Plans are already being put in place for next winter to increase greater participation from club members.
Baggeridge Country Park near Dudley hosted the final round of 13 of the Waldrons West Midlands Cyclo-cross League.
The conditions and course at Baggeridge were just perfect for cyclo-cross – Slippery off camber banks in the main field, deep puddles and muddy tracks through the lower woods and steep arduous climbs through the top woods.
In the Veterans race Lee Edmonds rounded off an excellent cross season with a splendid 3rd place, just reward for the effort and commitment Lee has shown this season in League and National events.
Edmonds got a blistering start, and took the lead for most of the first lap, Lee dropped to fourth on lap three, fighting it out for two laps with Byran Healy of Halesowen before finally dropping him on the penultimate lap to cruise home in third place
Team mate Andrew Wood was another Welland Valley rider who revelled in the conditions. The Fleckney resident was storming round the course to record his best result in the final race of the season, 15th place. Kevin Mills and Adrian Killworth enjoyed a great battle as they both jostled in the middle of the pack. As the race entered the latter stages Kevin eased away from Adrian to finish 28th in his first full cross season. Regular crosser Killworth finished a fine 32nd.
In the Veterans race for over 50’s lone entrant Graham Atkins also recorded his best ride as the conditions played to his strength and finished an excellent 8th place.
In freezing temperatures the Welland Valley Whizz Kids rode well.
With the youngsters starting early in the morning it was a frosty to start making the ground firm but as frost came out as riding started it quickly turned to sloppy mud. The Under 10s course was a good challenge with 2 sets of banks at either end of the course and the youngsters used their Whizz Kids skills to good effect. Whizz Kids who raced were Matti Garner (20th), Nicholas Wood (27th), Benie Haines (30th), Faye Garner (38th) and Rudy Killworth (40th).
The Youths raced on the adult circuit. They all rode well in the slippery conditions with some tough climbs and difficult descents.
Louis Killworth 8th, James Garratt 17th, Ria 18th (2nd Girl) and Jade Mobbs 20th (3rd Girl), Amy Garner 32nd (6th Girl) and Oliver Haines 40th. Special mention for Kibworth student Oliver Haines who has raced in twelve of the rounds. His results and confidence have improved in each race, well done Oliver.
The Welland Valley CC has enjoyed a great season contesting the league and great comradeship.