Oxonian Cyclo Cross

When I was much much younger the oxo cross races were a regular fixture on my race calendar. I always remember Geoff and John arranging where possible that all us young ones had something to take away from the race as a prize no matter where we finished.

The races were always well organised and pleasure to ride, well sometimes they were a bit cold but not much they could do about that.

So fast forward many years and I was once again lining up on the start line of an Oxo cross. This time as a Vet in a field of about 120 riders!

I'm not sure what it is about the races that I decide to ride but last time out at the Didcot cross last year one of the guys in the age group behind me had the nice stripes of National Champ across his chest. This time out I was quickly passed by a rider from the next age group up with the rainbow stripes of World Champ adorning his top!!

When I first saw the course I thought it was mostly flat around grass fields. Then when I managed to get out for a trial lap there was a wooded section I hadn't seen, rather muddy and twisty!!

I was quite happy that although I was quite far down the field I was managing to ride where others had to dismount and run! Unfortunately I was lapped about half way round the final lap so finished the race 1 lap down.

My final place was 79th but as this was an Oxo event I still managed to collect a prize to take home! John is still organising and still has the same ethos as all those years ago, which is great to see, more so for the youngsters just coming into the sport than for us older ones!!