2025 Southern XC Isle of Wight - Final Round
Last weekend twelve riders from the Guernsey Velo Club travelled to the Isle of Wight for the final round of the 2025 SouthernXC MTB Series held at Cheverton Farm. This venue, set in the countryside valley, has downhill trails that have a real old school XC feel, coupled with a gruelling single track, slow burn hills, testing turns through the woodland and fire-road blast’s, the 4.1km course coupled with the strong westerly winds, would certainly be a tough test for the riders.
On a shortened track U10 riders Hugo Johnston, Ethan Shorto, Henry Johnson and Ellie Piercey would certainly have their work cut out as they gridded up against a strong southern line up. Hugo made a lightening start with an opening lap of 1.17 closely followed by Ethan with Ellie and Henry holding their own in the middle of the pack. Hugo’s strength shone through as he completed the ten laps of the eventual race distance, (a lap up on the rest of the field), to win the race and was crowned the overall Southern XC series winner. Despite a valiant effort, Ethan had to settle for second place on this occasion and joined his fellow Sarnian on the podium taking second in the series overall. Ellie Piercey rode the wheels off her bike to take fourth place in the female category, with Henry Johnson despite being only 5 years old and looking the coolest rider on the track, giving his all against the older boys to finish in eighth place. Some fantastic riding by all the U10’s.
The U12'S saw Jacob Piercey look to put the disappointment of round 4 behind him and register another win in this category. Jacob made a great start and quickly settled down to take the lead. He maintained this position throughout the 13 lap race, finishing some two minutes ahead of his nearest rival Henry Frost from Welwyn Wheelers to take the win and was also crowned overall Southern XC Champion. Jacob will now move up to the Juvenile ranks next year.
The Youth boys would see Utmost Academy rider Zach Smith in top form coming into the event. Smith ranked 9th Nationally, made light work of his opposition as he dominated the race from start to finish to take the win. The Juvenile boys would see the up and coming Utmost Academy rider Luka Robilliard looking to get his first podium in the series. After a great start and 3 sub 15 minute laps, Luka crossed the line in third place, a great performance earning him his first podium position in the series.
The Open Novice classes would see Donna Smith and Dan Johnson taking to the start line. Both made great starts with Johnson completing his 3 laps to finish in 11th spot with Donna Smith’s grit and determination earning her a second place on the podium and second overall in the series.
The men’s sport class would see Wayne Piercey, Tristan Robilliard and James Shorto looking to top their previous finishing positions in the Southern Series. Shorto made a lightening start with Piercey and Robilliard close behind. By the end of lap one Shorto was up to 9th position, a position he would maintain through the race, with Piercey and Robillard finishing in 15th & 16th places respectively.
A great achievement for all the riders on this relentless track.
Club rider Rod Smith commented “It was great to see the GVC riders making the podium places once again. The riders continue to dominate in the series especially in the lower categories, which again shows the strength and resilience of the Guernsey riders on the UK MTB scene.”
The next off island action will see Academy riders Zach Smith and Remi Le Compte competing in British Cycling National Championships being held at Woody’s bike Park in Cornwall 18-20 July 2025.
Overall Series Standings
Jacob Piercey – 1st Overall in U12’s Category
Hugo Johnson – 1st Overall in u10’s Category
Ethan Shorto – 2nd Overall in the U10’s Category
Donna Smith – 2nd Overall in the Ladies Open Category
Written by Rod Smith