Eleven guys in their 70s competed in WMCCL 2024. The leader among them was Phil Metcalfe of Wolverhampton Wheelers. He finished well ahead of Pete Ward (second) and Ian Forrester (third). As you will see from his review of the season below, Phil regards himself as a ‘participating spectator’. We think that Phil and his “cohort” are all true winners.
“Firstly, I’d like to thank the league committee for their great work in organising the best league and the individual event organisers and volunteers for making the series the fantastic success it’s been this year. After being involved in putting on three consecutive annual CX events – each with biblical precipitation – I appreciate your efforts. I mustn’t forget our fine commissaires who give us confidence in the safety and fairness of our racing.
Like so many I was excited to get started at the first event, but apprehensive as to how far I’d fallen behind in my cohort. Despite the torrential morning rainfall, the clay had absorbed it well with only one wet patch that worked in my favour with a pile up that I managed to avoid on the first lap and things were looking up. After that mud warning I fitted a new set of skinny mud tyres for the next slippery event at Shrewsbury and used them to good effect.
After that it became wetter and muddier at each successive event, so the mud tyres stayed on right through. I contracted Covid and had to miss the race at Baggeridge, which then had me concerned about missing any more events for the league standings. I did all the remaining events that were held, placing in the mid-70s at most but not putting more than one or two positions in front of my next age group rider.
Why do I do it? It’s the being part of the wider community of cyclocross riders – with mutual interest in the competition yet supporting, advising, learning from and encouraging each other – whether rising up the ranks or, like me, having a Sunday ride out for some participative spectating.
To all my fellow competitors – especially those whom I was swapping places with in each race – thanks for riding!”