Smith takes the win in "perfect" Cyclocross conditions at Vazon
Round Two of the Guernsey Velo Club Cyclocross series sponsored by Cycleworld returned to Vazon, a favourite amongst riders & spectators with its varied terrain and superb viewing points to catch the action.
In contrast to last years race which saw a warm sunny day, the weather was typically in the spirit of Cyclocross and resulted in a shortened main race. Within only a few hundred yards of the start of the 2.09km course the riders are treated to tarmac, gravel and the infamous ‘Cobble Alley’ before descending the slipway onto the beach. Riders can stretch out a significant advantage as they navigate the sand and boards on the twisty course, before clambering up the stones and through the wall back into the car park.
The race was won by Utmost Ian Brown’s Academy rider Zach Smith, who immediately took the lead and was never challenged in the race, finishing at 50:17.4 - an entire lap ahead of the rest of the field. This was Zach’s first win at the Vazon course after a third place last year. He later posted on Instagram;
“Long awaited win here at Vazon. Mega pleased with my result and taking the win by over 5 mins. Weather conditions were not the greatest. Force 6 and Mega rainy”. Zach takes the lead in the series with Round 1 winner Mark Le Page absent from the race.
The podium was filled by Grand Veteran Mark Smith in second - his best CX result to date and taking second place in the series points and Nathaniel Moseley-Jones in third, twenty seconds behind after chasing Mark for the entire race. After a long season of racing, it was good to see the Senior rider showing great form.
Newcomer to the series Sam Nichols was an impressive fourth ahead of Super Veteran Mark Naftel and Veteran Ben Walden. Alex Clark was seventh ahead of Steven Palmer and James Duguid. Esther Reid completed the top ten and extends her run of top female to 13 consecutive races.
In the mountain bike category Adam Torode took a comfortable win ahead of Peter Sargent and Youth rider Theo Horton.
Freddie Martel took first place in the Under 14 category ahead of Jacob Piercey who is showing no lack of speed since moving up from the younger category. Third place was Luka Robilliard who continues to impress in the series. These three riders look set to battle for the entire series and could joined by Arun Scales who took his second consecutive fourth place.
The club are extremely grateful to the States’ Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services for allowing the race to go ahead on the course.
Anyone considering trying Cyclocross or any other form of cycle racing is encouraged to contact the club and come along to the next race on November 9th.
Full results and standings can be found at gvc.gg
Photo credit: Ethan Reid.