Joseph crosses the finish line
Cyclocross Success!
From Visiter Column On Yer Bike – Article 53 -Words by Ian Bailey.
Cyclocross is a muddy race that involves cycling, running, slipping, sliding and lots of maximum exertion that takes place on closed circuits around the North West every winter. This year saw Southport CC’s Cosgrove boys Joseph and Daniel competing for the first time in this exciting winter season cycle sport. Both Joseph and Daniel faced stiff opposition for riders from other parts of the North West including Birkenhead North End CC, Bolton Hot Wheels, Harry Middleton Cycling Club and others from as far away as Crewe and Buxton!
With steely nerves they planned their demolition of the opposition with the help of their dad Scott chief tactician and their mum who ensured that they ate well before each event and saw to their much needed recovery plans.
Daniel Cosgrove
Their first race The Red Rose Olympic Hoghton Tower Cross back in September last year saw them both show good promise with Joseph claiming second place behind a Birkenhead rider in the U10’s and a more cautious Daniel coming in 8th in the U8 category; more was to come. The next meet and the boys claimed 5th and 3rd respectively in the Horwich Humdinger this being the next grueling race on the calendar. Two week later was the Manchester Bicycle Club event in which they powered their way to a double first place both boys winning in their respective categories by less than 5 seconds on their second place rivals.
From this point in the season both boys and their parents felt they could be in with a chance of glory if they could keep up with the logistics of getting them to each event as the season progressed this they did and further successes continued to roll in culmination with a end of season clash at Beacon Park where Joseph grabbed a 4th place whilst Daniel soared his way to another 2nd place.
This final race was enough to crown Daniel as U8 NWCCA champion 2015/16 and Joseph with a silver medal for his 2nd place in the NWCCA U10 category.
Joseph with his 2nd place medal in the U10 category with Daniel and his first place shield and medal in the U8 category
What a season boys well done and what an exciting sport! If there are anymore budding cyclocross riders out there who fancy having a go next season then why not get down to the Southport CC Clubhouse on a Monday evening and have a chat with Ken Beck remember what Ken says “Southport is full of cycling champions and you could be one of them”
Both Joseph and Daniel are embarking on a track and road season this year and will be racing at the Dolan races in Victoria Park starting on Saturday 12th March 2016 why don’t you come down and cheer on our newest Southport cycling champions!
More details of the Cosgrove’s season can be found at nwcca.org.uk
Keep peddlin’
For more details on the NWCCA and the league positions see here
