Andrew Nichols recovered from disabling his bike on the big drop in the Hempton Common cyclo-cross course to win the race – but it was a close-run thing. As rain set in halfway through the senior event, both Nichols, in the lead, and Shaun Aldous, 10 seconds behind, crashed on the steep descent which is a feature of the course. Both changed bikes at the pits, Nichols making two changes, neither of which went smoothly, leaving the pair neck and neck. Aldous (EST/City College Norwich) looked well placed as he led through the final narrows, but Nichols (Cambridge University) produced an astonishing burst of straight-line speed to win. Third place went to Nathan Miller (XRT), while Aldous’ club mate, Tim Guy, put in an outstanding ride to take fourth, just holding off a late challenge from Barnham man Matt Cook.