16th January 2012
by Phil Upton

Solihull Duo Clinch National Podium Places

Just a week on from being crowned U16 National Cyclo-Cross Champion, Solihull CC rider Jack Ravenscroft completed the double by finishing top of the National Trophy with a win in Sundays’ final round in Shrewsbury.

The celebrations were topped when team mate Danny Fox’s 8th place finish in the Shrewsbury race, confirmed his 3rd place overall in the trophy standings, meaning that the series Yellow Jersey had never left Solihull CC during the series (Fox wore it for two races, Ravenscroft the remaining four), under lining the domination these two young athletes have held over their competition throughout the season.

The course had changed throughout as the early morning frost and ice which accounted for both riders’ rear mech’s during the warm-up, turned to a thick, gloopy mud by the time the race began. Fox and Ravenscroft had to race with back-up bikes and change multiple times in the pits for clean machines. Ravenscroft dominated from the start, repeating his performance of the previous week leading from gun to flag. Fox was running well until a crash on the pit approach, a damaged rear wheel and then later a puncture hampered his efforts. He showed great courage to keep his cool, maintain his form and do enough to secure the podium position in the overall series.

For Ravenscroft, there was another trophy and the series yellow jersey to add to the red, white and blue that he picked up as National champion just a week ago.

Solihull CC riders packed the fields all day with great performances from Alex Gordon in the U16s race and Top 20 finishes in the U14 race from Josh Gunn and Jake Stewart.

The club’s riders now have just two more rounds of the West Midlands Cyclo-Cross League to go, with round 12 this Sunday at Aldersley Leisure village in Wolverhampton.

Picture shows Yellow Jersey and National Trophy series winner Jack Ravenscroft of Solihull CC (centre) with team mate Danny Fox third on the podium.

9th January 2012
by Phil Upton

Solihull Cyclist is National Champion!

15 year-old Solihull CC rider Jack Ravenscroft is The UK National Cyclo-Cross Champion!

In the best result of his already glittering career Jack Ravenscroft sealed the UK Cyclo-Cross U16 Championship race last weekend in Ipswich.

In a frenetic 30 minute dash Ravenscroft dominated from gun-to-flag. His explosive start and then a really huge effort going past the pits on the opening lap caused mayhem behind as riders tried to cut across the gap. Bit by bit he extended his lead as he went from 6 to 15 to 25 seconds over the first three laps. Even when Ravenscroft came off the gas on the last lap, taking no risks on the corners, the rest had expanded so much energy trying to get back to him, he still had enough time to lift both arms to the air and enjoy his celebration on the line.

Ravenscroft’s team-mate Danny Fox rode bravely with an injured wrist which prevented him from really pulling on the handlebars – crucial in the muddy conditions. Fox was dissapointed to finish in the Top 10, after a series of yo-yo 1-2 podium places with Ravenscroft throughout the season. But, Fox can still console himself in the knowledge he is one of the best riders in the country.

For Ravenscroft it’s another stepping stone towards potential professional status, his star is on the rise, particularly after gaining selection to the recent Team GB Olympic Development camp. He rides again, this Sunday in Shrewsbury in the final race of the National Trophy Series – a competition in which he has an unassailable lead – so there’s more glory and silverware to come.

For Solihull CC Ravenscroft’s triumph comes just four months after fellow-club rider Dannielle Khan clinched the U16 title at the National Track championships on the Manchester Velodrome. With not one, but TWO National Champion jerseys in the locker – the future’s bright for Solihull Cycling Club!

Solihull CC’s National Champoin Jack Ravenscroft

2nd January 2012
by Phil Upton

New Year brings More Solihull Success!

Solihull Cycling Club where all tucked up in bed early on New Years’ Eve in order to be out in force first thing on January 1st at Top Barn, Worcester for the latest round of the West Midlands’ Cyclo-Cross League.

The U16/U14 Youth race was very hard with a strong wind was blowing right across the lake, but Solihull CC riders’ Jack Ravenscroft and Danny Fox put in last lap bursts to take stunning 1-2 and set themselves up superbly for this weekend’s National Cyco-Cross Championships near Ipswich. They are respectively first and second in the accompanying National Trophy Series, but the red, white and blue bands of National champion may await one of them next Sunday!

Solihull CC’s strength in depth was also demonstrated with high placings for Ethan Lee (4th) and strong rides from season rookie’s Joe Stanton and Scott Aitken. For the girls once again Lucy Shaw, naturally a track rider and sprint finisher used the race as great winter training. In the Full Women’s Race Becki Keogh once again put in a solid performance to follow-up her recent great rides.

There were lots of Solihull colours flying in the u12's race too, with 10 riders on the start line. Lewis Askey from Lichfield CCC dominated to take the win with team-mate Toby Barnes 2nd. But Solihull CC’s Matt Shaw got a podium position in third and his team dominated the placings, Ben Breakwell rode a hard and lonely race coming away with 5th position. Just behind was a season’s best 6th from Oliver Gunn and The “Knight-riders” twins Jacob and Harrison Knight were hot on his heels for the majority of the race coming in 7th and 8th, James Alexander completed a Solihull dominated Top 10.

12th December 2011
by Phil Upton

Ravenscroft bags third National trophy Win!!

Solihull CC’s Jack Ravenscroft completed his THIRD win in six races in the National Trophy Cyclo-Cross series on an exceptionally muddy course in Bradford, Yorkshire last weekend.

The 15-year old has now an almost unassailable lead in the series and barring accidents will wrap the series – a first for a Solihull rider - in the final round in January.

The Bradford circuit consisted of steep banks and run-ups, which coupled with almost relentless pouring rain, made for very slippy conditions.

Ravenscroft, with Solihull CC team-mate Danny Fox were 1-2 in the series going into the race. Fox struggled in the conditions and just didn't have any power, not much grip and then after the 4th lap, no gears on his bike! Whilst his finish – an unaccustomed 15th place, he is still 3rd overall, but the contrast with Ravenscroft couldn’t have been bigger. Recently returned from the Team GB Olympic Development Mountain Bike camp, Ravenscroft looked effortless in his series leaders’ yellow jersey, carving his way through the course and past struggling riders.

At last, the talent and natural bike handling skills his Solihull CC coaches see on a weekly basis is paying off on a National level.

Solihull CC riders now head to Tackeroo Campsite, Cannock Chase this Sunday for the 10th Round of the West Midlands Cyclo-Cross League.

Solihull CC’s Jack Ravenscroft (left) and Danny Fox (right)

5th December 2011
by Phil Upton

Solihull riders amongst the West Midlands Finest!

A star-studded field awaited local cycling club Solihull CC at last Sundays’ British Cycling Midland Cyclo Cross Championships at Shrewsbury Sports Village.

The appearance of newly-crowned World Junior Road Race Champion Lucy Garner in the Women's Race had the autograph hunters reaching for heir pen’s, but it was Solihull’s Rebbeca Keogh who took the admiration of her travelling army of support with a typical gutsy ride getting a 12th place.

Solihull CC had strong representation in the Boys U16 race and it was Ethan Lee that lead home the red, white and blue riders with a 4th spot. He was supported by Alex Gordon (13th), Harvey Wadsworth (17th) and Joe Stanton (19th).

The tricky course included a large wooded section with 2 steeped bank climbs and a step-up area causing cyclists to dismount and run up with their bikes slung on their shoulders. Former World Cyclo Cross Champion and Garmin-Cervelo professional Roger Hammond, showed how it was done in the Men’s Senior Race.

But it was Solihull’s infamous U12’s squad who gave the crowd’s a glimpse into the sports’ future as they dominated the field to claim 7 of the top 20 spots. Matt Shaw’s podium finish in 3rd was followed by Harrison Knight (7th), Ben Breakwell (8th), Jacob Knight (9th), Oliver Gunn (15th), James Alexander (17th) and Luke Tranter (20th).

However, the Ride of the Day went to 9 year old Rachel Mayhew, came home first girl in the under 10’s category, giving Solihull CC yet another West Midlands Champion to boast about!

Solihull CC’s Alex Gordon tackles the step-section in the U16s race of the West Midlands Regional Cyclo-Cross Championships in Shrewsbury.