The 2025 season of the West Midlands Cyclocross League kicked off with Round 1 hosted by Stratford CC. This was our second year at Berryfields, which is fast becoming a favourite with riders, helpers and spectators and attracted over 450 entries this year. A compact layout makes it easy to take in the action anywhere on the course which includes a significant climb, purpose built steps and off camber section and this year the addition of a new acorn feature making a couple of corners unexpectedly tricky even in the dry.

The course didn't stay dry for long however with a couple of brief but heavy showers adding an extra level of unpredictability for the Youth races and those that followed.

Continuing on from last seasons high level of participation Stratford fielded more than 25 first claim riders across age groups despite many regular competitors helping to run the event. Nathan Edmunds grabbed 2nd in the U12s whilst Scarlett Ford secured the top step of the podium in the Juniors whilst later in the day Richard Shephard picked up second in the vet 40+ race. Honourable mentions are due to second claim Rotor riders Alison Bagnall, for grabbing third in the female 50+ race, and Spencer Corder, for taking first in the senior race as an U23.