MTB British National Championships - Woodies Bike Park

Utmost Academy riders Zach Smith and Remi Le Compte travelled to Woodies Bike Park for the British National Championships. The National Champs is the most prestigious event on the mountain bike calendar and sees the top riders from all around the British Isles competing for that conveted, red, white and blue national jersey.

Woodies Bike Park is located near Fowey, is a picturesque town on the south coast of Cornwall. The course is a mix of technical and flowy trails, including tabletops, berms, and rock features that challenge the riders' skills. That coupled with gruelling climbs on a course which is regarded the toughest on the circuit would certainly be a test of stamina for the riders.

First Year Youth riders Zach Smith and Remi Le Compte lined up for four laps of the tough track. Smith starting from 9th position, had a strong start and quickly moved up two places to 7th, following an impressive 12.30 opening lap. Le Compte gridded in 38th position would find the first lap very challenging as all the riders jostled for position. Le Compte’s next 3 laps would see him settling down into the race and climbing through the ranks to finish in 30th Position. A fantastic result on this course and providing him with crucial experience on the National Stage.

Lap two for Smith would see him being hunted down by the Scottish train of Ross Allan, Zach Buchan and Josh Buchan. They worked very well together and eventually caught Smith on lap 3. Smith would lose a further place during the remainder of the race to eventually finish in 11th overall. A great result once again for Smith who continues to shine on the UK National circuit.

Smith commented; “this year’s National Series has been the toughest yet in the 3 years that I’ve competed in the UK. I am delighted to have made the top 10 in the National rankings in my first year and look forward to challenging for the top spot next year.”

Before that, Smith will be travelling to the European Youth MTB Championships being held in Sweden 4-9 August, where he will compete in four separate disciplines, time trial, XCC Short track, team relay and XCO long course.

Written by Rod Smith.