Cyclocross Series Round 3 - Mont Herault
In stark contrast to last years Cyclocross event, Sunday’s third round of the series sponsored by Cycleworld delivered some great weather and close racing at Mont Herault. With only minor adjustments to last years course, the riders were treated to flat and fast grassy fields over the 2km lap.
“It was a race of tailwinds and headwinds as always at Mont Herault” one rider said after the race.
First across the line was Charlie Tourtel, choosing to ride a mountain bike for this race and finishing in 56 minutes and 14 seconds. His win didn’t come easy as Mark Le Page and fellow academy rider Zach Smith battled with Tourtel for the entire race before the Youth rider pulled away to win by three seconds.
Le Page has climbed the standings to third after his second CX category win of the series, which is led by the impressive Zach Smith. Between these two in the points sits Mark Smith, fourth in the race behind Remi Le Compte who will surely be a contender for a top three series finish once the dropped race is factored into the overall points after the next round in two weeks.
Fifth place went to Nathaniel Moseley-Jones ahead of veterans Simon Francart [returning after injury], Mark Naftel and Ben Walden. Another impressive top ten from Esther Reid after a race long battle with Walden and tenth place Steven Palmer.
In the mountain bike category, behind Tourtel were James Roe and John Mapley, both in their first race of this year’s series. Pete Sargent fourth and round two winner Adam Torode fifth. Harry Manning took an impressive sixth - his best result of the series so far. Top female in the MTB race was Jamy Petit-Fulgoni ahead of Izzie Grierson, Amy Smith & Holly Smith.
In the shorter 40 minute Youth race, Freddie Martel continued his winning streak, taking maximum points in the series so far, closely followed by Luka Robilliard & Jacob Piercey. This battle for top honours could go right to the final race.
Anyone considering trying Cyclocross or any other form of cycle racing is encouraged to contact the club and resister for the next race.
Full results and standings can be found at gvc.gg
Photo credit: Ethan Reid