The 2009 - 2010 league programme came to an end at a sun bathed Herne Hill Stadium

Bright but cold conditions greeted riders and spectators for the final round of the 2009 -2010 London Cyclo-Cross League.

VC Deals Jack Finch had already sewn up the youth title, but an early attack showed he meant to demonstrate his superiority. By the time the riders hit the technical sections outside of track centre for the first time, Jack had built a small lead and looked set for the win, especially when main rival, VCL's Harry Franklin unshipped his chain and lost ground on Jack and the next chasers, Liam Cowell (VC Londres) and Josh Parkin (Herne Hill Youth CC. A lap later though and Jack took a tumble, allowing Josh and Liam back to him.

The three circulated together, this allowing Harry to fight his way back to the lead group, from which he promptly launched an attack himself, only Jack being able to go with him. A sprint finish looked on the cards, but another slip and fall by Jack gave Harry a 20 or 30m advantage that he held to the finish. Josh got the better of Liam in a sprint for third with Jacks VC Deal team-mate Matt Gater coming in for fifth.

A cut on Jacks knee from one of his falls looked innocuous enough, but soon after the race a lump the size of a golf ball formed on top of the kneecap. An ambulance was called and it was off to hospital with him.

Fortunately nothing is broken, the lump is synovial fluid having leaked where it doesn't belong. It does look as though it might keep him off the bike for a while, and his competing in next weekends National Championships looks pretty unlikely.

Good news for me and VC Deal is that Jack's younger brothers Thomas and George have joined us for all off road disciplines for 2010 and made their debut in VC Deal colours at this event in the Under 12s.

Once again Daniel Tullett, also riding for a new club (AW Cycles) rode away to a solo victory in the under 12s, and once again Thomas showed himself to be the best of the rest with second place.

Just one London fixture left, the Team Championships and Prize giving at Crawley in a fortnights time. In the Youth category we have won this every season bar one since it's inception. Unfortunately this year, we don't have a team. Of our strongest four, Matt Gater is on a skiing holiday, Jack Spicer is competing in the re-arranged Winter Warmer at Fowlmead, and the leagues best rider Jack Finch looks unlikely to be able to ride anyway.

Shame, but c'est la vie!

Full results from the races are here

My photos from the Under 10s, Under 12s and Youth races are here

Richard Wood