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Report: Eastern Region XC Summer Series Round 3

5 June 2011
Promoted By: Mud Sweat & Gears
Race HQ: Tunstall Forest
Words and Photography: Sara Flatt

Previous races at Tunstall have been plagued by rain of biblical proportions - but this time the dust was flying at the third round of the MSG Summer Series on a course designed by local trail group, TROG.

First winner of the day was juvenile Ben Morris (Welland Valley), who flew round his second lap to overtake early leaders Ruari Phelan and George Finch (VC Deal). George faded a little to finish fourth with Liam Manser (TROG) taking third. It was a good day for Welland Valley, juveniles, Ria and Jade Mobbs taking first and second in the girl's race with Emma Perks (Chelmer Cycles) in third.

Sean Dunlea (PCA Ciclos Uno) consolidated his place as youth series leader with a convincing win ahead of Will Kearse (VC Revolution) and William Tripp (Essex Roads CC). Imogen Buick (Salsa Factory Racing) was fourth overall and first girl.

In the sports race, Daniel Barfod took his third win of the series, storming away from the start he was never challenged as he completed four very consistent laps. Second place went to Stuart Carmichael (Flitchbikes) with Neal Watson third. Early leader of the veteran's race Paul Whiffen (Walden Tri) eventually finished second behind Martin Backes (BikeTrax). Women's winners were Renee Fox and Deborah Mallett (Thetford MTB).

Almost 40 riders lined up for the Grommets races having spent the morning practicing their soft sand riding skills at the Go Ride coaching session!

Gemma and Zoe Whiffen (Newdales) took first and second and are also leading the series. New to the series, Caitlyn Sampson (Stowmarket CC) finished third just ahead of series regular Imogen Pitcher. The boys were lead home by Thomas Timberlake (Cyclelife Dunstable) from Olly Ford (Chelmsford Youth CC) and Colin Mantle (Mildenhall CC).

As this series becomes more established the number of elite and expert riders lining up on the start line is growing. Despite notable absentees Billy Whenman and George Budd, nine elite racers headed up the field for the afternoon's racing lead by series leader Stephen James. Close behind these and ready to mix it up was a quality senior field lead by Jason Boutell, Shaun Aldous and junior, Hugo Robinson.

As the race left the arena it was Neil Richardson (RAFCC) who lead the bunch followed by Bruce Dalton (Sherwood Pines) with the remainder of the field very close behind.

At the end of lap one a group of six had established itself at the head of the race. Elite/experts - Ben Roff (Orange Monkey), Stephen James (AW Cycles), Paul Robertson (Velocite Sikei); seniors - Wayne Bennett (Mountain Hardware), Jason Boutell (Revel Outdoors) and junior - Hugo Robinson (XRT Elmy Cycles);

At the end of lap three, Robinson had lost around 20 seconds and Bennett 40 seconds but the other four were still locked together.

At the start of lap four James stopped in the pits with a soft rear tyre, losing almost 2 minutes to Roff, Robertson and Boutell. These three continued to ride together on laps four and five before Roff increased the pace on lap six to ease away into the lead which he held to the finish.

Behind him James was on a mission, gradually pulling back the time he had lost and finishing with a sub -16 minute lap to pull himself back into second place. The final spot on the podium was taken by Paul Robertson.

Boutell took top spot on the senior podium ahead of Robinson and Ian Mockett (Thetford MTB). Solid rides by Glenn Stanford and Shaun Aldous (Team CCN) saw them finish in fourth and fifth positions.

The women's race had the potential to be a classic with four riders quickly settling into a leading group, Hollie Bettles (WXC), Anna Buick (Salsa Factory Racing), Laura Massey (WXC) and Laura Sampson (Stowmarket CC).

These four rode in close formation for the first two laps before Buick eased away to a 15 second lead at the start of lap four, this pressure caused Bettles to slip off the back of the group. By the end of lap four Sampson had closed back to Buick and the pair came through the arena together. Unfortunately, Buick got tangled with a slower rider coming through the start/finish line and lost time to both Sampson and Massey.

The final result was wins for Massey in the expert category and for Sampson in the senior category with Bettles taking a determined second and Jody Cole (HMF Pedalpower) third. The veteran category was won by Abigail Armstrong.

Lloyd Bettles (Clee Cycles KCNC) and Anthony White (Cannondale Racing) were locked in a race long battle in the veteran category, they had Andy Manning (Team CCN) for company on the first lap but unable to match their pace Manning dropped back to finish third. Having matched each other for eight laps Bettles took his second win of the series by 1 second from White.

The grand veteran's series competition was led jointly by Phil Buick (Salsa Factory Racing) and Denis Dix (Chelmer Cycles) with one win and one second place each. Buick had Dix on his wheel as he left the arena but by the end of the first lap had a 14 second lead which he extended to a minute and a half at the flag. Kim Marsh (HMF Pedal Power) completed the top three.

At the end of the racing there were some of the best examples of dust caked faces ever seen and the riders will be washing Tunstall sand from their eyes for a few days yet!

Next round: 24th July at Danbury Outdoors, Chelmsford.