Another weekend another cross race, Eastern League at Graffham Water a few miles the other side of Tempsford, 60 odd miles from home, which could be one of the reasons for me missing the vets race sign on for the second time this year. So onto the reserve list for the senior race and a long wait for a ride. As I was waiting was delighted to bump into John Wood down from Yorkshire for a days cross with Benny Louis so we actually had two FinsburyPark Cycling Club riders in the same race. The course was a bit of a ‘powerfest’ so did not suit me at all with two beach sections and subsequent climbs back into the woods and an interesting double hurdle either side of a stream, some singletrack and plenty of grass and off camber turns. A good days racing was enjoyed by all; Ben was on fire and finished in 3rd place with John Wood as classy as ever in 29th and me somewhere in a field honing their skills for the following days Nationel trophy or next weeks regional championships. I could only manage 71st out of 78 finishers. So next week it’s Ipswich for the regional championships where there is a separate race for 50plus vets. Graham Freer, Konrad Manning and Benny Louis will also be making an appearance; will let you know how we all get on.

Peter D.