REPORT: Woodland Riders Winter Series RD 3 2012

Whilst most people were planning on heading off to the beach on the first hot and sunny weekend of 2012, 90 odd riders headed down to Tavistock for round three of the Woodland Riders Winter Series.

With an combination of great weather, friendly atmosphere and the shortest track so far of the series and a with a few unfamiliar faces on track, racing was set to be exciting!

Using a brand new top section with a couple of multiple line choices, it was mainly about getting your pedals in. The track then dropped onto the main fire-road and into Kris track, here you had to really pin your corners. Not particularly technical but there were a few bits that could catch you out (Harry Steer!!). The next section was flat out straight down! Race organiser Chaz also put in a new cheeky line off the main line. There was talk of wether it would be faster to go slower through the compression (the shorter route) or ride the outside line and avoid the steep dip. In my eyes outside line was the long way round. This then followed a small step down into an open sprint to the finish line.

As I mentioned before, a few unfamiliar faces made the drive down from Wales to the South West, including a small army of Commencal Supreme V3's and part cage fighter, part downhiller Leon Rosser. This provided a little extra competition in most categories usually dominated by the local rippers.

With first runs underway and everything running smoothly as always, I believe Jim Davage set the fastest time early on with an incredible 1:03.292 easily winning the Masters. Jay Williamson took the lead from Leon Rosser by just under 2 seconds and Zak Hurrell lead the seniors. Matthew Davies went just quicker than Charlie Ross in the Juniors.

After a quick break, second runs commenced. Jim Davage went a second slower but still held a strong winning margin, 2.826 seconds in front on Rich Bedford. Round 2 winner Mike Modgkins held onto the Juvenile's by just 0.495 in front Joe P. Charlie Ross snapped his chain second run, Matthew Davies held the lead in the Juniors. Jay Williamson went slower but just held the win by only 0.036! from Nikki Whiles. Zak Hurrell went faster and extended his winning gap in Seniors.

More photos from the day can be found here.

Results:

Elite/Expert:
1st: Jay Williamson (1:02.795)
2nd: Nikki Whiles (1:02.831)
3rd: Leon Rosser (1:04.432)

Hardtail:
1st: Sam Acland (1:13.370)
2nd: Tim Leach (1:17.980)
3rd: Jack Channings (1:32.590)

Junior:
1st: Matthew Davies (1:06.406)
2nd: Charlie Ross (1:08.471)
3rd: Callum Thornbury (1:08.557)

Juvenile:
1st: Mike Hodgkins (1:18.392)
2nd: Joe P (1:18.887)
3rd: Matt Bryant (1:29.849)

Master:
1st: Jim Davage (1:03.292)
2nd: Rich Bedford (1:06.118)
3rd: Steve Jones (1:06.467)

Senior:
1st: Zak Hurrell (1:03.981)
2nd: Chris Charles (1:05.281)
3rd: Sam Webster (1:06.566)

Veteran:
1st: Andy Barron (1:11.141)
2nd: Sam Shields (1:11.963)
3rd: Darren Carhart (1:15.639)

Youth:
1st: Jack Perry (1:10.541)
2nd: Jack Bell (1:12.696)
3rd: Luke Gallagher (1:16.684)

Full Results from round three can be found here.

As always a big thanks to Chaz & Mandy Lamely who put on a great event. Thanks also to all the marshals, photographers, spectators etc. Get yourself entered for round 4 here: woodlandriders-racing.co.uk

Credit: Video by: Angus McIntosh Media