Runners & Cyclo-Cross

Jessie in Cycling Mode

One of the Harriers’ junior members, Jessie Roberts, last week swapped her running spikes for cycling shoes in order to compete on the Cyclo Cross circuit in the North East. Jessie, who is a member of British Cycling and rides for one of the regional teams, recently decided to try her hand at Cyclo Cross, which takes place over testing terrain and often in muddy conditions.

Having entered a number of Cyclo Cross events during the winter months and faring exceptionally well, she decided to compete in the recent Northern Cross event at Houghton Le Hole. On this occasion she was racing alongside senior and veteran men and women, over a muscle-sapping course of approximately 16 miles.

The going was good and firm underfoot and luckily the mud did not appear to hamper her progress, as more arduous conditions can require a change of bike. As the women got underway and reached the top of the first hill, the group had already split up. Jessie joined leading pack and remained there for the next two or three laps, from where she took the lead and was not challenged again for the first placed woman overall, however, undaunted by this she pushed on and managed to finish amongst the veteran men, within the top twenty competitors and in an excellent time of 48 minutes.

Jessie is currently in need of another cyclo cross bike to enhance her performance and is presently looking for willing sponsors. She also hopes to recover from a lower leg injury in time to get her running shoes back on and compete in the English Schools Cross Country.

Forces Cross Country 14th December 2005

Paula Copeland elected to run in the forces Cross Country, Division 2 League at Somme Barracks, Catterick Garrison on Wednesday 14th December. After two months on detachment, Paula has returned fit and well and finished 2nd out of 20 competitors in the ladies race over a distance of 4k, assisting her team to a good overall placing.

Wensleydale Wedge 20th November 2005

Neil Piper meanwhile took part in the gruelling Wensleydale Wedge on 20 November; a 23-mile trail run starting from Askrigg and stretching across the dales. Conditions were perfect this year and many of the 181 starters were walkers who enjoy a bit of running, although it is fairly competitive at the sharp end. The winner was Steve Oldfield in 3.14, while Neil displayed good staying power to finish in 29th place in 4.12, while wife Liz was 58th in 5.04.