FIELD THIRD AS FOREIGN RIDERS DOMINATE
- Sunday, 5 October 2008
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ROUND one winner Ian Field (Hargroves Cycles) had to settle for third spot in the second round of the National Trophy Cyclo-Cross Series as foreign riders dominated the event at Bicton Arena in Budleigh Salterton, Devon, on Sunday.
Belgian David Willemsens was third behind Field in the first round a fortnight ago, but he found the course at Bicton - which was being used as a National Trophy venue for the first time - to his liking.
He teamed up with French rider Nicholas Bazin to attack on the second on seven laps, and although they pulled away enough to make sure of victory, Field was only 25 seconds behind, while fourth-placed Jody Crawforth (Arctic Premier) was only another 14 seconds back.
Despite heavy rain having made the course wet and slippery the surface is heavy in clay and held together reasonably well, but some technical parts of the course gave riders something else to think about than staying upright.
“I didn’t feel great today,” said Field. “I did some really hard training last week and I don’t think I’ve come round from it yet.
“Bazin attacked early on, and when Willemsens went after him I should’ve gone with him. That’s where the race was won. But I’m still leading the series because they’re not eligible so I’m happy enough.”
National Trophy Cyclo-Cross Series Round Two (Budleigh Salterton, Devon).-
1 David Willemsens (Belgium) 59-52
2 N. Bazin (France) at 3sec
3 I. Field (Hargroves Cycles) at 25sec
4 J. Crawforth (Arctic-Premier RT) at 39sec
5 P. Oldham (Hope Factory Racing) at 1-05
6 R. Jebb (Wheelbase) at 1-47
Women.- Gabriella Day (Swift Racing). Veterans.- Geoff Giddings (MI Racing). Juniors.- Oliver Webster (JD Cycles).
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