HUNDREDS of competitors and spectators turned out for Round 2 of the South West Cyclo-Cross League at Castle School on Sunday.

The event, hosted by Somerset Road Club, took place on a fast grassy 2.6km circuit around the playing fields, making use of as many obstacles as possible to test the 200 riders’ bike handling skills, including a ‘spiral of doom’.

The first race of the day was the Under-8s, followed by the Under-10s and 12s, with some 57 youngsters involved. The course allowed the spectators to watch the races at close hand and the atmosphere was electric.

The Youth (Under-14s and 16s) followed with a few plucky novice riders; this race was a closely-run affair between four Under-16s, with Oliver Allen (Pilgrim Flyers) winning overall.

The main race featured 97 riders from the Women, Juniors, Seniors and Veteran Cyclo-Cross categories.

Harry Birchill (Southfork Racing) took command of the race and was never really challenged, while SRC’s top placed rider was Dan Wellings, who achieved 13th position in a very strong field of entrants.

The event was supported by Bicycle Chain, who supplied the course with marking tape and the prizes.

Mark Deakin, race director, said: “The event saw a big increase in Under-12s and Youth riders which is great to see in this fast, fun and safe cycle sport, and the community support was fantastic.

"Thank you to Castle School for use of their facilities.”