Hope XC Race Series Race 1 Race Report

Continuing their drive to get the North West XC Race scene back on it's feet the Brownbacks team are back again with another race series. The rather irrational feeling of "we can do more" had taken them over with three dates sponsored again by Hope launched into the calendar mid July. So what happened... Having taken the "barbeque summer" TM off the first race in series 2 was on a mild and dry weekend with little in the way weather to worry about. The racing now open to riders from the age of 15 was as fast and furious as ever. With a record number of riders entering, the course had the usual surprises for all with the recycling of a section of "lost" and a tricky little descent testing the ability of riders on the main course. The Minx-Girl sponsored women's categories saw a record entry and some class technical riding from Lizzie Bowler and Kate Johnson (Red Necks) amongst others. Verity Appleyard (Race Co Cycles) dominated the ladies field with Molly Whittall (White Nancy Boys) back from injury winning the Mountain Diva Category and Gill Crane (Clifton CC) taking the honours in the Have-a-go Heroines. Tom Bell (LUCC/Torq/Stif) dominated the Leisure Lakes sponsored men’s racer field taking the first lap prime and never looking in danger of being caught despite the efforts of Michael Coward (Velo29 Cycling team) who was still asking for the gap up to the final lap and Dave Powell (Ragley) withdrew early on. A new sponsor Blazing Saddles from Hebden Bridge saw a new winner in the Weekend Warriors with Tom Albutt taking the honours. Craig Holden the winner in the previous series clearly suffered with a loss of form and struggled on the new technical sections. Mark Horsely-Frost (White Nancy Boys) was going well until a fall on lap 4 which then slowed him down. The Have-a-go Heroes winner Adam Newall (Sad Cycling) in his first ever race was clearly stoked to get the trophy after being pushed hard by Mark Ellis and Matt Hartley. The new "Lads" and "Lasses" category for younger riders ran with mixed success with a small but quality field for the Lads, Benjamin Mossman taking the honours. Unfortunately there were no Lasses to race for the trophies and prizes, so plenty of opportunity to win prizes in race 2. Yet again the feedback from all was of a great morning's grassroots racing. The all volunteer team delivering a simple format with plenty of prizes and the emphasis on fun and racing for all levels. Thanks especially go to the marshals and the sign-on/ timing team who gave up their morning lie-in to let others race. Race 2 is on the 27th September and pre-entry is still open. A radical new course should change the balance of the racing and there is the added attraction of trade stands from Leisure Lakes and Blazing Saddles and the enhanced catering with plenty of car-parking for riders and spectators. www.brownbacksracing.co.uk

Latest news

New Spot: Abergele Pump Track
New Spot: Cadishead Pump Track
Watch: Down For Life - 30 Years of Bicycles & Dirt
Watch: Matt Jones returning to oversee the reconstruction of Woburn Bike Park
New Spot: The Murrough Pump Track

Popular news

Review: Shimano Saint PD-MX80 Pedals
Rockshox Announce 2014 Sid, Revelation, XLoc and updates to the Monarch
Review: Maxxis Ikon 26x2.35 Tyres