Mercia Report 16-11-08

David Clarke travelled to Japan to ride the 20th 2 day, Tour de Okinawa with the German Team Norland – Hamburg in which he won the King of The Mountains prize. Day one was a 52km criterium in which he finished 26th. He was at some disadvantage has he was restricted to a single gear, due to damage to his gears on the flight there. Day two was a hilly 200 km stage in which Clarke (with his gears repaired) excelled to finish in first position over the climbs to win the King of The Mountains prize. He was denied a high a high overall finishing place as he & three other riders broke away with only 7 km to go. Unfortunately they were caught just before the finishing line by 14 riders for Clarke to finish in 18th place. His final finishing place over the two stages was 16th. The overall winner was Japanese rider Yukiya Arashiro (Meitan- Hompo-GDR Team) in 6hrs 32 mins 31 secs. Clarke's finishing time was 6 34 57.
The Waters brothers were again competing in the Notts & Derby League Round 8 Cyclo Cross held at Bingham, promoted by V.C. Nottingham. In the under 10's race Bailey was highly placed again in 3rd . After a bad start at the back of the 37 starters Elliott fought back to finish 12th . The winner was Scott Hookway (Sherwood CC). In the under 12's race Joshua rode determindly to finish in 5th place. Arthur Green ( Matlock CC) was again the winner. Their father Justin had no luck in the Senior race when his chain snapped forcing him to retire on the last lap in 70th place out of 92 starters. The winner was Scott Thwaites (Crosstrax).