British Cycling Cyclo-Cross National Championship sees 11 new winners crowned in South Shields

Gypsies Green, in South Shields, played host to the British Cycling Cyclo-Cross National Championships for the first time over the weekend (Saturday, January 10, and Sunday, January 11).

The two-day event saw 11 new national champions, with previous winners and new faces also securing podium positions.

Competitors took on a 2.8km course which saw them tackle a mix of terrains such as outdoor track, grass, sand, steep hill climbs and muddy drops.

Kate Eedy, from Team Empella, took home the win in the Female Masters 40 race while Lucy Siddle, of Reifen Racing, secured first place in the Female Masters 50.

Tracey Fletcher, of Shapo, was at the top of the podium for the Female Masters 60 after she put in an impressive performance to secure the national champion jersey.

Speaking after her win, she said: “I feel very pleased.

“For the women’s category, it’s the most women we’ve seen, so it’s really nice that everyone was able to get out there, compete and show that women of a certain age can still compete and ride.”

Giles Drake, of Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli, took home first place in the Open Masters 40, with Nick Craig, John McGrath and Dave McMullen winning in the Open Masters 50, 60 and 70 respectively.

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Giles reflected on his win and a dominant year, stating: "I feel relieved, really happy.

“I thought I’d get it last year but it wasn’t to be, and I thought it was going to be Sod’s law after a good series I struggle here but it worked out well.

“I was trying to be a bit conservative and play things safe, when you race early there’s still frost and ice so I took my time and it worked out.”

The youth categories on Saturday, January 10 saw the following results:

Open Under-16

1. Theo Wan (Beeston Cycling Club).
2. Wilfred Pugh (One Life Racing (Hexham)).
3. Jamies Hardisty (Clancy Briggs Cycling).

Female Under-16

1. Aisling Charlesworth (Fibrax Fenwick's Wrexham C C).
2. Olivia Smallshaw (Secret-Training.cc).
3. Olivia Poole (Specialized Youth DT).

Female Under-14

1. Elizabeth Whall (Colchester Rovers CC).
2. Florence Cooper (Palmer Park Velo RT).
3. Tillie Jennings (Clancy Briggs Cycling Academy).

Open Under-14

1. Tom Craker (Shibden Cycling Club).
2. Ben Clarke (Ilson Velospeed RT).
3. Ewan Allaway (Pedalon.co.uk).

Full results from the weekend can be found at: https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/.