RACE REPORT - MTB Round 4 Winter Series sponsored by Ian Browns Cycle Shop

The FOURTH outing of the season attracted 48 entrants to the Underground Hospital, where a mix of single-track racing, steep climbs, flowing descents and leg sapping fields greeted the riders. The constant rain would be the riders biggest deterent as the course conditions deteriorated rapidly, grip became an issue and if a rider’s tyre choice wasn’t correct, crashing or sliding out on the bike was an inevitable occurrence. No one was going to get away with clean kit either as the riders were caked in mud head-to-toe in some instances.

That said, the weather and changing course conditions didn’t take anything away from the race in terms of a spectacle. It would be a battle of wills and mental strength in conditions that were experienced and sometimes the riders just have to get on with the task in hand.

The sodden conditions certainly suited Expert rider Mark Le Page who rode the wheels off his bike, completing the 13 lap race in just over 1 hour and in the process taking his first win of the series. Ryan Langlois battled hard against the element's to take the second spot with Adam Torode taking a well-deserved third.

Charlie Tourtel (In picture) continued his good run of form as he bossed the course to take the win in the Advanced category and second overall in the race. Zach Smith who was still on a high from his recent win in the CX series, took the second spot and third overall with Mark De La Mare keeping good pace throughout the race, taking third.

The mud fest also suited Dan Thwaite as he registered yet another win in the Veterans class. Pete Miller rode another strong race to take the second spot ahead of Olly Sarre in third. 

Frankie Middleton led the way in the ladies taking the win in the vets, with Jamy Petit-Fulgoni grinding out a first place in the Lady’s. Donna Smith made it four wins from four races as she continues to dominate in the Sport category.  

Mark Naftel was in a class of his own as he took a fine win in the Grande Vets ahead of the inform Mark Smith, with James Duguid in third.

There were other category wins for Andy Godfrey in the Super Vets and Emile Le Compte in the Sport category. 

The junior race lasting around 40 mins, would see U16’s Seth Davey in a class of his own as his took yet another win, with U14’s rider Remi Le Compte, notching up his fourth win of the season, from Harry Manning in second, in this academy fuelled class.

Jacob Piercey continues to be the one to catch as he also took his fourth straight win in the U12’s. There were further wins for Hugo Johnson and Erin Piper as they continue to impress in the U10’s. 

The 5th round of the winter XC series will be held on the 17 March 2024.