WMCCL Round 4 - Redditch

[BrumJim]

The days are getting cooler, and the ground is getting wetter, but it was still clear blue skies and, after the early morning dew had gone, a dry course alongside the A441 at Redditch.

Many of the youngsters, particularly those for whom this is their first season, found the course very challenging, as Redditch Road and Path club made great use of the earthworks around the running track to set a course that tested bike handling and courage as well as strength and endurance.

Matthew is racing his first season in the Under 12s, with a longer race and sometimes a longer course than last year (although not for Redditch). He (and I) was very pleased with his ride, improving on his first outing of the year and finishing 14th out of 31, with a pretty even set of splits and managing to gain a couple of places during the race, and only loosing one to a fast rider who fell at the start.

Looks like he was the only Beacon rider in this event, surprising as it is the closest of all this season. Looks like there will be some more next week, and hopefully he can persuade some of his Academy friends to join him in the West Midlands mud.

[George]

Well done, Matthew!