IN stark contrast to the last event, mild conditions greeted the 31 riders gathered at Simon Sand for Round 3 of Jersey Cycling’s Winter Cyclocross Series.
The first race of the day combined Ladies, Open V50-60, and Youth categories, challenging riders to navigate a full and technical course, set in tough sandy conditions.
The 45-minute race was filled with thrilling battles from start to finish.
Right from the outset, Mark Ecobichon took an early lead, setting a strong pace and putting last round’s winner Jamie Griffiths under pressure.
The technical nature of the course created its share of difficulties, with Ecobichon making a few mistakes along the way but managing to hold his position over his determined chasers.
As the race progressed, Ecobichon steadily extended his lead and ultimately clinched victory, claiming the Vet50 Male category also.
Griffiths fought hard to take second, while David Bailey secured the final podium spot in third.
In the Youth Boys race, Milo Skuce claimed the win, while in the Senior Ladies, Harley Cadoret emerged victorious after a close contest with Lisa Mansell.
Carol Derrien took the Vet 60 Female honours, with Mike Osborne winning the Vet 60 Male category.
The second race featured the Open Senior and Vet40 Men, who took on the gruelling course for a full hour.
From the start, a lead group of five riders formed, but this quickly narrowed to an intense duel between Liam Cadoret and Jay Cracknell.
Cadoret launched an early attack, gaining an edge over Cracknell, who found the sandy sections challenging.
However, Cracknell’s strength on the longer uphill stretches around the top of the course helped him gradually close the gap, setting up a thrilling head-to-head battle.
On the final lap, Cracknell seized an opportunity after a slight mistake by Cadoret.
He surged forward, opening a gap that he held to the finish line, capturing his third victory of the season and solidifying his lead in the overall standings.
Cadoret took second after a strong showing, while Dillon Catney came third with a steady and impressive ride. Elsewhere, Ollie Hamon won the junior race, and Krzysztof Jeromkin topped the podium in the Vet40 Male category.
Jersey Cycling extended their thanks to the marshals, officials and Normandy Rescue for their support in ensuring a successful event. Further thanks were extended to sponsors Group Legendre and Simon Sand for providing the venue.
The next race will be on Sunday 1 December.
