Day 2, January 7, Southampton Sports Centre
Senior & Under-23 Men's Championship
What a way to get fit for the fells!!!! Respect or what?! More of the same & photo's @ www.britishcycling.org.uk/web/site/BC/cyx/EventReports2007/20070107_Senior_Under-23.asp
"On the start line were a number of favourites but the name on the lips at the venue was Rob Jebb who was favoured because of his running which may be crucial in the thick mud. Roger Hammond was getting lots of support as he lined up in his new T-Mobile colours and alongside him was Phil Dixon, gridded number 2.
After the countdown and the crack of the starting pistol from commissaire Colin Clewes, Jody Crawforth got off to a flyer with Dixon moving up and Hammond not far away. By the end of the first loop though, it was Dixon leading the way and slowly but surely, he continued to open the gap on the battle for the minor placings that ensured behind.
This battle soon developed into a three way tussle, Jebb, Craig and Hammond, but for Hammond he had more than just his rivals to fight off as he got tangled in the tape and lost valuable time to his rivals who were giving as good as they got on the heavy course.
Hammond never managed to recover and it was Craig who finally broke Jebb's resistance and Craig, an experienced campaigner and one of the most popular riders on the course, soon had the gap he held all the way to the line to clinch a very well earned silver medal.
Jebb managed to keep his lead over Hammond to take the bronze medal and confirm his status as one of the favourites whilst a rider many had come to watch, former World Junior champion Roger Hammond, crossed the line 4th after a forgettable race. Leading Under 23 was Ian Bibby.