It was another outstanding weekend for riders from the Shimano Lazer West Midlands Cyclo-Cross League as the British Cycling National Trophy returned to Wales, with Pontypool providing the setting for two days of fiercely contested national racing.
With a host of podium performances, impressive rides across the age categories and a coveted series leader’s jersey for Rebecca Woodvine, WMCCL riders once again demonstrated the strength and depth of cyclo-cross racing in our region.
And with the National Trophy heading to Shrewsbury in December, there was plenty to encourage the league’s riders, organisers and supporters.
Woodvine Takes Centre Stage
One of the standout performances came from Rebecca Woodvine (Fossa Racing), who claimed a superb third place overall in Sunday’s Elite Women’s race and second in the Under-23 category.
Woodvine made a flying start, leading the race after the opening lap before eventual winner Anna Patterson took control. Ruby James subsequently moved into second, but Woodvine held firm to secure another national podium.
There was further cause for celebration when Rebecca was presented with the Under-23 series leader’s jersey on Sunday, a proud moment for a rider who has become such a familiar and successful competitor in the West Midlands League.
Corder Battles for Elite Podium
Spencer Corder (ROTOR Race Team) produced another tremendous performance in the Elite Open race, finishing fourth overall and second Under-23.
Corder was right in the thick of the action throughout, holding third place during the opening stages and remaining in contention for an overall podium until the final lap.
James Swadling eventually took victory ahead of Joseph Beckingsale, with Jody Mills snatching third from Corder late in the race. Just one second separated Corder from fifth-placed Samuel Nisbet at the finish.
Also representing the WMCCL contingent were Bridgnorth Cycling Club’s Sam Morris, continuing his excellent form with 14th overall, and Simon Wyllie (Spectra Racing), who finished 18th against a strong national field.
Gregory Impresses Again Among the Youth
Gregory Latuszynski continued his impressive National Trophy campaign with a fine third place in the Under-14 Boys’ race.
Just 26.9 seconds separated Gregory from the winner, another indication of how competitive he has become at national level.
Sister Zofia was 10th and among the young riders representing the region, underlining the strength of the next generation coming through the West Midlands League.
Jude White (Mid Shropshire Wheelers), another regular at the sharp end of WMCCL youth racing, finished 19th in his national race, gaining further valuable experience against some of the country’s strongest young competitors.
Isaac Vickery, Flor Parkinson and Annie Oxley were also among the younger riders making the journey to Pontypool, and their commitment to competing at this level deserves recognition.
These riders are the future of our sport, and the experience of racing against national opposition can only help their development.
Richards Back on the National Podium
Keith Richards (Mid Shropshire Wheelers) was another rider celebrating a National Trophy podium, finishing third in the Veteran 70+ category.
Very happy Keith Richards on the podium at Pontypool
After missing the opening round at Derby through illness, it was particularly pleasing to see Keith back racing at national level.
Dave McMullen took the victory ahead of Peter Golding, but Richards rode consistently throughout the five-lap race, moving into third by the end of lap three and holding that position to the finish.
A terrific return to competition from one of the league’s most experienced and respected competitors.
Moore, Whitley and Atkins Among the Veterans
The veteran categories once again attracted fiercely competitive fields, with several familiar WMCCL riders making their presence felt.
James Moore (Welland Valley CC) produced an excellent ride to finish fourth overall in his race, just outside the podium after six hard laps.
Nick Whitley (MI Racing Townsend Vehicle Hire) finished ninth, with teammate Darren Atkins taking 12th.
Moore, Whitley and Atkins have been prominent throughout the WMCCL season, and their performances at national level demonstrate the quality of competition regularly seen at our league events.
Strong Women’s Representation
It was particularly encouraging to see a healthy representation of women with WMCCL connections competing at Pontypool.
Alongside Woodvine’s Elite podium, Vicky Wilkinson, Helen Kirk and Sally Reid were among those representing the region across the women’s categories.
Their participation reflects the continuing strength of women’s cyclo-cross within the West Midlands, from established veterans to the next generation of talented young riders.
With riders such as Florence Parkinson and Annie Oxley also competing nationally, there is much to be positive about as the season progresses.
All Roads Lead to Shrewsbury
The National Trophy now moves to Cyclopark, Gravesend, on 28–29 November before heading to Shrewsbury on 19–20 December, where Mid Shropshire Wheelers will host the fourth round.
For WMCCL riders, it promises to be a particularly special occasion, with the opportunity to compete on familiar territory against the country’s leading cyclo-cross competitors.
The performances at Pontypool suggest that there will be plenty of local interest, and hopefully more podium celebrations, when the National Trophy arrives in Shropshire.
A Word About Our WMCCL Riders
With so many riders competing nationally, often under trade team or sponsor names rather than their usual WMCCL club affiliations, identifying every league rider in the results is not always straightforward.
We have tried to recognise as many as possible, but inevitably some performances may have escaped our attention.
If we have missed you, or another WMCCL rider who deserves a mention, please let us know. We are always delighted to celebrate the achievements of our league riders, whether they are standing on the podium, achieving personal bests or simply taking on the challenge of racing at national level.
Congratulations to everyone who represented the West Midlands at Pontypool. You have done the league proud.