Race Report: Crank It Cycling Series Round 5 Rother Valley Country Park, Sheffield

Race Report

Crank It Cycling Series Round 5

from Rother Valley Country Park, Sheffield UK

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Words & Photography by Emma Bentley (Man Down Media)

Rother Valley Country Park played host to the Crank It Cycling Series Round 5 this weekend, and whilst there were thunderstorms elsewhere, there was nothing but beautiful sunshine in Sheffield. Unfortunately this came with it’s own challenges, with riders racing in 25+ degree heat. The track consisted of fast grassy flats, bridge crossings, smooth and shady climbs and manicured bike park trails with berms and doubles to really put the riders handling skills to the test. This week featured the log-drop A-line, where riders could either send it, roll it or take the B-line for a challenging tight woodland singletrack. There were options for all abilities.

The morning started with the Men’s Sport race, with a fantastic turn out coming to the start line. Joseph Busby and Adam Turner took an early lead, battling it out for first and second. It was ultimately Adam Turner who went on to take first place, followed by Joseph Busby in second and Jack Johnson in third.

Next up, the Youth and Juveniles took to the course. The first lap saw some tight racing as riders got used to the woodland features. But it didn’t take long for Arthur Limb to start pulling away, ultimately taking home first place in the Youth category. George Cooper followed in second and Oliver Barker rounded off the podium in third. In the Female Youth and Juvenile field, Maisie Harper showed her skills taking a 12th place overall in the combined field and first place with a lead of over 7 minutes ahead of Tia Taylor in second and Poppy Spencer in third.

In the afternoon, once the summer heat had really started to take affect, the Women’s race took place. Hope Factory Racing’s Victoria Peel formed an early break away, and continued her lead to take the win by 8 minutes. Hannah Williams and Jessica Cobbe battled it out for the remaining podium places, with Hannah taking home second and Jessica taking third.

The final and largest race of the day rounding off the weekend was the Men’s Race. With the summer heat, riders were looking out for each other throughout this race, and the pit crews became vital in providing the much needed hydration and nutrition required to complete the 8 lap race. James Swadling took an early lead, but Billy Read and James Pickering didn’t let him get too far infront. James Swadling did not let up on the gas, putting in sub-10 minute laps across all 8 laps and ultimately going on to take first place overall. With a sprint finish on the cards, Billy Read put the power down on the finishing straight to take second overall followed by James Pickering in third.

The next round of the Crank It Cycling series continues on 16th July at Doddington Hall.

Smartiming were on hand to ensure the races were timed and fair

Focus on the startline

There was a great turn out this weekend with riders keen to make the most of the summer sun

Like with all Crank It events there are A and B lines to choose between, both offering varying levels of difficulty but equal enjoyment for all abilities!

A top-ten result for Niall McGarrigle in the Male Sport as he takes on the A-Line

Jack Johnson had a great race taking home third in the Male Sport category

The bike park trails meant that riders could have some fun on the well-maintained jumps and tables

There’s always time to get some air

The Male Sport was a close race with Joseph Busby and Adam Turner battling it out for the top podium

It was first place for Adam Turner in the Male Sport, taking the win by just over 20 seconds

The hidden gulley before the A-line kept the riders on their toes, making sure their suspension settings were set right and checking their speed

Glasses were a must or both sun and dust

This photo does not do the climbs justice, but the fast, smooth ascents were thankfully in shade providing a bit of respite from the harsh summer sun

Oliver Barker finding some time for some style on his way to third place

The straights through the woods were full of plenty of obstacles to keep the riders on their toes

Nothing better then carving through the woods in the sunshine

The fast, dry track meant for close racing

Second place this weekend for George Cooper in the Male Youth field

Climbs might not have been big, but in the heat they sure were tough

The fun flowy berms meant the rider could hone those skills taught on the Saturday Coaching session and get off those brakes

Arthur Limb took a dominating win in the Male Youth category, taking the win by just under a minute

The track negotiated public footpaths over the park bridges

Sunshine meant the party lenses were in for riders

It’s not just racing on the Crank It Weekend, there’s the U12s skills sessions where riders can test out their bike handling skills whilst battling for points

Timberfly’s wooden skills ramps keep the young riders on their toes

There’s fun for kids of all ages at a Crank It race event

Grass turns made even harder with bar to bar racing

James putting the power down along the straight

Oscar showing that the Under 8s can have just as much fun in the sun as the adults

Secret Training’s nutrition was on hand for those last-minute race snacks

Every inch of shade was needed to cool the riders down

It’s always nice to have a personal touch. Jack made sure each rider’s points were correct

A great turn out for the U12 skills sessions

There’s always time for post-race gossip, especially sitting in the sunshine

Once you’ve mastered track stands, it’s time for one-handed track stands

Who doesn’t love a wheelie?

These young riders really aren’t afraid to lean it in

It’s great to see the Ride for Charlie Foundation at the event

Hard fought third place for Jessica Cobbe in the Women’s race

So close to the podium but so far for Eleanor Williams finishing up in fourth

It’s good to see less tape being used to mark tracks, with Crank It using re-useable flags to mark out larger sections of the track

Eyes on the track

It’s great to see Hope Factory Racing out supporting these smaller events. With Victoria Peel taking a dominating win in the Women’s race

The riders were glad for the shade of the woods

The berms in the woods gave the riders the opportunity to have a bit of fun, with Tom Scott taking home fourth place in the Men’s race

With the heat the riders spent most of the race with their skin suits unzipped

Everybody loves a cheeky turn bar

No time to let off when you’ve got Nick Craig on your back wheel

Rollers or doubles – the choice is yours

Umbrellas were a necessity in the pits

Heading out of the shade and into the bright sunshine kept the riders awake

You know it’s warm when there’s dust being kicked up as you go through the grass

The view of the park lake made for a tempting mid-race dip

The tarmac section was a bit of a sprint-fest

The race leader James Swadling took full advantage of the tech features to enhance his lead

There were plenty of technical features for the riders to enjoy, which gave you the option to send it

Or taking the drop at a bit more steady rate – it was a great opportunity for riders to push their abilities

An exhausted James Swadling has never been so glad to see a chequered flag

Any way to cool down was welcome

This is how it feels to race flat out in 25+ degree heat

Fierce competitors but also great friends, these two old racers have been there, seen it and done it but it’s great to see them both having so much fun seeing each other home on the finish straight

Sheffield