Alan Kemp won for the 18th time this season at Darley Moor on Sat 15th August,also riding was John Conboy, Conboy riding in the younger age cat and to his credit finished in the rapidly diminishing bunch, the strong gale force wind doing the damage.
Kemp took his race by the scruff of the neck and with just 3 other riders able to hold his wheel, took off: and this 4 strong group stayed away to sprint out the finish, Kemp taking the verdict easily.
The 12hr National championships took place on Sun 16th August on a course based around Whitchurch,70 riders started the West Cheshire event including W.V. rider Dave Fearon,a hard day to ride for 12hrs and Fearon’s distance has yet to be confirmed but was estimated to be a very creditable 241mls finishing in 18th place overall. Defending champ Andy Wilkinson who in 1996 set a new record of 300mls,started last man off at 7-20am and with a fantastic ride set a new record of some 302mls ! This record was set in far from ideal weather conditions and will stand for some time I am sure.
Hot off the press today (Sunday 23rd August) – TLI race at Siddington, Nick Butterworth and John Conboy finished in the pack in their race. Kevan did well in his race – he got into a breakaway, but this split, with one group going off the front. Kev stayed in the residual bunch and won the uphill sprint to get 5th overall and 2nd in his age group.
Yes well done Kev! You beat some classy riders, but don't get into the habit of leading those sprints out from the 200m flag!
Nice 1 Kev. Looks like all that high altitude training, near vertical ascents, followed by switch back downhill sections has paid off. There's nothing quite like off roading in Delamere Forest is there…