Dry conditions don’t suit Haygarth

CYCLING DEREK SCHOFIELD THE seventh round of the North West cyclo-cross series took place at Otterspool, Liverpool, and the field was boosted by the return of national series riders from the previous week’s British championship round.

This was shown clearly in the combined vets/ women’s event where Dave Haygarth, of Helmshore, slipped to 6th place on the dry and fast course. Haygarth, riding for Planet X, has been leading the series overall to this point and is looking for the more typical wet and muddy circuits which more suit his style of racing. Rossendale Road club members all finished further down the field.

Derek Schofield got entangled in a multiple crash on the first lap, and spent the race battling through the field to eventually finish 64th overall from the 160 starters, with Richie Watts continuing with his come-back in 106th, just holding off Paul Warrener in 113th.

Earlier in the day, Dave Haygarth’s daughter, Elsie, thoroughly deserved her bronze medal in the U10 girls class, finishing 8th overall in the combined boys and girls race.

Elsie has moved up an age group this year and is constantly racing against others up to two years older than herself.

In the seniors race, local triathlete and RRC member Iain Hazell showed he can compete with the best in cyclocross and finished 35th overall in a very strong field. Another season’s experience and he will surely be among the top ten.

The series takes a break this weekend but returns on the following Saturday with the 8th round at Northwich. ● Iain Hazell