Cyclocross fun on Hackney Downs

Year 5 boys race

 Round 2 of the YHPSCL was held on 12th November 2021 up on Hackney Downs. We had a record number of riders enter the Cyclocross round - 121 riders from 12 schools - which made life for the judges interesting (- more on that later).

Riders briefing

Weather wise it was perfect conditions - sunny and slightly damp grass meant for fast racing. Once the hoarder had signed on we had some practise then it was straight into the racing.

Year 5 girls getting ready to start.

The year 5s were set a course of three laps with Noah from Mandeville leading after the first lap with Hattie from Millfields in hot pursuit followed up by Isobel from Shacklewell.

The year 5 girls leaders after the first lap

At the beginning of the final lap the leaded changed with Hattie in front followed by team mate Billie then Isobel.

Billie winning the year 5 girls race

In the end Billie came past Hattie taking a clear win and a first /second for Millfields with Isobel claiming third for Shacklewell.

Year 5 girls results

Year 5 boys getting ready to go

Next were the year five boys also racing for three laps.

Year 5 boys start

After the first lap Oscar from Rushmore was leading followed by Edgar from Millfields then Fortune from Gayhurst.

Going into the final lap Oscar still had the lead but now George from Benthal had moved into second spot with David from Jubilee in third. These three would then stay in the same positions for the finish and podium.

Year 5 boys results

Year 6 girls line up

Next up were the year six girls racing this time for four laps. this time the Millfields girls swept to the front with Catrin building ahead over her teammates Esther and Ayla. The latter two swapped places on the laps but in the end it finished Catrin first, Esther second and Ayla third.

Year six girls results

Winner of the year 6 girls - Catrin

Year 6 boys line up

The last race of the day was the year six boys again for four laps. The first lap saw a duo from Gayhurst take the front Otto leading Favour with Rafi from Millfields in pursuit. The second and third laps saw Otto build on his lead whilst Rafi moved up into second and Kallius from William Patten moving into third position. That was the way it ended with a convincing win for Otto.

Year six boys results 

All in all great afternoon's worth of racing- lots of fun noise and excitement. The judges did struggle bit with getting the results as many of the numbers were pinned on in such away as to make them almost invisible. Probably the judges own fault for not making this clear. Numbers should be low down on the back - so they aren't obscured by long hair/hoodies etc - also they should have pain in each corner so they don't fold over or flap around in the breeze. next time we'll make this clearer.

League scores after round 2.