Helen Kirk of Matlock Cycling Club won our Masters 50-54 Female category, with Eleanor Betts (Dynamic Rides) in second place and Laraine Oxley (Mid Shropshire Wheelers) in third. Let’s hear the details from Helen herself.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed another season racing in the West Midlands Cyclocross League each weekend and having worked hard in training preparing for the season I’m delighted to have seen great progress in my performance this year which has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve achieved consistent results and seen placings higher up the results than in my previous 2 years in the league. I have also targeted the National Trophy Series this year, racing in all six rounds as well as the National Championships recently. It was particularly rewarding to gain a podium (3rd Masters V50) at Sandwell, a round held in the West Midlands.
All the courses provided by the West Midlands Cyclocross League were absolutely excellent this year, with their own individual challenges!! My favourite course was Highley Round 11, organised by Isla Rowntree and her team. It was a demanding lap with plenty to keep us on our toes and really test our CX skills – thank you Isla! I also loved racing at two new venues for me; Princethorpe College Round 5, where I had fierce but fun battles with Ailsa Neely and Jess Buffon through the woods, twists, and turns and Himley Hall Round 8 which was fast and exciting for me to have finished 4th overall especially having been racing in the National Trophy Series down in Clanfield the day before.
I’d like to say a big thank you to all the clubs who organised the races, as well as all the volunteers, helpers, commissaires and supporters. A huge thank you also goes to my amazing pitman—my husband Geoff—who has been there every weekend and everything in between. I’m equally grateful and give a big shout out to my brilliant coach, Rob Williams of Peak Performance Cycle Coaching, for his punishing but effective training plans, and to my strength and conditioning coach and friend, Ollie Ruddock of BPhysical in Ashbourne, for his expertise in making me stronger. One last thanks go to all those at Matlock Cycling Club who have been so encouraging and supportive in many ways.
Finally, a heartfelt thank you to all the incredible women racers—your camaraderie and friendships is unbeatable and probably the aspect I enjoy most about CX racing at West Midlands. I’d also like to make a special mention for Ceris to wish her a speedy recovery back to fitness. We all look forward to seeing her back racing very soon.”
It’s been great to see your rapid development as a cyclocross rider over the last three seasons Helen. Very well done!
