My son's first cyclo-cross race

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BrumJim

Forum Stalwart (won't take the hint and leave...)
For those that are taking an interest, my 8-year-old son has been enjoying his cycling, including the local Beacon RCC academy sessions and big adventures with his Dad (me!).

Today he did his first CX race, as part of the West Midlands Cyclo-Cross League.

First time we did this, so we were the last to register, and had missed the practice / course scoping session. Which was clearly evident when the starting whistle went, and within a few seconds he had gone from back row of the grid to very last as he tried to grind a far-too-high gear whilst everyone else shot off. This didn't phase him, and he started to pick up places very quickly, and continued to do so through the race as his stamina got him past many riders who he could only just match for pace at the start. He ended up 12th in a field of 22, getting faster as the race went on - fastest lap was 6/9.

Had a great time, and up for some more, but he complained that there wasn't enough mud for it to be a real cyclo-cross race!
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DCLane

Found in the Yorkshire hills ...
Well done to little @BrumJim - he'll get better and learn more as it goes. Then he'll be asking for a spare pit bike and pit wash :okay:
 
D

Deleted member 1258

Guest
Well done, and he enjoyed it which is the important bit.
 

ColinJ

Puzzle game procrastinator!
Great effort! :bravo:

I reckon that he would go faster with his saddle a bit higher though... In the middle picture he is standing several inches off the saddle in the position that a rider would normally be sitting in. :whistle:
 

steven1988

Veteran
Location
Sheffield
Welcome to the world of being a CX parent, unfortunately it only gets more expensive and time consuming from here on in.

my eldest is now in Youth with 2 bikes pressure washer and everything else that goes with it.

My Daughter did her first race yesterday in Notts and Derby
607879
 

palinurus

Velo, boulot, dodo
Location
Watford
... but he complained that there wasn't enough mud for it to be a real cyclo-cross race!

Early season races are often pretty dry/ firm. Usually waiting for November for proper mud season in the UK, mid-late October possible mud conditions depending on weather. Come November though the ground tends to stay wet.
 
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