WITH the unpredictable weather and ground being soft from the rain, it was a great relief to the organiser, Okehampton Community Recreational Association’s Mhairi McCall, and the schools taking part that it was a dry, warm day and that the field, was firm, if a little bumpy.
The first official Tavistock Schools’ Cyclo X was run by Justin Knox of British Cycling, who scored the event but also supplied all the bikes and helmets for the young riders. He was ably assisted by Geoff Whitlow from Tavistock Wheelers who, with some other volunteers, ran the adjustment station, ensuring that the bike seats were the correct height and that the helmets properly fitted the participants.
The 48 cyclists were split into four groups and started with a time trial to sort out the different ability groups then, when all timings were collated, the competition began.
Two pupils from each school took part in one of the four races which increased in speed and ability until the last race was won by Tom Brown of St Peter’s School, who was the fastest cyclist on the day.
The winning team was Tavistock primary with Meavy runners-up and St Peter’s third.
Mhairi thanked all those who helped at the event and made it such an enjoyable experience for the young riders.