Colomba Chemo Classic Sportive & Racing Round Up

Via Cycling WeeklyNine Nova members braved the rain and wind of Storm Abigail to take part in the Colomba Chemo Classic sportive, one of the last events in the calendar. The 100km route, starting from the Georgian market town of Richmond was filled with steep climbs, fast descents and stunning scenery (sadly partly obscured by the rain).

The impressive Nova sportive train was in full flow, with Club members recording eight of the top nine fastest finishing times.  Simon Ketteringham was the first rider completing the course to arrive back at HQ for pie and beans in 3 hours and 31 minutes, closely followed by Tom Denwood (3:32), Paul Lehan (3:34) and Mike Worden (3:34).  The quartet barely had time to dry off before the arrival of Nova trio Derek Irving (3:45), Andy Baker (3:45) and Mike Halamshaw (3:46).  Sven Wardle Richmond CC (3:53) spoilt the whitewash, completing the route just ahead of Nova’s Dave Moss-Blundell (3:59) who posted the ninth fastest time.

In the performance of the day, Nova’s “Iron Lady” Ele Haresign showed her grit and determination to whizz round in 4 hours and 13 minutes, securing fastest lady fisher by some margin, posting the 14th quickest time of all 160 riders and grabbing a handful of Strava Queen of the Mountain segments to boot.  Ele beautifully describes her ride in the sportive section of the forum here.  Congratulations to all those who took part – monies raised from the event support Cancer Research UK.

Racing Round Up – Ilkley ‘Cross 

The Yorkshire Cyclo-Cross Association event at Ilkley on 8 November saw two Nova members on the Under-8s podium with Mark Ketteringham in runner spot, and Magnus Denwood in third.  Younger brother Cormac Denwood placed 13th – an excellent result in a field of over 40 riders.  The boys are graduates of the Nova Kids Cyclo-Cross coaching sessions.  In the adults events, Charles Cuss placed 30th senior; a great ride from Andy Holgate saw him make the podium as 3rd placed Vet-50, beating Tim Evans to the line by 30 seconds, and Richard Salden took 10th placed Vet-45.

Racing Round Up – Barnsley ‘Cross

photo via Flickr (Clare Crabree)
Mike, Tim & Richard get muddy

Round 5a of the Yorkshire Cyclo-Cross Association Winter series, the Cystic Fibrosis Charity Cyclo-Cross, took place on Sunday 15 November at Wentworth Castle Gardens in Barnsley.  Riders had to cope with thick mud and water on the course, which made for great racing.  Mike Bowman claimed 5th place Vet-60, Gary Marks finished as 13th placed Vet-40; Tim Evans placed 17th Vet-50 and Richard Sladen was 25th in the Vet-45 event.

Round 6 of the YCCA winter series takes place in Sheffield on Sunday – good luck to all Nova members taking part – thermals may be needed!