Woodvine leads the way for the Wheelers
Rebecca Woodvine led the way for Mid Shropshire Wheelers as they successfully hosted round two of the West Midlands Cyclo-Cross League at the Shrewsbury Sports Village.
The Shrewsbury girl, whose parents Dave and Louise also competed to make it a real family affair, hinted at her potential by winning the under-10 girls' race at the Sundorne venue.
There was so nearly another Mid Shropshire Wheelers winner with the promising Noah White, third in round one a week earlier, this time taking runners-up spot in the under-10 boys' race.
The event was well supported by riders and spectators, acting as the perfect dress rehearsal for January 9 and 10 early next year.
That's when Mid Shropshire Wheelers will stage the National Championships, a highly prestigious event featuring both European and American-based pros, for the first time at the Sports Village.
Just over 450 riders of all ages competed in a number of age group races, an increase on last year's entry.
The newly-designed two-mile course proved a real hit with the riders. It took in the cycle track, grass banks, ran past two football pitches and also featured a woodland area.
Organiser Dave Mellor said: "The tweaks to the course were loved by all and bode well for the Nationals in January.
"The Sports Village ground staff did a great job setting out the pits for us, there was plenty of room, and again we received a 10 out of 10 from British Cycling officials.
"It was really nice to get compliments from the dog walkers and other users about how tidy the woodland looked after we had raked and litter-picked the area.
"Hopefully, they didn't mind the inconvenience of their usual walk being out of bounds for one day.
"We were grateful to over 50 volunteers, some of them established club members, some new, and some just keen to help.
"They were well looked after with packed lunches and hot drinks by our volunteer co-ordinator Sarah Barton.
"It gave all the key people an insight into what is required come January, when the club will step up a gear to national standard."
He added: "There were lots of compliments on social media about the fantastic course, the lovely atmosphere and how everyone was so friendly.
"The lovely comments of a lady from Leicester about the town, the venue, the club and the course perfectly summed up why we work so hard at this as volunteers and it's always nice to be appreciated."
