunday 27 July at a favourite venue, Hastings Showgrounds.
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Special thanks again to our supporters. Ramblers Cycling Club, Hawke’s Bay Mountain Bike Club, Specialized New Zealand, The Hub Cycle Centre, SportHB, VW Print, The Shot Coffee.