Thomas, who is 8, has written this report from the London League Cyclo Cross race at Stanmer Park, Brighton on sunday.

“I started racing when I was 7, on my road bike. I won my first race at Hove Park and have raced several times there. This autumn I have ridden the British Schools Cycling Association National Hill Climb and have ridden two cyclo cross races at Herne Hill. This is my report from sundays race.

We drove to the race in Brighton, my dad got lost but I spotted some riders and we eventually found the course. We got our bikes out of the car, I had brought my new Marin mountain bike and my dad had his Independent Fabrication cyclocross bike.

I warmed up on the course and my friend Cory from Preston Park Youth Cycling Club showed me the route. It was freezing, I had my gloves on and I didn’t take them off. The race began - I had a bad start and was in 4th place after the first lap and I didn’t want to let it go. After a couple of laps, Ted from Preston Park, tried to overtake me and he got in front of me but I managed to get back past him and finished in 4th.

I was shattered and I still had to wait for my dad to race, it was ages until his race but I had fun playing with my friends. Eventually his race started, it was raining and horrible now but I cycled over to the start line. Off they went, my dad in the second row. After a few laps my dad abandoned as he had tape caught in his rear wheel so he came back to the changing rooms. I got myself a hot dog and a bacon sandwich for my dad and we went home”

So, a better day for Thomas than for his dad! The weather was cold and wet but as ever spirits were good and the event was superbly organised. The Under 10’s and Under 12’s races are always popular at ‘cross races, a great introduction to the sport.

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