Clee Cycles / KCNC / High5 Race Team
The Clee Cycles Race Team compete in XC and marathon races, as well as many enduros and 24hr events.
We are proud to be sponsored by KCNC Components and HIGH5 Advanced Sport Nutrition.
Riding this season are:-
Andy Jones (Vet), Joel Shotton (Masters), Ben Jones (Masters), Hugh Lloyd (Masters), Jonathan Pugh (Elite), Gareth Rowland (Masters), Richard Samuel (Vet), Dave Winter (Sport), Dave Thomas (Sport) Edward Lewis (Masters), Lloyd Bettles (Vet) and Sarra Boyd (Masters).
Results this season are listed below with a brief report.
Results 2011
Ritchey Oktoberfest 2011
15 October 2011. 8hr/4hr Race. Ashton Court, Bristol.See the website: Ritchey Oktoberfest 2011
Having filled the podium in 2010 the Clee Cycles KCNC race Team were keen to have another go this year. We entered 3 pairs in the 4hr Pairs race - Rich and Lloyd, Jonnie and Joel, and Andy and Ben. The course was new to all of us, and the weather was warm and sunny - race on. Lloyd, Joel and Ben started the race, and Rich managed to sabotage Andy's chances during the first lap by sending him off to fix his bike, consequently missing his changeover with Ben. Joel punctured as he approached the transition area so Lloyd and Ben had to do another lap which allowed Jonnie Pugh to take the lead.
Lloyd Bettles charging through the berms.
Changeovers then went like clockwork and the order didn't change. The Merida UK team took the lead in the pairs race so we were all chasing them until one of their riders had a mechanical and had to run back loosing 3 places to Clee Cycles pairs. We held the top 3 places until the end with Jonnie and Joel coming in first, followed by Andy and Ben with Lloyd and Rich in 3rd - well done boys! As the sun set we were rewarded with beautiful German beer... 
Forest of Dean Enduro
25th September 2011, MTB Enduro Race, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire.See the website: Forest of Dean Enduro
Unbelievable - it rained! One of teh driest Septembers in history, and yet the 4th wet race in a row! Rob, Rich and Andy braved the downpour and took to the start line. 10 mile laps and it din't stop raining for the first 3 - the ground cut up quickly and made it very technical in the trees - which was most of the lap! A few retired with mechanicals, but Andy stuck it out and finished 4th overal - not bad for an old vet!
Andy looking a little jaded after 40 miles in the mud!
British Mountain Bike Series 2011 – Rd5
24th/25th September, 2011, XC race, Newnham Park, Plymouth.See the website: British Mountain Bike Series
Only Lloyd made the long journey to the Southwest - here's his report:-
This season has been very long and very hard, it all started on March 5th in Wales at the worst course ever, on Saturday we finished the season off at the best course I have ever ridden in the Uk.
Plymouth has always been known to be a great ride but at the weekend the course was designed by true mountain bikers, it was simply stunning, big climbs, super fast singletrack, amazingly difficult descents, rocks, roots, dropoffs, water crossings and something that I have never experienced before cheering screaming heckling fans, a complete wall of noise on the main descent, utterly, utterly brilliant. The race itself, for me, wasn’t that great in terms of result, I was feeling really good all day and strong while racing but it seemed as though everyone else did as well, I got a good start, away with the leaders and felt very comfortable for much of the first lap until the last climb where the top 3-4 gave an extra kick and got a gap, with myself and a few others we gave chase on the long super fast descent but could make no inroads to their lead, I was now already at max and had to back off a touch to settle into a rhythm, the second time down the main descent my right foot unclipped just before the hardest part leaving me no choice but to choose the chicken run more importantly loosing me lots of time. As we started lap 3 I was in 3rd place and to be honest I was pretty happy with that, I was at the limit all the time mentally and physically, I don’t think I have ever ridden a course that has required so much concentration, toward the middle of the third lap I approached a hard technical off camber chute twisting downwards between rocks and roots on a slippery stony piece of singletrack, on the two previous laps I didn’t manage to cleanly ride the trail so I was determined to not put a foot wrong, opting for a bit more speed to aid grip and a different high line I shot down the trail the BANG all of a sudden dead stop, head ringing neck and shoulders a blaze with pain, what the hell, stepping away from my bike I look up and see a low thick branch, god that hurts, stumbling back to my bike I cautiously carry on but even now I don’t remember much about the rest of the lap. Onto the last lap and after the first climb my head starts to clear and I realise I have been passed by 3 riders leaving me in 8th place, the fog seemed to lift a bit more and I started fight back but in the end I was only able to take 1 place back arriving in 7th place at the finish. The crash hurt a lot and left me very shaky at the end, my helmet I think saved me from very a serious injury and is now sporting a very nice dent just to remind me how lucky I was. The surprises didn’t finish there either, 30 minutes later a guy runs over and shouts Lloyd you missed the podium, I reply 'ahh, don’t matter mate seen it before'- no you don’t understand - you should of been on it - you got 3rd overall. Unbelievable, the thought hadn’t for one second entered my head that I might have come anywhere in the series and was a total shock but one that I will remember for a long time and one that caps of a truly remarkable season.
Well done Lloyd - 3rd in National Series is a fabulous result!
Eastern Regional XC Champion
Lloyd Bettles finishes the series as overal Vets Champion - here's how he did it:-I knew what job I had to do beforehand any result in the top 6 would have given me the overall, but I’m not one to 'just do enough', so I turned up ready to fight for the win. The course was truth be told pretty naff and uninspiring, the opening half started off pretty well with some very sharp climbs and some short technical descents but after that the organisers seem to have got bored and just sent us down gravel paths, open fields and dull fire roads which will definitely have to be changed before they hold next years national round at the same venue. The racing however made up for the negative course with a few names signed on that I had to keep my eye on. The start was manic as usual at the Eastern races as they start all senior riders off together but by the time we had done the opening loop and hit the bottom of the first climb we had all pretty much sorted ourselves out into some sort of order, I settled into the top 5 with all my closest rivals within sight, I tried to find a rhythm that would keep me fast but also leave me enough energy for the later stages of the race but was finding it extremely hard, the very steep climbs that littered the opening half lap meant you had to go into the red, then for the rest of the lap you just seemed to be plodding round fields, but despite this I managed to keep up with the leaders and move into 3rd place. As the race wore on the course started to take its toll everybody was suffering, the climbs seemed to get steeper and as one we all had to take them in our easiest gears and looked forward to the fireroads for some rest. The penultimate lap saw me move into second place but by now things were really getting bad, I could feel my calf muscles tightening with the onset of cramp but it was too late to do anything about it as no drink or food would get into my system in time, I just had to hang on and keep tapping it out. This also gave my rivals the chance to regain some time on me and as we started the last lap the gap behind was too close for comfort, I gathered in all my strength and gave one final kamikaze push over the now what seemed like vertical climbs, the gap to my relief started to grow again and I then knew I could consolidate my place not knowing how far in front the leader was.
In the end I was happy enough to finish 2nd on the day as this was more than enough to give me the series win but looking back there is a little disappointment, first place was only 45 seconds in front and it would have been real nice to of finished with the win.
Chain Reaction Cycles MTB Marathon and EXPOSURE LIGHTS BIG NIGHT OUT - Ruthin
Saturday & Sunday 17th & 18th September, 2011.XC Marathon & XC Night Marathon.
Ruthin, North Wales.
See the website: MTB Marathon Series for more information.
Andy and Rob just about made the start line for the Big Night Out, and Andy aboard a beautiful Burls 29er singlespeed! The weather was perfect, a warmish evenimng with clear skies. The route took in the fianl descent of teh Marathon route as the first climb - a good 25 mins of up which the Burls simply flew up - no choice with single speed! Andy reached the top in 7th position, passed two riders fidling with lights and kept the gap until the end! A beautiful night ride with moonlit views over Wrexham and surrounding hills, and a surprising 4th overall for single speed Andy, and an excellent 16th for Rob.
Hugh Lloyd missed the Saturday night race but made the start line for Sunday, alongside Andy. Early morning rain mad eth egoing tough - and Ruthin's Marathons are always tough! Another wet ride, 3rd in a row, made it a hard 4h39min for Andy on the 80km route, and 3h33min for hugh in the 50km.
Brecon Beast
Sunday 11th September 2011. MTB Enduro. Brecon, Wales.See the website: Brecon Beast for results.
After the wet Kileder 100 the last thing we needed was another wet race! It didn't rain all day but a torential downpour an hour in provided rivers of water over the ribbons of singletrack. The route was different this year with no big mountain, but 3 extra loops off the short course. Three riders from Clee Cycles KCNC made it to the start, and it was a notable ride for Phil Jefferies! He put in a very strong ride, one of his best - and ploughed through the mud and water to finish the 100km course in a staggering time of 4h31 - easily in the top 10 (if all those listed ahead actually completed the long route?) Well done Phil! Richard Samuel had a couple of mechanicals [one mental mechanical] and took the shorter route after completing 2/3 distance. Rob Brickley carried some form from TransWales and finished in 4h45 - good effort! Shame about the weather - it would have been a good fast route in the dry - but fun all the same!
Rob Brickley powers some big wheels past some small wheeled riders! [photo courtesy of Roy Bevis ]
Montane Kielder 100
Saturday 3rd September, 2011. 100mile XC Race. Kielder Forest, Northumberland.See the website: Montane Kielder 100 and Sport Ident for results.
The longest single lap mtb race in the UK - that was enough of a challenge to lure 3 Clee Cycles riders up to the Scottish border. Here's what Andy Jones made of it :- When we got there the weather was dry, but the camping field was soft! "A little rain last night and this morning, and tomorrow will be dry until the afternoon" was a local opinion. We were woken up at 3am by rain. It was still raining at 5am when we had to surface from tents for a 6:30am start, and it didn't stop raining all day, not until 10pm that night! What a challenge! We were all K100 rookies - so we just went with the flow, nice and steady to start - just enough to keep warm, then after an hour we found our individual paces and split. As the surface water increased the grinding paste around the brakes built up to audible levels of concern - as predicted. Miles of soft, soggy, energy sapping fire-road interspersed with stoney singetrack, with gritty spray flying off wheels into every orifice soon became the norm, and as the miles rolled by it soon became apparent that this was it - for the whole day! I had targeted 11mph average to finish in ~9hrs. The first 2 hrs gave 12mph which was good as I was comfortable and new I'd slow when I went in to the uncharted territory of 70+ miles. The riding was good fun, bar the mushy fireroad, and the 50miles feedstop soon appeared in the mist. Brake pads had gone for many but I was convinced I had enough for another 10 miles - wrong! A few miles later I hit a fire-road apex too quick and tried to loose a bit of speed with both brakes and failed. I ended up in a ditch with a low speed tumble on to some rocks, nothing too bad - but some different pain to think about woke me up a bit. Over the moor and past the Piper on the border, I had a coin for him but couldn't contemplate stopping and finding it amongst in pockets buried by mud, bags and sodden jacket. I acknowledged his playing to me, there was no one else for miles, and he nodded back in an understanding way that only a piper on a wind swept, rainy moor could. On to Newcastleton, 70miles feed, a cup of tea and 2 new pairs of pads, then on the home stretch! The wind was pushing me but I eased off as I recalled someone saying save something for the last 20miles as they were tough. And they were, the hardest ever. Good riding in the singletrack - but hard - with steep climbs, rocky descents and jumps that would normally have you grinning. No feed stop at 90miles made the last 10 miles even slower as the energy levels really plummeted. The last time check was near the end, and "it's downhill from here" turned out to be a lie, but I crossed the line in 9h46mins. Pleased to finish was an understatement, 1 3/4hrs behind the winner, in 20th place overall, 5th Vet. Joel Shotton rode well and got to the 80mile point but had to retire with a tired bike and body. Rich Samuel had an off day and retired after 50miles.
It was seriously tough - seriously! But worth it. The course was good, the event well organised. They could do with a feed stop at the 90mile point as they were every 10miles until 80miles? We'll be back next year when it'll be hot and sunny!!
TransWales
14th to 21st August, 2011. MTB Stage Race. Builth Wells, Wales. See the website: TransWales
This years event was a must for Clee Cycles KCNC rider Andy Jones, and Trans rooky Rob Brickley fancied a bash too - so here's Andy's account.
We headed off to the MTB Mecca that is Builth Wells for the Saturday registration and a packed a weeks worth of cycling kit in to a big gray bag. Sunday morning was dry and a 9:00am start was a bit hectic - as it was all week. My bike of choice for this 7 day race was my Titus X Ti - 100mm both ends. Having 3yrs Trans experience I decided this was the best all round choice - nice and light at ~21lbs but smooth and comfortable over the rough and rugged terrain of the linking stages. Not the quickest bike to race up hill - but super plush coming down!
The 2011 TransWales rolled out of Builth and headed up to Forest Fields for the first Special Stage time trial. This was a 1km climb, quite steep but not too technical. I was one of the first to go and quickly realised his new chain was not perfectly happy on the old XX cassette when under load in the smallest of the 2 chainrings. After nursing it for a few hundred yds with it jumping teeth I shifted on to the big ring and muscled the bike the rest of teh way. This worked quite well as the gradient relented towards the end, and I sprinted over the line and waited for Rob to follow.
It was easy to pick out the bright white Clee shirt winding it's way up aboard the Bigtop 29er (it's not a clown's bike - unless there's a clown riding it!) and Rob passed 2 riders as he reached the timing mat.
It was then a nice dry and dusty ride over to Knighton - 45miles in a comfortable 4hrs. Results: Andy 4m08 2nd quickest 2secs behind Paul Whittaker (Stockport Clarion CC) - not bad (climbing not my strong point!). Rob 4m38, 16th, 1m08 seconds off the lead.
Day 2 guided us into England - a first for the TransWales - and it was a day of classic singletrack through some beautiful deciduous woodland. In the middle was the second Special stage in Bucknal Woods - a technical downhill section with a fireroad climb back to the start, total 3km. The descent was very rooty, steep with some blind tabletops and jumps, and fun berms. I kept it smooth all the way down and sprinted back up the climb. Rob got one of his big wheels stuck on the descent but finished unscathed. We then rode into Clun on sun soaked dusty trail, 40 miles in 4hrs. Results : Andy wins the stage by 22secs and takes the Vets leaders jersey by 20secs. Rob 17th in Open Male but retains 16th overall 3secs ahead of Lee Monks. 
Day 3 journeyed back into Wales - and it was wet! Wet in England, and wetter in Wales. The hills were in cloud so the rough moorland was not too spectacular Rode alone most of the day with wind, rain, a few buzzards and flowering heather - beautiful Wales! A harder day than anticipated, punctured a mile from the end, 4h30 - a hard 43miles - but the sun came out in Llanidloes!
Day 4 was a tough one too - with the Climach Special Stage before arriving in Machynlleth. The route was proper Wales with an awe inspiring descent descent down a rocky, scree lined valley appearing from nowhere after passing Glaslyn lake. The special stage differed slightly this year as teh start was at the top of the Climach descent - so it was a 3.5km thrash down! Very technical, wet as ever - a serious bit of trail to race on. Good fun nonetheless. I managed to clean the rocky middle section but as I powered out of the rock garden I slipped to the right and somehow got both wheels stuck in some mud. A quick step up and back on only cost me a few seconds, then back on it until a slower rider blocked the trail for a few hundred yds but he kindly pulled over to let me pass and it was a top gear flat out finish! Rob followed on grinning - having never ridden the trail before. 
A sunny finish in Mach, 50miles in 4.5hrs. Results : Andy wins stage and retains lead by 53secs. Good result, surprised to be 30secs slower than the fastest time! Rob concedes 4secs to Lee Monk but stays 4secs ahead of him in 17th. A couple of Guinness well deserved that night!
Day 5 was classic TransWales with one of my favourite route from Machynlleth to the Nant y Arian trail centre. And of course the Nant y Arian Special stage featuring the infamous "Leg Burner". This is the best special stage (IMO) with classic natural trail leading up and down into the awesome "Mark of Zorro" single track, and finishing wuth a 3km fireroad climb. I was expecting to lose time uo here - but how much? The top was wet with puddles big enough to throw a bow wave over your head at full race speed! A slow rider down teh descent held me up for a few hundred yds but he eventually pulled over, then it was as hard as you dare up the climb keeping it in the big ring all the way. Rob looked suitably fatigued as he crossed the line - agreeing that the Leg burner was a different proposition at race pace! A wind farm, a couple of rivers and more Welsh hills saw us descend into the picturesque camp at Cymystwyth. Result : Andy 23m49s - loses 50secs up the "leg burner" to finish 2nd but retains the leaders jersey by 36secs. Rob rides a blinder in 24m48s and leaps to 11th place. Live music and a few beers in the marquee - along with most of the midges in Wales!
Day 6 was another classic TransWales with beautiful hills, climbs, and the ubiquitous "Water Splashes" as the trail crosses the River Towy at least 14 times. Luckily the water was warm and the bikes survived the soaking. Then the Doethie Valley with mile after mile of technical single track, and in to Cilycwm to wait - for the Exposure lights Night Time Trial. I'd done this before - and suffered massively on the 2.5km climb straight off the start ramp. Waiting is difficult, you don't want to eat - but you have to after the 50miles covered during the day, so you eat a bit, then a bit more, then have to wait an bit more, then get changed and try and warm up again - difficult - but the same for everyone! Damage limitation again - but I managed to avoid being caught by the rider 30secs behind me and had a clear run down the descent.
Result : Andy 21m26s - loses another 35 seconds but retains the lead by 1 second. Rob digs out a respectable 23m43s 17th in the stage, slips to 13th overall.
The lead was all but gone - with one short stage left!
Day 7 was wet - very wet - the sort of Welsh rain that really wets you! Rob and I borrowed a pair of waterproof Gore Bike Wear shorts on their "try before you buy" scheme - thanks Gore. Unfortunately they didn't help much - after 30mins we were soaked right through to the skin! So the riding pace was upped a little to keep warm, but trying not to go too hard! I hooked up with Jon Lloyd at the water stop so we rode together for the remainder of the route - much more fun with someone to talk to. 
I cycled the last 8 road miles alone, planning the final Special Stage tactics in my head. Cold, wet and tired was not the best pre-stage prep I'd hoped for - I decided to finish the linking stage, take a couple of mins to strip off wet kit and go straight off on the 2km up and down time trial whilst I was still "warm". Finishing was great - the kids were there and I just wanted it done with - so off I went. As the climb steepened I realised my "get on with it" plan was foolish! The legs didn't like it and I had to shift down on to the small chainring. I pushed as hard as I could, and managed to hold it together to the top, then a fun bit of twisty technical single track and a steep drop down the grass on to the finish straight. Finished. But I knew it wasn't quick, and a few hrs later when everyone had finished the results were announced.
Result : Andy 7m00s, 3rd in stage, 2nd in Vets overall. Rob 7m05s, a blinding 7th in stage, 12th Open Male overall.
I'd lost 20 secs to Paul Whittaker so finished 19s behind in 2nd! In hindsight I should have taken a break after the linking stage, got dry and warm and then done a warm up lap as Cycletec's Gareth had suggested! Or gone slower during the stage - but that's not fun - and that's what the TransWales is - 7 days of good riding! Well done to Rob in is first Trans - a credible 12th overall. If I was to do it again - I might do it differently, but probably not! Thanks to all the organisers and crew - another great event!
Twentyfour-12
23rd/24th July, 2011. 24/12 hr race.Newham Park, Plymouth.
See the website: Twentyfour-12
Dave Winter and Ben Jones paired up to take on the 12 hour race at the Bontrager Twentyfour12. We’ve always liked Newnham Park as a venue and this year’s course did not disappoint; including parts of last year’s course run in reverse, plenty of climbing, plenty of roots and the familiar singletrack descents. A good start saw the Clee riders settled in fourth position, which they held the majority of the race. But, a quick 11th lap from Dave took 3rd position, which they held until the end of the race. A tough race, well rewarded with a place on the podium.
Southern XC – Rd4
Sunday 10th July, 2011. XC race.Perham Down.
See the website: Southern XC Series
They say that preparation is just as important as performance in bike racing. Let’s ask Sarra… “I had a mare in the southern xc yesterday, I was first about ¼ of the way round the first lap when my rear brake calliper fell off! I know, like when has that ever happened to anyone? It started as a kind of rattle and I thought it was the tools in my pouch. Then it sounded a bit like when the spring from the pads gets caught. So, I thought I’d keep going and change the pads after the race. Then, when I used the rear brake on a descent, I just went quicker, no brake! I stopped to find it flapping around with only one bolt in it. The pads had closed together, so had to use the screwdriver on my multi-tool to prize them apart enough to get the caliper back over the disc. I used the remaining bolt and tightened it up as much as possible, but I realised my brake was rubbing a bit, but kept going. By the end of the first lap I was really struggling up the hills. I got off to run and found that my rear wheel wasn’t going round at all, so I had to get the screwdriver out again. 2nd place came past me. I shouted at Martin (my boyfriend), to let him know what was wrong, so when I got to the feed station he had a spare bolt and could fix it. Luckily, I got 1st place back by the end of the race and won (the Sport category) by a couple of minutes. Still, I don’t fancy doing that again and I’ll be checking my bike a bit more thoroughly in the future”.
No such Problems for Dave Winter in the Sport race. Dave lapped well to finish in 8th position and keep him 8th in the series.
Chain Reaction Cycles MTB Marathon and CycleOps Power Road Sportive - Marshbrook
Saturday & Sunday 2nd & 3rd July, 2011.XC Marathon & Road Sportive.
Marshbrook, Nr Church Stretton, Shropshire.
See the website: MTB Marathon Series for more information.
British Mountain Bike Series 2011 – Rd4
25th/26th June, 2011. XC race. Margam Park, Wales.See the website: British Mountain Bike Seriesand Timelaps for results.
Only Lloyd Bettles made it to Margam this year, and what a performance he put in - see his report below:-
Not very often during any sporting pursuit do you find yourself in the position of having a perfect day. Well Sunday at Margam Park was the closest I have ever come to finding that nirvana.
A day of rain on Saturday meant the early morning races were run in terrible conditions with many sections of the steep Welsh hillside unrideable. But by mid morning the sun was shining hard and reports were flying in that the course was drying fast! The lunchtime races confirmed this as lap times were falling nearly as fast as the course was drying. As race time approached the temperature continued to rise hitting 30 degrees just before the start gun signalled for hostilities to begin. As one we sprinted for the first corner all eager to gain an advantage of hitting the first climb near the front. I spent most of the sprint swearing and faffing about trying to get clipped in for some reason it just wouldn’t happen, but as we hit the bottom of the climb, luckily before I was spat right out the back I felt a reassuring clunk. Relief - followed by what I can only describe as switching from hybrid power to full on fuel injection - my legs, I quickly discovered, were working and unlike Wasing two weeks earlier they were definitely at full power. I made short work of the first dozen or so riders that had been able to pass me during my pathetic start but was abruptly brought to a halt as the climb turned singletrack and just had to join the long line snaking up the hillside. As the course cut back on itself along an off camber technical rock path I found myself weaving around riders who were unable to ride at speed, my tyres cutting into the now nearly dry track offering me huge amounts of grip and stability. This continued for much of the first lap as I settled into a rhythm and gradually edged my way towards the front of the race. Coming through to start lap two I could see spread out over the hillside in front of me what I guessed was the top ten – and it was enough to inspire me on, my start had not lost me all that much time and I could now think about attacking. I upped my pace but only in certain sections, in places there was no breeze or what seemed like no air - as the temperature continued to rise it was stifling and actually hurt the back of your throat to breathe, then into a wooded section or a headwind and relief, put the power down again and catch the next man up the road! Riders were now starting to suffer especially those who went too hard too fast and my steady pace again took me up to and then straight past some of the flagging riders. With just over a lap to go I passed a guy who I knew would be top five and quite literally blew past him and left him for dust. The arena beckoned for the penultimate time and in the approach I caught 2nd and 3rd place. Resting for a few moments in their wheels I knew I was stronger and decided to take control just before the climb out of the arena. I didn’t attack as by now the heat and toll of the race was catching up with me and a little voice in the back of my mind said “just keep doing what you have been doing you will ride away from them, if you attack you could go bang!” so I settled again into a steady but fast pace and straight away opened a gap 5m ....10m... 20m .....gone, OK, no need to worry about them anymore! I approached the final climb with the efforts of racing now firmly taking a hold on me, my legs just starting to tear up and felt as if at any moment cramp would strike, I looked up daunted at the steep slope of the climb and up ahead I could see the leader, Paul Hopkins, National Champ, struggling, in the words of Paul Sherwen ( TV cycling commentator) I dug down into my suitcase of courage and upped my pace, legs now screaming! The gap started to close 200m ... 150m.... 100m.... then for some unknown reason Paul looked back did a double take and got out of his saddle, the gap widened, I could give no more. I lost sight of him as his back wheel tracked its way down the last descent, I held the gap at 30 seconds to the finish line finding Paul slumped over his bars, me stopping along side of him and slumping over mine completely exhausted.
I am so pleased to get my first ever podium at a national and yes it was DEFINATLEY the hardest I have ever worked during a race, a fact backed up by my heart rate monitor as it was my highest average heart rate for 8 years, but, and its only a small but, a twinge of disappointment for not being able to close that gap.
Looking forward a couple of weeks to the National Championships...................... only one step left !!
National Endurance Grass Track League
Saturday 25th June – Plomesgate CC Grass Track, in Bredfield.The grass was a bit damp and soft, so everyone was gearing down to suit the conditions. There were 9 ladies racing so there were separate races for the ladies. In the Devil take the Hindemost where the last rider across the line every other lap was eliminated, Sarra Boyd (Clee Cycles KCNC) came 1st with Emilie Wix (Elmy Cycles) 2nd and Susan Wood (Maldon and District CC) 3rd. The next race was an 800 m sprint, with heats and a final. Sarra proceeded through to the final easily and she also won the final with plenty of breathing space, Emma Johnson (Elmy Cycles) came 2nd and Emilie Wix (Elmy Cycles) came 3rd. Next was an unknown distance race in which the Emly Cycles girls went from the gun, chancing that it would be a short race, they started to tire and when the bell came to signal one lap to go, Sarra cruised past and gained ¼ of a lap lead to win with ease; Emilie Wix came 2nd and Emma Johnson 3rd. The last race of the day was with the men as part of the National Endurance series 8km, the ladies were racing against each other for separate ladies prizes, Sarra showed her endurance by coming out on top with Emile Wix 2nd and Kimberly Meadows (Cottinham Courers) 3rd. All in all a good days racing.
National Endurance Grass Track League
Sunday 26th June – Easterley Road Club and Brentwood Rotary Club Grass Track, Brentwood.The ground was slightly harder than the previous days racing, but with long grass, low gears were still required. The majority of the ladies had ridden the day before, so all had tired legs, and with the scorching heat the going was tough. The day was run as an omnium for the ladies, with Sarra Boyd (Clee Cycles) coming 1st in the Devil take the hindemost, 600 m sprint, 1400 m scratch race, unfortunately Sarra’s husband was taken ill just before the 8 km race which meant that she was placed last. When the points were all totalled, Sarra was on the same points as Susan Wood (Maldon and District CC) which meant they were joint 1st in the Omnium and 3rd place was Karen Lifford (VC Nottingham).
Marin Rough Ride
Sunday 12th June, 2009. Enduro. Kington, Herefordshire.See the website: Marin Rough Ride
A dose of English summer weather dampened the dust and washed away the rest of the course! Horrendous conditions meant that most riders cut short the route, and of the few who attempted the full route - the course got shortened anyway. Joel Shotton was one of the few who completed the long loop in 4h50m - so well done Joel. Rob Brickley completed his short route in 3h00m, and Hugh Lloyd in 3h18m.
British Mountain Bike Series 2011 – Rd3
11th/12th June, 2011.XC race/Enduro.
Wasing, Aldermaston, RG7 4NG.
See the website: British Mountain Bike Series
A wet and windy day turned the Wasing Estate into a fast but slippery course, which led to an unscheduled visit from the air ambulance. This delayed the start of Race 2 and also resulted in a reduced number of laps, from 5 to 4. After warming up, cooling down and not quite warming up again, Dave Winter struggled to hang on to the front runners at the start of the Sport race. But once the first lap was completed, he started to work his way back up through the field. The wet course provided a fair bit of sideways action and Dave nearly ended up in the lake on the last lap, after loosing the rear end at the bottom of the drop off. Dave recovered to finish strongly in 11th place, and with plenty left in the tank, in need of another lap and the original race distance.
Bristol BikeFest
Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th June 2011. XC Enduro race.See the website: Ritchey Bikefest 2011 and Timelaps for results.
Only Richard Samuel dared take on another 12hr solo race after his succes in the UK 12hr champs - and he did it again - only this time on the top step of the podium - well done Rich - and thanks for keeping it interesting to the line! Here's his report:-
"I didn't do a practice lap because I knew I'd be sick of it half way through. a running start so I didn't carry anything in my back pockets,I'd pick up supplies after 2 laps, I had a good start and didn't get caught in any bottlenecks, the lap had been lengthened to 5.5miles and was dry and dusty, settled in to a good rhythm for a few hours before I was told I was in 2nd, 2mins off the lead - which I caught and rode with for 45mins, then left him. I was leading at 4.5 hrs in which I held for 4.5 hrs, but then my lap times started to get a lot slower and I was shattered - I was finished. My supplies were kept at the Southfork tent [for the banter] - I told them I was stopping I had had enough pain, they replied I had lost the lead by 17 seconds! I sat down, took off my helmet had some food and drink and I said I couldn't give a $$$$, by this time I had lost 2nd place! But then I put my helmet back on ,picked up supplies to last me 2hrs and got back on the bike and started to try to find the rhythm I had had earlier. I was riding in anger, that should do it I thought, and it did! My lap times started to tumble, I regained the lead half way round the penultimate lap, started my last lap smiling, only to have that wiped off by 2nd place going past me half way up the last climb! "No chance" I said to myself and put the bike in the big chainring and buried myself for 250m to the finish. What a comeback - 1st place, 13 seconds to second, 1min 30 to third. 23laps, 11hrs 35mins,126miles of pain. The closest race they have had in the ten years!! How competitive are vets?"
Rich on his way to the 12hr Solo victory. No - it's not a 29er!
Mud Sweat and Gears - Eastern Region MTB Series 2011 – Rd3 Tunstall, Suffolk
Sunday 5th June 2011. XC race.See the website: Mud, Sweat and Gears and Timelaps for results.
Lloyd was back from holiday - here's his report :- "it all went quiet for a week or so with not many races on and a week away in Menorca, then this week ... Bang - 3 races, road race Thursday, Friday night mountain bike race, then 3rd round of the Eastern series on Sunday, busy week indeed. Thursday and Friday nights racing for me was just training I had set myself certain goal in theses races but my main focus was the Eastern MTB race on the Sunday and after feeling super good during the weekday races I felt confident of placing high at Tunstall. The sun was shining for the first time ever at this venue after racing here 3 times before in the rain it was certainly a welcomed change. The Eastern series is a little different than most other races as you ride for a set time, usually 2hrs, instead of set amount of laps but then if you start a lap just before the 2hrs are up you have to finish it. This weeks race was 2hrs 15mins on average so you at least get your monies worth! To be honest I felt I had a good chance of the win before I started and it wasn't long into the first lap when I knew I would be taking first spot even withstanding the closest attentions of super endurance rider Ant White - nothing I could do would shake him off but I knew I could out sprint him - and that's just what happened". Well done Lloyd - sounded like fun!
Southern XC – Rd3
Sunday 5th June, 2011.XC race.
Crow Hill.
See the website: Southern XC Series
With Sarra Boyd at the Grass Track Nationals and Ben Jones suffering with the lurgy, Dave Winter was the only rider from Clee Cycles to make the start line for the third round of the Southern XC Series at Crow Hill. Despite the bouts of rain, the course was dry and dusty and, as the single track wound its way through the trees, a few unwary riders were caught out by the odd sandpit. Dave started the Sport race strongly, hitting the first corner in second place and he continued to ride with the lead group until he dropped his chain on a climb. Dave made good progress throughout the race and found himself well positioned, in a group of four riders, for the final lap. But as the trail left the trees and the riders kicked for the line, his chain snapped, leaving Dave to sprint to the line alongside his bike. But despite the bad luck, Dave finished in a respectable eighth position.
Dave Winter on the pace in the Sport Race.
National Endurance Grass Track League
Sunday 5th June, 2011.Track race.
Ipswich BC Grass Track, Ipswich.
See the website: National Grass Track League
The most important grass track race of the season, the National Championships, was held at Ipswich BC. With only one race for the women, the 800 m, the field of twelve riders had all peaked for this race. The event comprised 3 heats, with the first placed riders going straight through to the final, and balance coming from a repercharge. Sarra rode in the 2nd heat and leading from the front, controlled her heat to finish 1st and going straight through to the final. Pre-race favourites Jo Smith (Border City Wheelers) and Lauren Brown (Border City Wheelers) also won their heats and were joined in the final by Amy Willoughby (Cottingham Coureurs), Sandra Mckay (Elmy Cycles) and Emilie Wix (Elmy Cycles) from the repercharge. In the final, Sarra was drawn on the outside and worked hard to get to the front, but had to settle for bronze, just getting pipped by Lauren Brown who got Silver and Jo Smith who claimed the National Womens Grass Track Championship for 2011. In other races, Sarra dominated the unknown distance race finishing a clear 1st, and racing in the Mens National series 8km, Sarra was the 1st Woman home and a very credible 9th overall.
National Endurance Grass Track League
Sunday 4th June, 2011.Track race.
Gem Estate Grass Track, Letchworth
See the website: National Grass Track League
With the Womens National Grass Track champs the following day, Sarra was taking it easier than normal. But she still got 3rd in the ladies 400m sprint, 6th in the Devil take the Hindemost, raced with the Men, and 3rd in ladies block handicap.
National Endurance Grass Track League
Monday 30th May, 2011.Track race.
Richmond, North Yorkshire.
See the website: National Grass Track League
This is the only banked grass track in the country, and even though it was pouring with rain, the track was in great condition which meant much faster racing than Carlisle the day before. With slightly tired legs from overdoing it a bit on the devil at Carlisle, Sarra was suffering. Again there was a good ladies field of 8 riders, and there was an omnium including a 400m time trial, 800m handicap, 3000m scratch and 400m sprint which was interspersed between the men's National 800m sprint heats, semi finals and final. The ladies omnium competition was close, with the last race deciding it all. In the end Jo Smith (Border City Wheelers) came 1st, Lauren Brown (Border City Wheelers) came 2nd and Sarra came 3rd. All in all, a great weekend.
National Endurance Grass Track League
Sunday 29th May, 2011.Track race.
Bitts Park, Carlisle.
See the website: National Grass Track League
The recent wet weather meant the grass track at Carlisle was soft, and that's not to mention the wind! This 300m track, situated behind Carlisle Castle, possessed a small hill on the bend before the finish line which made gear choice interesting. The riders found the soft ground hard going, and a few races had to be shortened. Clee rider Sarra Boyd won the ladies Omnium competition, which consisted of a 500m sprint, 500m handicap, 800m handicap and a 1500m handicap. The last race of the day was a Devil for all riders; this was the longest race of the day with 20 riders competing, and a rider eliminated on each lap until only 3 remained to sprint for the placings. Sarra rode really well to finish 2nd! A great day of racing even though the conditions were tough.
Reading Track League - Rd 4
16th May, 2011, Track race. Palmer Park Stadium, Reading, Berkshire.See the website: Reading Track League
With an upset stomach and Sunday’s Southern xc still in her legs, Sarra wasn’t feeling on top form for Monday’s Track meeting. But that didn’t hold her back and she notched up wins in the 10 lap and 20 km scratch races, third in the pursuit and fourth in the Kerin. So not a bad nights racing then.
Welsh Mountain Bike Series – Rd4 (Welsh Champs)
Sunday 15th May 2011. XC race. Fforest Fields near Builth Wells.See the website: Welsh Mountain Bike Series and Tap Timing for results.
A new course was readied for the Welsh Champs - and what a cracker! Big climbs and fast technical single track was enjoyed by all. First off were the Vets and Rich and Andy lapped together for the whole race. At the end of lap 3 Rich crashed trying to hold Andy's wheel through the trees, but Andy waited and they continued around the final lap wheel to wheel until a back marker in the final singletrack gave Rich a 50m gap that Andy closed as they entered the arena and the final straight - but was pipped to the line by only a couple of inches. Well done Rich, 5th overall.
Andy leads Rich up one of the big climbs [photo courtesy of Roy Bevis ]
Senior Welsh Champs grid.
The Elite race was contested by Jonathan Pugh, but an in form Lee Williams was the favourite and he set the early pace with Anthony O'Boyle hot on his heals, with Jonnie and Sean close behind. Lee pulled away to establish an early lead and Anthony retired on lap 3 to leave Jonnie and Sean competing for second. The pair lapped wheel to wheel with neither rider able to gap teh other. Jonnie lead into the arena and Sean managed to find teh strength to pip it on the line. An excellent ride by both, but a few minutes behind the winner - and the fifth Welsh Champs title for Lee Williams.
Jonnie leads Sean through the trees [photo courtesy of Roy Bevis ]
Ride of the day came from new recruit Elodie Brickley in the kids U8s race. In her first race Elodie finished first and is seen here on the top step of the podium holding her prize. Well done Elodie.
Midlands XC Series 2011 - Rd2 Midlands Champs
Sunday 15th May 2011 XC race. Birchall, Peak Districtwww.xcracer.com and Timelaps for results.
New to the Clee Cycles Team - Lloyd Bettles was the only member of the team to travel up north to the Midlands Champs. Here's his account of his race:-
With all the area championships taking place on Sunday it was a bit of a dilemma which one to choose, in the end i opted for the Midlands championship near chesterfield and was rewarded with one of the best courses I have ever raced on, big climbs big descents fast flowing singletrack and a decent result made a great day out. My race couldn't of started any better, taking the lead on the first climb I felt very good and was able to gap the chasers almost at will although I quickly decided to just back off a bit and wait for later in the race to attack, then my problems started as we turned into a steep singletrack climb something jammed in my gears and the pressure I was putting into my pedals sent me straight over the bars, by the time I had recovered and sorted my chain I had gone from 1st to last just like that and with no chance to overtake for at least the next 5 mins I was distraught as I knew the others at the front would be taking full advantage of my fall. Once clear of the climb I was able to open up and begin my fightback, at first it was pretty slow going as the tight course led to few overtaking opportunities but I was making progress, as I approached the final climb I could feel by the quality of riders around me I was nearing the top 10, but all of a sudden I was again dumped over my bars with the same problem I had earlier, thankfully this time I didn't lose too many places but was now very worried about changing gears. As I cautiously started my next lap I had no choice to keep gear changes to a minimum which meant I had to put in more effort to keep the speed up and as I chased hard I actually managed to put in the fastest lap of the vet race, all the time passing riders and easing my way towards the front. As I started my last lap I was in third place and within sight of 1st, I gave it my all up the opening climb but was now starting to suffer with not having all my gears, then unbelievably as I had just moved into 2nd place, I was, for the third time dumped onto the floor this time on the steepest climb on the course, there was no way I could remount so I had to run up the climb hoping I had a big enough gap over third place. One final if not apprehensive effort to the finish secured me second place, glad to finish in one piece but disappointed as I know I had a real good chance of taking the win.
Southern XC – Rd2 (Southern Champs)
Sunday 15th May, 2011.XC race.
Wasing, Berkshire.
See the website: Southern XC Series
The rain just about held off for the second round of the Southern XC (including the Southern Champs) at Wasing Estate. The course, which will also be used in the British Mountain Bike Series, was loose, rooty and with the addition of a new drop-off provided plenty of good riding. Having missed the first round, and hence not gridded, Ben started near the back of the Masters pack and had to pick his way past the slower riders on lap one; but once free with a clear course ahead, he failed to make significant progress through the field, finishing in a slightly disappointing fifteenth place. No such problems for Sarra Boyd in the Lady’s Sport race. Sarra started quickly and continued to build a good lead, finishing ten minutes ahead of Ruby Baker in second to extend her lead in the Sport competition and claim the Southern Championship. Well done Sarra!
UK & European 24hr and 12hr Solo Championships - 24 % 12 Hours of Exposure
7th May 2011, 12 & 24hr Solo Race, Newcastleton TD9 0TYSee the website: 24 & 12hrs of Exposure
The UK Solo 12 & 24hr Champs became the European Champs too - so a good crowd travelled up to the Scottish border for the main event in 24hr solo mtb racing. The dry weather for the 2 months prior to the event meant the course was in perfect condition - until the day before the event. Heavy showers on Friday, and during the night dampened the dust, and then vanished for the public signing on in the village of Newcastleton at 1130h Saturday morning, and 275 riders headed up into the hills in glorious sunshine. Among them was Andy Jones and Richard Samuel competing in the 12hr race. The air was warm and the race pace was fast for the first two hours. The 11 mile course was a mix of natural forest and moorland but held together by miles of flowy single track that just couldn't be ridden slowly. Rich and Andy quickly found themselves riding with the top 5 Vets, with Jay Horton taking and early lead. But then the heavens opened again. It didn't rain the whole time but the ground was cutting up in between the ribbons of natural looking, swooping stony single track, the bikes and riders were plastered in the proverbial and the race became even more of a challenge - if it wasn't already! Andy suffered a recurring slow puncture, and eventually changed the wheel but by then the leaders were out of touch. Another couple of laps of mud and a mechanical saw Andy retire after 5 laps, but Rich maintained the pace and after a couple of bike washes at the Juice Lubes tent he pushed on in to 3rd place held it to the flag - completing 10 laps in 11h40, 12mins behind 2nd place Michael Powell, and 40mins behind winner Jay Horton. An excellent ride from the Welsh Pocket Rocket - and a well deserved podium - well done Rich!
Richard Samuel rides over the line to start another lap as darkness falls.
A jubilant Richard Samuel finishes the 12hr race on the podium - is he really a vet?
2011 UK Solo 12hr podium.
Gorrick 100 mile Enduro
Sunday 1st May, 2011.Enduro.
Swinley Forest, Bracknell, Berkshire.
See the website: Gorrick 100
While most of the Clee Team were enjoying the Dyfi, Dave Winter took on the Gorrick 100. The bone-dry dusty course provided seven laps of twisty singletrack, rooty descents and a couple of steep loose climbs. Dave started steadily and had worked his way up to 9th before his chain snapped on lap three. After a quick trackside repair, Dave pushed on and rejoined the top ten, before stopping to refuel at the end of lap four. Dave paced himself well, picking up places on the last couple of laps, to finish a good ride in seventh position.
Dyfi Enduro
Sunday 1st May, 2011. XC Enduro, Machynlleth, Powys, Wales.See the website: Howies Dyfi Enduro and Results here .
The early summer continued in Machynlleth and the Dyfi Enduro was dusty - apart from the muddy puddle! 750 riders headed out of the town and up into the hills for more gruelling Dyfi trails - the climbs are still big even in the sun! A good Clee Cycles KCNC Team turnout provided a spread of results with Andy, Ben and Rich riding together until a rear flat dropped Andy 10km from the end, and the remains of a wedding hangover dropped Ben on the last climb meaning first back in 9th overall was Richard Samuel in a PB of 2h58 and 3rd in the Vets category. Ben was 11th in 2h59 and Andy back in 29th in 3h10. Gareth also suffered the Dyfi climbs and finished 3h15, Joel in 3h38 with 2 flats, Rob Brickley in 3h58, and Edward Lewis in 4h14 with a few flats too!
Great event again, with a couple of beers afterwards as reward!
Gareth Rowland feels the heat! [photo courtesy of Roy Bevis ]
British Mountain Bike Series 2011 – Rd2
17th April, 2011 XC race. Dalby Forest, Yorkshire.See the website: British Mountain Bike Series and Timelaps for results.
Dry and dusty summer trails drew a good crowd up to North Yorkshire for Round 2 of the National XC series. Only Andy managed to get an entry this time and he lined up in a huge 80 strong Vets field in 64th place on the grid. The pace was blistering and the expected queues in the single track took a good 1/2 lap to stretch out. The World Cup course hadn't changed much, but the small chicane around the tree half way down Worry Gill was missing and this provided 2 high speed ditch and jump obstacles that weren't obvious until you hit them - and this caught many out! Andy put in 4 good laps - slowly winding the pace up, but couldn't catch the leaders and finished in a disappointing 23rd place. Still good fun though - and a good turn out! 
Reading Track League - Rd 1
11th April, 2011, Track race. Palmer Park Stadium, Reading, Berkshire.See the website: Reading Track League
Not only is Sarra Boyd competing on the mountain bike this year, but also on the track in the Reading Track League. The first round of the season kicked off with a ten lap Scratch race, won by Jayne Paine (Willseden CC) with Sarra in second place. Sarra came from the back with 100m to go to clinch second on the line in the Sprint, and went on to take second in the Devil, third in the short Unknown Distance race and second in the 20 km Endurance race. A good night's racing and a great start to the new season for Sarra!
Chain Reaction Cycles MTB Marathon and EXPOSURE LIGHTS BIG NIGHT OUT
Saturday & Sunday 9th & 10th April 2011XC Marathon & XC Night Marathon, Builth Wells
See the website: MTB Marathon Series for more information and Results
Perfect weather attracted an huge field for the Night Marathon, and a high quality field lined up at 8pm as the last light faded into the clear night sky. Jonathan Pugh set out to defend his title, and the pace was fast! The course was fast and dusty and the first rider came home just after 9:45pm - and it was Nick Craig. Jonnie came in a minute later having lost his bar light and stopping to pick it up, then unable to catch the flying Craig. Bad luck - but he enjoyed it all the same!
Dust and sun burn in Costa del Builth - that was Sunday's Marathon. A great turn out and trails in perfect condition and a full 75km made it one of the best Spring Marathons in Builth - ever! A ferocious pace at the start strung the field out along the road and as the route went off road up the first climb long climb it really was race pace! Andy, Joel and Rich tried to hold on but soon realised that the elite riders were away so settled down to a sensible pace. Dusty single track snaked it's way through the hills, and the lack of wind and strong sun made it feel like summer! Torq Performance's Ben Thomas was first back in a time 3h17m with riders puncturing around him. Andy was first back out of the Clee Cycles KCNC team in 3h37m, followed by Rich in3h46, Joel in 4h07, Rob Brickley in 4h21. Ed Lewis completed the 50km in 3h14m - well done Steve!
Riders awaiting the off in the morning sun.
Gorrick Saddle Skedaddle Spring Series - Rd5
Sunday 10th April, 2011. XC race. Frith Hill, Surrey.See the website: Gorrick Saddle Skedaddle Spring Series
The final round of the Gorrick Spring Series, held at Frith Hill, was a stunner. The warm dry weather and a fast dusty course and provided some great racing. Ben was first out on the course in the Masters race. He worked his way through the field to get involved in a great last lap contest, narrowly holding off Kinesis Morvelo rider Frazer Clifford for fourth. Sarra Boyd was hoping for a good result to secure her final position in the female Masters category. A decent ride ended in a comfortable fifth position in the race and enough points to clinch third overall. Well done Sarra! Dave Winter waited for the afternoon sun to race in the Sport category. Dave started well, but when his front wheel washed out on a loose corner, the resulting accident left his bike requiring a bit of track-side TLC. Several minutes down, Dave pushed hard pulling back time and places each lap. Dave finally crossed the finish line in ninth position - not a bad result considering!
Welsh Mountain Bike Series – Rd3
Sunday 3rd April, 2011. XC race. Coed Y Brenin.See the website: Welsh Mountain Bike Series and results on Tap Timing. A good turn out for the Welsh XC Rd3 and a beautiful spring morning gave a mixture of warm sun and cold showers. The course was an improvement over previous events and although the top section was straight up and back down, the lower single track sections gave a nice mix of man-made "needles and pins" and some natural muddy, rooty trail down by the river. Better than expected and good fun! Andy Jones was the first out in the morning race with the Vets. A slow start to the race gave Mark Spratt the chance to get away when nobody went with his break. As the pace settled Andy climbed up to 3rd spot, but was a lap way from catching the second place finisher Chris Taylor, who was a good few minutes away from Mark Spratt. There were a few notable absentees, like team mate Richard Samuel, but a podium in 3rd was a good result.
The afternoon race for over 19s and Masters provide a packed grid and a very strong Elite field. Jonnie Pugh started well and sat comfortably with a strong group at the front, but an uncharacteristic fall left him well down the field at the end of lap 1. One of the alternative route options, by the river, dropped Jon into a softening hole and grabbed his front wheel to turf him over the bars. The leaders kept the pace high and Jonnie chased hard matching them but gaining little time up the climbs. And then bad luck struck the leaders - firstly Anthony O'Boyle had to retire with a back problem whilst leading, and then Tom Bell retired with pedal problems. This left Giles Drake out in front and Jonnie in 2nd. As the final lap started the gap was closing, but Giles remained strong up the hill and finished 32 seconds ahead of Jonnie.
Joel Shotton raced in the Experts and started strongly, quickly recovering from an early chain-suck problem. He maintained the pace but finally fell foul to the rocks, puncturing on his final lap.
A weary Jonathan Pugh crosses the line in 2nd. Yes - I forgot my camera again and had to use the phone!
Southern XC - Rd1
Sunday 3rd April, 2011. XC race. Checkendon.See the website: Southern XC Series for results.
The first round of the Southern XC was quite a test at Checkendon, with 3 successive climbs to test Dave Winter and Sarra Boyd. Both riders competed in the Sport race and put in strong performances to finish on the podium. Sarra got her first race win of the year, while Dave finished 3rd, not realising he was that close to the front and missing 2nd by half a wheel, only 30 seconds off first! Well done Dave and Sarra!
British Mountain Bike Series 2011 – Rd1
26th/27th March, 2011. XC race. Sherwood Pines, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire.See the website: British Mountain Bike Series and Timelaps for results.
This event was so popular that most of the team couldn't get entries. All except Dave Winter who got a good grid place in the Sport Race and ripped up the fast, hard packed Sherwood trails with the front runners for the first lap. He then had to ease off a little and lost touch with the front, but slowly pushed his way back up to 13th place. A good outing for Dave on his comeback from a virus last year.
Midlands XC Series 2011 - Rd1
Sunday 20th March 2011, XC Race, Cannock Chasewww.xcracer.com and Timelaps for results.
A top venue for the Midlands XC in Cannock Chase this year, and dry weather, and possibly the first round of the national series the following week, attracted plenty of riders and spectators!!
An early start for the Vets saw Richard Samuel and Andy Jones line up in a huge 64 strong Vet grid. The course used plenty of tight, sinuous singletrack that lined up the majority of the pack and took most of the first lap to sort itself out. Once strung out the pace increased and Rich and Andy lapped within 20 seconds of each other until the penultimate lap. Andy caught the wheel of Rich, and then lead through the arena to start the last lap. Rich got stuck behind a back marker and Andy narrowly lost out in a sprint for 7th place with Rich two places behind in 10th.
Andy leading Rich through the trees.
The afternoon race was huge, and the Elite riders saw Liam Killeen in his new Giant gear lead the field out and set the pace. Jonathan Pugh maintained a top 6 place for the first half of the race, and slowly clawed back the second group towards the end of the race with Killeen and David Fletcher out of their own. As the came past the arena for the second half of the final lap Jonnie could see the gap closing on third place Dave Collins. He caught and passed the Hope Factory rider but as he kicked on Collins managed to get back on his wheel as they came into the arena at full tilt. Jonnie had no choice but to put his head down and gun it to the line, but Collins held his wheel and pulled out on the final straight to win the final podium place by a wheel!
Jonnie Pugh and Dave Collins sprinting for 3rd.
Ben Jones got stuck at the back of a chaotic Masters start grid and had to pass the majority of the field during his 5 lap race. The tight singletrack made passing back markers impossible - so a 12th place finish was a better result than it might sound.
It was a very well organised event and some exciting racing was enjoyed by all.
Gorrick Saddle Skedaddle Spring Series - Rd4
Sunday 20th March 2011 XC Race, Porridge Pot Hill, Deepcut, Camberley, Surrey.See the website: Gorrick Saddle Skedaddle Spring Series
The 4th round of the Gorrick Spring Series, held at Porridgepot Hill, provided a relentless course winding in and out of the trees, with little fire track and some sharp climbs - a proper mountain biker’s course! A small drop-off caught out a few riders who hadn’t pre-ridden the course, resulting in a busy day for the ambulance. But the Clee riders were untroubled and Sarra Boyd (although riddled with a cold) finished 4th in the Masters, while Dave Winter, making his first outing of the season, came 8th in a fast and furious Sport race.
Mawddach Gold Rush Challenge 2011
Sunday 13th March, 2010. 50k charity endurance raceCoed Y Brenin Forest. See the website: Mawddach Goldrushand results here.
A beautiful day in the mountains of North Wales greeted all who attempted the Goldrush Enduro! A well organised registration lead to a relaxed start to the 3 laps of the old Red Bull route. The singletrack start stretched out the field and then the climbing started - a true early season test for the legs! Jonathan Pugh set the pace, and held the lead to take his 3rd consecutive Goldrush win. Dave Thomas rode well until a 2nd puncture ended his race on lap 2. Andy Jones battled with rooky James Nixon for the full 3 laps - crossing the line together every time, and eventually yielding to finish 8th. Rob Brickley rode well on his Goldrush debut and finished a credible 25th. Joel Shotton's race ended after 2 laps with terminal brake failure.
A great event and well organised - look forward to next year.
Wentwood 50
Sunday 6th March, 2011. 50km Enduro. Llanvaches, WalesSee the website: Wentwood 50
A great new comer to the Enduro scene with one single lap of rip roaring natural trails that were fun and challenging at every level. The dry conditions helped and an icy wind in the event field reminded us that it was still winter! Once under way it warmed up a little and everyone rattled round with weary legs from the race the previous day. Jonathan Pugh finished the tough 50km in 2h40, Gareth and Rich finished in under 3hrs, Andy in 3h05 and Hugh Lloyd in 3h15. Ed Lewis and Rob Brickley rode in together in 4hrs.
The course went down well with all and was more punishing than most expected but the descents were excellent - providing plenty of fun and fast flowing natural trail. Looking forward to next year!
