The second of our 2024 winners from Matlock CC is Chris Watts, who won the V65-69 Male category. He beat the previous year’s top-two: Gary Rowing-Parker (into second place) and Paul Freeman (into third).
Chris loved the atmosphere and camaraderie of the League and – although we are ruthlessly friends during races – it’s the friendship he rated highest. Let’s hear his summary.
“As the 2024 cross season was approaching, I found myself caught in a quandary. Could I manage another full season of cross. The weekly battle of driving from home in Derbyshire to the unfamiliar depths of the West Midlands was hard enough but somehow, I had talked myself into doubling up with a full commitment to both the Notts and Derby league (conveniently raced on Saturdays) and the West Midlands league plus the National Trophy rounds (inconveniently distributed in the farthest corners of the country well into my 60s, this was always going to be a tough physical and mental challenge. But, being retired, I could wash race kit and fettle bikes all week before trashing them again and again.
The start of the season was tough as always but week after week my confidence and strength grew. I don’t recall any particular race being the hardest, but Baggeridge has always been my favourite. The new venues (to me) at Lilleshall and Sandwell Valley were memorable turning points where I just felt stronger and stronger. It was a shame the Walsall venue got drowned, but learning I had won the V65 category was a strong justification for all my hard work.
Next year will doubtless be hard, and I know the rest of the gang (Gary, Paul, John and Kevin) will be even more determined. Like all cyclocross leagues, venues are hard to find and harder to keep. The West Midlands is a strong and friendly cyclocross gem in the heart of the UK which I hope to race for years to come.”
Thanks for choosing the WMCCL Chris!
