XC series gets off to a muddy start
Round 1 of The Ian Browns XC Series attracted 64 entrants to the MX track at Pleinmont and the fields surrounding the Rue De Trigale. The recent heavy rain would see the riders having to navigate deep mud ruts, fast downhill sections, muddy single tracks, and a lot of climbing on this very well laid out MTB track.
The season opener featured a stacked expert field, highlighted by the return of Alex Van Katwyk and James Roe. Joining them in a bid for the podium were British Cycling NSR youth talent Zach Smith, making his step up to the top flight, race favorite Mark Le Page, and Junior standout Charlie Tourtel, ensuring a high energy battle from the start.
It was the Utmost & Ian Brown's Academy jersey of Zach Smith which lead the way from the start with academy team mate Tourtel in second and Mark Le Page close behind. By Lap 3, Smith dropped the field, ultimately winning in a time of 1hr 5mins. A commanding victory for the youngster in his Expert class debut. Having caught Tourtel, Island Games Rider Le Page could not catch the 15 year old and had to settle for 2nd place. James Roe put in a strong performance, achieving his fastest lap on Lap3 and securing the final podium spot, while Tourtel settled for fourth and John Mapley rounded out the top five.
Dan Johnston took the win in the Advanced class with Sam Nichols taking 2nd place.
The veteran class never fails to disappoint with Peter Sargent,Dan Thwaite and Pete Miller all battling to take spoils in the first race. Sargent made an excellent start to lead convincingly after the first 5 laps. However the resilience of Thwaite from lap 6 would see him claw back Sargent to take the win by over a minute, with Peter Miller taking third.
The Grand Vets would see Mark Smith firmly in control as he also took a convincing win (9th Overall) ahead of Tony Fulgoni and James Duguid taking the 2nd and 3rd spots respectively.Mark Naftel and Richard Robins both took the wins in the Super Vets and Sport categories with Jamy Petit-Fulgoni taking the win in the Lady’s race ahead of Nor Holden, who is never too far away from the action, taking second.
Utmost & Ian Brown’s academy riders Archie Manning and Amy Smith took the wins in the U16’s with Freddie Martel taking the win in the U14’s from a very determined Luca Robilliard who just couldn’t manage to hang on, taking second ahead of Findlay Sargent in third.
Hugo Johnston and Ethan Shorto were the riders to catch in the U12’s and U10’s, both registering wins in the junior boys categories. Darcy Mezzai was the stand-out rider in the under 14 girls category with Eleanor Piercey and Orla Piper dominating the U12’s and U10’s.
The next MTB event will be held on the 1st March starting at 9am - venue to be confirmed.
Written by Roon Smith.