Rapha Super Cross Series Round 2 - Hope and Paul Oldham dominant again

Paul Oldham yesterday continued his dominance of the 2012 Rapha Super Cross Series, winning the second of the three rounds at Misterton Hall, Lutterworth, Leicestershire, with his Hope Factory Racing outfit also sealing the team victory on the day.

Oldham and Hope had also taken the honours at the opening round at Broughton Hall in North Yorkshire last week, meaning that both went into today’s Series finale at London’s Alexandra Palace in a commanding position to repeat last year’s Series victories.

Jut as they had done last week, it was Hargroves Cycles-Specialized that presented the main challenge, with Steve James finishing second and Jody Crawforth third – the latter had been looking good to take the win, tracking Oldham with two laps to go, but a mechanical scuppered his chances.

With the positions of the top three rider counting towards the team prize, Hope edged Hargroves out to take a two point lead to London today.

The women’s race was won by Delia Beddis of Vicious Velo, runner-up at Broughton Hall last week, while the fun race featured the ever popular tequila shortcut and the wall of foam that has been added for this year, against the backdrop of cowbells, beer and frites that has become the Rapha Super Cross Series’ trademark.

You can see more of Wig Worland's pictures of yesterday's racing here.

Rapha Super Cross Series 2012 – Round 2, Misterton

1. Hope Factory Racing
2. Hargroves Cycles-Specialized
3. ROTWILD-Forme Coaching
4. Cycle Premier-Kovert
5. Rapha-GB Development Squad
6. Dirtwheels Cycles
7. Endura Racing
8. Charge Bikes

INDIVIDUAL

1. Paul Oldham (Hope Factory Racing)
2. Steve James (Hargroves Cycles-Specialized)
3. Jody Crawforth (Hargroves Cycles-Specialized)

OVERALL TEAM STANDINGS

1. Hope Factory Racing                           20pts
2. Hargroves Cycles-Specialized             18pts
3. Rapha-GB Development                      14pts
4. ROTWILD-Forme Coaching                 13pts     
5. Cycle Premier-Kovert                           13pts
6. Endura Racing                                      11pts
7. Dirtwheels Cycles                                   9pts
8. Charge Bikes                                          6pts

WOMEN'S RACE

1 Delia Beddis (Vicious Velo)
2 Keira McVitty (Buzzcycles.co.uk)
3 Sian Botteley (Bourne Wheelers)