Ely and District Cycling Club in Eastern Cyclocross League

On a dry and sunny day, which made a stark change from the rain and deep, sticky mud that had confronted riders in recent events, competitors in categories ranging from under-10s to Veteran 60+, raced on a dry and fast flowing circuit.

Technical features included logs, barriers, steps and a sand pit with a sharp hairpin bend which added to its difficulty.

In the youth race, Harvey Woodroffe looked to continue his run of good form, but his aspirations were dashed when he dropped his chain, which cost him time and position.

He fought on to finish a credible fifth place in the U14 boys' race. He currently sits in first position in the U14 boys' league table, but has a number of rivals snapping at his heels.

Lucas Bowman produced another battling performance on his way to 13th U14 boy. Kieran Vanhoutte continues to build his form, finishing 5th U16 boy.

In the Veteran 40-49 race, Simon Pedley was the highest placed Ely rider in 19th, followed by Ben Sealy in 40th, Simon Butteriss in 42nd and Ferenc Vanhoutte in 46th.

One of the most popular and competitive races is the Veteran 50-59 age group, where Neil Bowman produced another high placed finish, coming 16th despite a dramatic crash in practice which later necessitated 10 stitches in a facial wound.

This elevated him to 14th in the Eastern Cyclocross League standings, knocking on the door of a top 10 place.

The combined senior (i.e. 18-39 years) and junior (16-17 years) race was the last race of the day.

Tom Lewis (now riding in the colours of the ROTOR Race Team) started on the front row, reflecting his dominant performances in the Junior Eastern Cyclocross League this season.

These include winning the previous eight rounds including the Eastern Cyclocross Championship race at Milton Country Park on December 3, and the British Cycling National Trophy Cyclocross Series Round 5 at Cyclopark, Gravesend, on December 9 when he raced to 16th.

At West Stow, he got off to a great start, giving chase to the two strongest Seniors and distancing the rest of the field.

He spent the one-hour-long race on their tails, without being able to close the gap, finishing third overall and first junior once again.

Joshua Woodroffe and Isaac Barton had their own battle in the senior race, finishing 41st and 42nd.

Overall, it was another great showing for the EDCC Cyclocross team who now take a break over the festive period - until round 11, which is scheduled for January 7.

The sixth and final round of the British Cycling National Trophy Cyclocross series is at Tong, near Bradford, on January 6/7, followed by the British National Cyclocross Championship in Falkirk on January 13/14.

Tom Lewis will be flying the flag for the club at both races.