Two St Ives Cycling Club members have produced strong rides in their recent Cyclocross League races, heading into Christmas with some impressive results.

Tim Philips and Chris King had to endure some testing and trying conditions during their respective races, but both were happy with their final placings.

Tim ventured to Ashlyn's School in Berkhamsted on December 4 to compete at the 'Crossmas', round 11 of the Central Cyclocross League, where he finished an impressive 27th place.

In the Vet 50-59 age category, Tim competed against 67 other riders on a completely new course in "very chilly" conditions.

The Hunts Post: Tim Phillips amongst the pack of 67 other riders at the start of the race.Tim Phillips amongst the pack of 67 other riders at the start of the race. (Image: Tim Phillips)

Tim said: "I finished 27th out of 67, which is probably about average for the season, so not too bad.

"The work I’ve done on my starts and remounts has definitely made these aspects better, and the section of this course which involved two dismounts and remounts in quick succession would have been problematic for me previously, so I feel like I have made some progress over the season."

The Cyclocross course featured a sandpit with some "nasty" off-camber sections, grassy turns and dismount sections to test each rider technically and physically.

Tim even suffered a fall on the third lap but was back up again quickly to finish strongly in the last planned race of his CX season.

On October 12, in round 7 of the Eastern Region Cyclocross League, Chris King travelled to Diss to compete in the combined race of seniors and juniors.

Chris finished a respectable 25th out of 43 riders amongst a strong field, and was the 7th highest-placed junior.

The Hunts Post: Chirs King battling against the very muddy conditions during his race.Chirs King battling against the very muddy conditions during his race. (Image: Chris King)

The course was particularly hilly, which proved very difficult to ride because of how steep, muddy and slippy they were. 

Chris said: "The first 10 or so laps were the hardest as it was full gas, but after about halfway through the hour, I started to settle into a rhythm.

"I struggled on the hills initially but eventually got used to them and ended up making up time on people towards the end.

"I was fast on the rest of the course as well and ended up doing fairly well in the end. It was a good, fun race, and I’m happy with the result of 7th junior."