THREE Peaks cyclo-cross record holder Rob Jebb scored his fifth individual win in the annual Cyclists versus Runners cross-country race in Yorkshire ? but could only watch as he and his fellow cyclists suffered one of their heaviest defeats in the history of the event.
The Bradford Racing CC race, over a 6.5-mile course from Bingley to the top of Baildon Moor and back, attracted a record field of 97 competitors, but conditions did not suit the cyclists with heavy mud ? which came over the tops of marshals? wellingtons in places ? forcing them to carry their bikes where normally they would have ridden.
Aire Valley AC runner Ian Fisher led Jebb by 20 seconds as they started the descent, but the Wheelbase RT-Ron Hill rider jumped on his bike and swept past on the way down to cross the line 41 seconds clear.
Aire Valley RT?s Ian Holmes and fellow cyclist Rob Thackray (Paul Milnes RT) were third and fourth, but the next cyclists to finish was a lowly 16th as the runners swept to victory by an unprecedented margin of 83 points to 224, decided by adding the placings of the leading 10 competitors from each category.
Cyclists v Runners cross-country race (Baildon Moor, West Yorks).- Rob Jebb (Wheelbase RT-Ron Hill) 6.5 miles in 35-42; 2, I. Fisher (Aire Valley AC) at 41sec; 3, I. Holmes (Aire Valley RT) at 3-02; 4, R. Thackray (Paul Milnes RT) at 3-35; 5, S. Harding (Congleton AC) at 3-50; 6, G. Pearce (Ilkley Harriers) at 4-00. Cyclists? categories.- Veterans over-40.- Ian Holmes. Over-50.- Bob Baker (unatt). Over-60.- John Ginley (Condor RC). Women.- Heather Dawe (CrossTrax).
Mersey RC (Otterspool Park, Liverpool).- Stuart Reid (Wheelbase RT-Ron Hill) 12 miles in 57-32; 2, B. Greenwood (Recycling.co.uk) at 1-00; 3, N. Miller (Ipswich BC) at 1-06; 4, A. Morris )Biketreks) at 4-33; 5, A. Dalgleish (Lune RCC) at 4-57; at 1 lap: 6, D. Brailsford (Horwich CC). Under-23s.- Rob Pugh (Liverpool Century RC). Veterans.- Ray Pugh (Liverpool Mercury RC). Juniors.- Jack Speirs (Wheelbase RT-Ron Hill). Women.- Louise Murray (Red Rose Olympic).
Ashfield RC (Notts & Derby League, Darley Moor, near Ashbourne).- Geoff Giddings (MI Racing) 10 miles in 52-07; 2, J. Bryan (Ace RT) at 34sec; 3, P. Cox (GoSportsSpex RT) at 54sec; 4, J. Furniss (Ace RT) at 1-06; 5, R. parkin (Heanor Clarion) at 2-03; 6, J. Fraser-Moodie (Pedal Power RT) at 2-36. Veterans.- Geoff Giddings.Juniors.- Liam Frost (Ashfield RC). Women.- Annie Last (Raleigh-ERV).
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