AS the weather has gotten colder the Chard Wheelers have started to compete in more and more events, even though they have to put on extra layers.

There’s been more cyclocross for the Wheelers recently as this off-road obstacle course of a bike race is well suited to the winter season, when the extra mud makes it even more of a challenge for the racers.

Round four of the South-West cyclocross went to Coxley Barton near Barnstable and it is as always was a challenging but well organised event overlooking the North Devon coast.

Perched high and exposed overlooking the North Devon coast, Coxleigh Barton normally delivers some harsh weather conditions.

This season however balmy & still conditions greeted the riders, the ground was sticky in places so mud tyres with lower pressures was the preferred choice of rubber.

Some key results for Chard Wheelers included Molly Caswell who finished fifth in the U12 girl category.

Meanwhile Eva Ellis finished third in the U16 girl category and Fran Caswell was fifth in the U16 boys.

Finally Julian Wilkes came in at ninth in the veteran over 40's group.

Elsewhere a number of Wheelers took part in the 2021 British National Hill Climb Championships at Winnats Pass in Derbyshire on in October.

Four brave Wheelers made the journey to Derbyshire to take on the challenge, all putting in awesome times.

Wiebke Rietz won her age group for the sixth time in appalling conditions, fired on by an amazing amount of spectators, giving the whole event a Tour de France-like feel.

Other finishers were Julian Wilkes (5:05), Scott Davies (4:30), and Ollie Pennington (4:02)

One final and special mention must go to Will Salter who has had a strong season on the road and track racing in the U16 category.

He's had podium places at National level events, rounding his season off with a win at the Welsh National Circuit Race Championships and selection to the GB Cycling Team - Foundation Programme.

To ride competitively or socially with the Chard Wheelers get in touch via www.1stchardwheelers.org.uk