Christmas Cracked !

It was a lone Clarion rider who ventured out on Saturday morning to compete in the Stepping Stanes Christmas Cracker Cyclocross Race.

Cameron Mason was surprised to find himself racing with no snow around. It was a bit frosty but the temperature was a "balmy" plus one !

The Stepping Stanes had a fantastic course set out with 2 versions, one for under 8's and a longer more technical one for the older kids.

The longer version had an adjustable hurdle, same great single track through the forest, with fallen trees to navigate over, and some very fast tarmac sections. The course was almost a mile long so quite a challenge.

There were 2 races for each category so that they could all get used to the course and hopefully improve on their 2nd attempt.

Cameron lined up with the other riders in the U10/12's and took a commanding lead from the start. He loved the course and it played well to his strengths he wasn't really tested and managed to lap a few riders finishing a clear 1st well ahead of 2nd.

Santa (official race starter) asked Cameron if he fancied having a go with the bigger kids in the 2nd race so he found himself lined up with the U14/16's. He looked as though he'd shrunk in the wash as all the other riders were on full adult size bikes !

He got off to a good start and kept working hard doing better on the technical stuff than some of the older ones.

Cameron's goal had been not to be lapped by third. As it turns out he wasn't lapped by anyone and came in a very pleasing 5th !

Santa duly handed out loads of goodies to the racers at the end.

There's the promise of an adults race next year so watch out.

Many thanks once again to the organisers Stepping Stanes for a very professionally run event.