WEAVER Valley Cycling Club hosted a round of the North West Cyclo Cross League at the Cheshire Showground at Tabley.

This was a major undertaking, with more than 300 riders (including 99 children and youngsters aged under 16) from across the region completing multiple laps over a two-kilometre course.

Conditions were poor and heavy going. The course, which was mostly thick grass, and already wet after several weeks of rain, was then churned by the riders into thick mud, requiring many to have to run sections rather than ride.

Weaver Valley riders performed well, particularly Louise Mainwaring, who finished second overall in the women’s race, out of a field of 26.

Northwich Guardian: Louise Mainwaring tackling the mud of the Cheshire Showground. Picture: Ady JappLouise Mainwaring tackling the mud of the Cheshire Showground. Picture: Ady Japp (Image: Ady Japp)

Other riders competing included Eleanor Underhill who won the over 60s category, Nick Butterworth, who came 14th and Alan Shuttleworth 21st in the over 60 men’s race, Graham Veale 49th in the over 50s race, Dave Walker (a novice to cyclo cross) 20th in the over 40s category and Sam Taylor (also a novice) 38th in the senior men.

The winner of the men’s race was Charles Fletcher (no club affiliation), with Giles Drake from Wheelbase second.

The women’s race was won by Grace Norman, from Jadan Vive le Velo.