Woodland Riders Winter Series RD 1

After a successful debut race series last year, the Woodland Riders Racing series was back with round 1 being held at the clubs Chip Shop venue near Tavistock, Devon. With the car park already looking busy on our arrival, attendance was looking positive for the event and with a few new faces giving the race scene a go there was a great atmosphere building as practice got under way. With the 'Gnarkill' track being selected by the organisers for the first round, riders began the task of learning their lines on this short but technical track, made that bit harder by the odd heavy downpour including a hail shower just before racing started! On this short track, times were always going to be tight and this was very evident in the senior category. With just over half a second between first and third, Ben Deakin on-board his new Lapierre just did enough to edge out Ash Mullane, with local rider Harry Steer, who was looking very quick all day taking the final spot on the seniors podium. Jay Williamson took home a comfortable win in the Juniors, with Charlie Ross edging out JJ Scott and local rider Chris Lamely who was looking pleased with his new Norco after getting his bikes stolen last week. Another local rider Andy Boyle used his local knowledge to take the Masters win, with Jason Smythe in his first competitive downhill race taking the win in the veteran's category. The hard-tail category was another close affair with MoreDirt team rider Greg Berry literally just about holding on for win, after sustaining a badly swollen finger after a run in with a tree earlier in the day. After a great days racing, there was time for little jump competition, while Chaz and his team had the chance to sort out the results and get the prizes ready for the podium presentation. There was great range of tricks coming out of the bag, from whips to superman attempts, but it was Adam Lock who was awarded the win by judges for his stylish whips. As always a top days racing with the Woodland Riders Racing crew, with a special thanks to Chaz and all the marshals for running such a great event so smoothly. Make sure you get yourself entered for the next round! Check the events page for more details. To view all the photos from the event click here Results: Senior: 1st: Ben Deakin (1:05.165) 2nd: Ash Mullane (1:05.505) 3rd: Harry Steer (1:05.754) Junior: 1st: Jay Williamson (1:05.337) 2nd: Tom Coles (1:11.942) 3rd: Dan White (1:15.657) Youth: 1st: Charlie Ross (1:08.698) 2nd: JJ Scott (1:13.935) 3rd: Chris Lamely (1:15.294) Master: 1st: Andy Boyle (1:10.506) 2nd: Russell Turner (1:11.614) 3rd: Jody Sergison (1:14.357) Veteran: 1st: Jason Smythe (1:12.823) 2nd: Tony Hicks (1:14.837) 3rd: Chris Cooke (1:14.943) Hardtail: 1st: Greg Berry (1:23.242) 2nd: Sam Acland (1:24.940) 3rd: Andy Roberts (1:25.222) Juvenile: 1st: Mathew Bryant (1:41.113) 2nd: Luke Niccole (1:56.269) Words & Photos: Carl Billinghurst www.woodlandriders-racing.co.uk