Carnethy had super-vet (what the ‘eck is “super” about being over 50?) Bob Johnson and super-star Jon Ascroft (super star after Bob Graham, Paddy Buckley and Tranter rounds this year) competing with friend-of-the-club Tom Owens making his debut in the race. Riders reports as follows:-
Bob Johnson: The 52nd edition of the 3-peaks cyclo-cross race was held on Sunday 28th September 2014 (race always takes place on the last Sunday of September with entries available on 1st June). Due to comments from landowners and safety concerns on the road sections, last year’s entry of 1000 riders was cut back to 650 this year (with approx 600 on the reserve list). I set myself the target of getting a first-class time (under 4hrs) as my last three completions had been over 4. I saw Jon Ascroft in the neutralised road section and he must of been close to the crash that I saw (and heard) as riders hit the deck. The noise of knees, shoulders and such like hitting the road made me shudder for sure. I made the top of the Ingleborough in an hour dead, the top of Whernside in 2hrs (even more) dead and the top of Pen-y-Ghent in 3 and a half hours. I finished in 3:51 so safely under the 4hr mark for a first-class time and 9th vet 50. I’ve never had an “elite” time in this race (under 3:30) being 4mins shy of it in 1997. The race highlights for me were 2nd place Joe Moses crashing after the steerer broke (see photos attached – captions welcomed) plus the first four vet50 riders bettering the old vet50 record of 3:32 (the record is now 3:18 set by 5-times winner Tim Gould). Another highlight was to see Jon Ascroft do another excellent ride for a 3:39 finish (24th in V40 class) and Tom Owens to do a 3:22 first time out! Rob Jebb took an 11th win in just under 3hrs with Nick Craig 2nd and Joe Moses 3rd.
Jon Ascroft: At the start, surrounded by 600 closely packed riders, I felt like an imposter, even with three past races under my belt. There were lots of the great and good of English fell running at the front – including Rob Hope, Morgan Donnelly, Simon Harding, Ian Holmes, and of course Jebby. Tom Owens looked slightly uncertain, but went on to have an impressive ride for a first timer. The initial road section was intimidating, riding so closely grouped with some jostling to improve position. I was lucky not to get caught in the big spill right next to me where I glimpsed the first of a few to hit the tarmac. Things settled down once we got off road, and I started picking my way back up the field. I relished the bits when I could shoulder the bike and run, as I could out-stomp most folk around me on the uphills, and nipped past others on the steep/rocky drops. The last descent from Penyghent was totally thrilling, rattling down the stony track, trying to keep the fingers off the brakes, and dodging between those still coming up and the many supporters. Finishing in 3h39 was much better than I’d dare hope for and was 10min faster than last year. Roll on next year…
Tom Owens: The race is totally unique, a truly exhilarating experience. It’s an event I’ve wanted to do for some years but only recently got hold of a cx bike (thanks Billy Bilsland Cycles!). We were blessed with warm dry weather and a pretty dry course. I finished in 22nd and 3h22min and was chuffed to get around with no punctures or major mechanicals. Despite heaps of pre race tips from Bob and other folk (thanks Phil!) it was a total baptism of fire. I’m already super keen to try again in 2015 and here are my notes for improvement: (1) practice rough descents (2) practice bike hikes up very steep hills (3) recce the descent of whernside (you can’t bike it outside race day but would be good to run) (4) put bottles and food at the road crossings (I carried all in a rucksack along with too many tools etc etc)