South West Cyclocross League 2025/26 Round 7 - Sun, 30th November

The sun came out today for R7 of the South West Cyclo-cross League race at Exeter Bike Park. The course was surprisingly dry after all the rain we’d had. It was also a large field as the neighbouring Western League race had been cancelled. This brought in some of the faster, and slower, riders that we don’t usually race against at this level.

The track was flowing and mainly on grass with a few technical mud sections to sort out those of a nervous disposition!

Lisa Martin raced in the Female Masters 50.

After a crappy start struggling to clip in I set off like rocket to keep ahead of my nearest league rival, Vicky the power muncher! I was over the moon to finish ahead of her, both of us beaten by Miriam who won the thing outright, her being an ex World-champ and obviously not too shabby!

Again, as the pictures demonstrate the camaraderie between the women is always supportive and extremely friendly!

Will Hutchins raced the Open Masters 50.

My first SWCX round after missing all the others through injury so it was great to be back between the tapes at a local race, and good to catch up with the teammates and the other league riders.

No league points for me so far so I was gridded pretty much at the back of my Cat (27 in total). A fast and confident start, and quite a lot of dive-bombing or full gas exits from the dead-turns got me off the front of the chase pack; sadly the front runners were up the road. Chased on for the rest of the race but didn’t catch them. Finished in a very positive 10th overall having pushed out some 3 month and year PBs for power and BPM.

Jez Martin raced the Open Masters 60.

Jez had a good race and at one point, Lisa, Jez and Will were all grouped together as we fought our individual battles.