Much to the disappointment of those who love mud, the cyclo-cross season is nearing its end, and indeed we say goodbye to the Wessex CX League for another season. And what a wonderful season it’s been, with Slipstreamers represented in full force in the Youth and U12 categories. In this blog we share a personal perspective of the season from Slipstreamer Jed Smithson, the Wessex CX Under 10 Champion, and 2nd overall for the U12 – a fabulous achievement considering 180 riders took part in this age group!
Rider Report by Jed Smithson
CX U10 Champ in action
“I completed all the races except one which was on the Isle Of Wight so we didn’t go there. Cyclo Cross is racing off road on a bike that is more like a road bike than a MTB but has off road tyres. Some riders use MTB.
There has been a lot more riders this year than last year. All riders Under 12 set off at the same time and are gridded on overall positions in the series. All age categories set off together and score points in the same race.
Sometimes races are muddy and I love mud. I did a Cyclo Cross race when I was six. I always try my hardest in races and enjoy winning, but it is not all about winning.
New riders should always enjoy riding and wrap up warm when it is cold. I don’t like the cold much!
It is great fun when all my friends are there to race, I have made a lot of friends riding in Cyclo Cross races and think everyone should do it. I do a Cyclo Cross coaching session on Tuesday nights and learn new skills.
Last year I was the Under 10 winner and came 3rd overall in the Under 12’s. This year I won Under 10 and came 2nd overall. Next year I will be an Under 12.
I finished 1st Under 10 in every race I did and won 5 races overall and never finished lower than 2nd overall in the points to count in my Championship.
I think when new riders start racing in CX they may not like the gridding system at the start, but you soon move up and then it is better. I hope more Hillingdon riders will do the Wessex League next year.
I also want CX to become an Olympic Sport!”
Well done Jed! If you’d like to find out more about the past season and final results, visit the Wessex website here.