Helen Kirk of Matlock CC is our V50-54 Female winner for 2024. She beat Eleanor Betts (second) and Sarah Kelman (third). Helen is relatively new to cyclocross, but she’s already competing at the head of the pack. As well as winning this category, she finished an incredible fourth overall in the Womens’ standings.
Helen tells us here about her cyclocross journey so far.
“I’m still a newbie to cyclocross, with 2024 being only my second season but I have certainly found a sport that I love and much of this is owed to the WMCCL, where I started my racing last year. Coming from a fell-racing background which had to cease due to injury, I have always enjoyed mud and all the elements that the weather can throw at you so cross racing is a perfect combination; racing, running and challenging oneself to the elements over a mix of terrains only this time, I am on a bike!
I’m still very much learning the skills necessary for cross racing but with each week this year I have gained more experience and confidence. This season, having only turned 50 in August, I wanted to do well in the new category, setting my pre-season goal to win but I didn’t think I actually would, so I’m absolutely delighted to have won. A wonderful 50th birthday year bonus! My aim was just to achieve consistent performances and place as high as I could overall each week and see what I could do.
What I have achieved this year however would not have been possible without the invaluable support, tips, technical and mechanical guidance of Chris Watts, my fellow Matlock Cycling Club rider who has pitted for me each week and been there from the start to the finish of the race to spur me on – thank you so much Chris!! It’s Chris and his lovely wife who I also need to thank too for introducing me to the sport! A big thanks also goes to my coach Rob Williams of Peak Performance Cycle Coaching who I linked up with in the spring. Rob has greatly improved my fitness, cross skills (the game changer was nailing those remounts this year!) and mental attitude on the bike, thanks so much Rob. Also to my PT for the last 7 years Ollie Ruddock of Bphysical Gym in Ashbourne who as well as his sporting expertise and weekly encouragement is the person responsible for building my legs and powering me up those climbs! Cheers Ollie. Not forgetting my tremendous husband Geoff, who is my ‘behind the scenes’ mechanic and home support, without who I wouldn’t have such mechanically smooth machines to ride or have a nice warm meal waiting for me after travelling back from the races – what would I do without you!! Thank you!
Throughout the week I always got so excited as each Sunday approached and the prospect of another race and the chance to race against such amazing lady cross racers and experiencing the incredible support that they give to each other. Being on the start line with these brilliant ladies has been a privilege and there is always a friendly bit of pre-race chatter. I’ve loved all the races, with each course being very different and challenging but my favorite race (s) would have to be the two rounds at the Heart of England with its mix of woods, tracks, fields, off-camber and banks, but I was definitely questioning my life choices when the heavens opened on that one very wet one and the course conditions turned ‘slippery-do-dah’!
Thank you to the WMCCL and all involved in making the League such an amazing, friendly and supportive community at whatever age you are and making it the success it is. Thank you too to Mid-Shropshire Wheelers for their pre-season summer series, which really got me fired up for the league and racing sharp! It was a joy to end my working week every Friday evening during August flying round the Sundorne circuit. Can highly recommend!
I’ll be keen to come back next year for another season and experience the warmth of the League and its quality races again. Thank you everyone.”
