The temperature has dropped, the trails are muddy and the leaves are falling. This can only mean one thing - ‘Cross is Here!.. Henry takes up the story and tells us about his first five races of the season aboard a pair of #aeightbikeco built custom Basso Paltas...
"I haven’t done much racing this summer but I’ve really enjoyed my prep for the ‘cross season. I’m only doing the first half of the season this year so working with my coach, Sean, we could really ramp the intensity up just before the start of September. It’s been nice attacking the season from a slightly different angle.
My first race was at Stanmer Park, Brighton, which is Round 1 of the London and SE CX League, but also Round 1 of THE AEIGHT BIKE CO SUSSEX CX League. This year the first race fell on the 1st so the ground was still firm and dry which led to fast racing. Luke Gibson showed everyone a clean pair of heals, but I had a great race with Wilf, Dom and James. Stanmer in the dry turns into a bit of a road race with small groups forming up, and our four had a great battle.
Next up, Pip, my Dad and I traveled to Sandwich in Kent, for Round 1 of the EKCX. It was the first proper cross conditions of the year, with heavy rain for most of the race. This took some of the advantage away from the out-and-out power riders because even the flat corners become technical. I had a mega start and got into a really nice group. On the last lap I focused on defending my position through the tight twisty corners to take 5th overall and 3rd in the Under 23s.
Round 2 of the London and SE CX League / THE AEIGHT BIKE CO SUSSEX CX League was at Ardingly on “Course 3”. I got off the line well and sat in the wheel of some strong riders, learning from them. It was another pan flat course which doesn’t play to my strengths so the good start helped me get in the mix. After a few laps I was in a nice group with three seniors including my SDW and AEIGHT BIKE CO club mate, John Rogers, who also races on a Custom Basso Palta - I worked with him till the end and we worked over the other riders. I was getting updates from the pits and this helped me take the win in the U23s, as well as 5th overall!
But you can’t have the ups without the downs! After the highs of Ardingly, Herne Hill was a hard knock! I’d felt strong all week after a good result and on our Thursday night training I felt completely in control. We got to Herne Hill early as usual and I practiced the course - and then, during my warm-up, this wave of sickness hit me. Even though I was now empty I decide to start and at least see where I was, but it was no good and after a few laps I had to call it a day! I spent the following week in bed trying to shift the bug!
By Thursday I was over the worst, so I signed up for Palace - Round 4 of the L&SECX League. With limited expectations of myself I was quite relaxed, but I still wanted a good result in a stacked field, most of whom were on the final build up to the Trophy series. It was a really fun, fast paced course with lots of technical sections and I focused on making my lines as good as possible. I had some nice battles and placed roughly where I should be. It was nice to start feeling good again. Glen had been working on the bikes earlier in the week so the bikes were working really nicely - thanks AEIGHTBIKECO!
I took a week off from racing this weekend, and focused on some good training rides on the cross bike and the mountain bike, mixing it up to keep it fun. Next up we head to the race which we help organise, round 5 of the L&SECX League at Somerhill in Kent. We’re running a Training Session on the Saturday (details/sign-up here), and the Race itself on the Sunday (details/sign-up here). Hope to see you there!
Results;
Stanmer Park L&SECX/ÆSCX 13th Overall (4th U23)
Sandwich EKCX 5th Overall (3rd U23)
Ardingly L&SECX/ÆSCX 5th Overall (1st U23)
Herne Hill L&SECX DNF
Palace L&SECX 10th Overall (4th U23)
Photos by K Rotchelle, Matt Bristow, Alex Rout and Glen Whittington
2024.RIDERS – HENRYWEAVER
Henry is a first year U23 rider, focusing on cyclocross with a little road and mountain biking on the side. Last season as a Junior he finished 4th in the London and SE CX League and has progressed to the U23 podium this season. He races for SDW Racing at a regional level and is coached by Sean Yates. You can follow him on Instagram
2024.RIDERS - GLENWHITTINGTON
#aeightracer – Glen’s an ex-racer who still finds time to ride bikes as much as possible - follow his adventures on Instagram. He started racing in 1998, initially specialising in XCO, Marathon and Solo 24-Hour Mountain Bike. He became a mechanic in 2002, working in shops and also for professional race teams. During this time he spent more time racing ‘Cross and Road, and then also TT. In 2013 he built his first bespoke steel frame and then spent several years at Roberts learning the art. Since then he’s designed his own range of bikes, frames and wheels which he now offers to the public, alongside servicing and race support, as part of his ÆIGHT brand - you can find his business Instagram account here.
GOT WHAT IT TAKES TO RACE WITH US?
We’re always looking for riders to be part of our ÆIGHT CØLLECTIVE. The #aeightbikeco is about doing things a little differently - Rather than a jersey being the common theme, we kit our riders out with bespoke steel bikes and handbuilt wheels made in our Sussex workshops, the ÆIGHT WHEELWØRKS and the ÆIGHT MANUFACTØRY. We then support each other at events and races regionally, nationally and internationally - whether that’s for mountain bike, ‘cross, gravel, crit, road or TT - it’s what we call, the #aeightbikeco
The best part is that we’re not asking you to leave your team or club - that includes racing in your club/team kit. We’ve got certain brands that we work with, mostly so we can standardise shared equipment, but your own sponsors and clubs are almost always welcome. We have some strict qualifying criteria but don’t be put off by this – if you’re interested in being part of the #aeightbikeco then please get in touch by emailing your racing CV to eightbikeco@gmail.com
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