Racing News
Exodus Spring Series Round 3 Race Report
by Luke Webber, 15 Mar 07. Results [ 1» ] Photos [ 1» 2» ]
Gorrick Spring Series R3 was all about getting back to what is great about mountain biking – sunny skies, great trails and a fantastic bunch of people to share them with (oh, and some racing, too).
Over 500 riders agreed as they took to the trails on another classic Crowthorne lap that included perfect singletrack, a flowing corkscrew section and just the one peat bog to remind us of the wet whether earlier in the week. Thankfully the rest of the lap consisted of dry loam so you could practice drifting the corners!
This year the Youth category is full of fresh faces and Steven James (Purple Bike Shed) took the win amongst the new guard, while the Masters saw the return of an old face – Sylvain Garde (Addiscombe CC) aboard his singlespeed rode away into top spot ahead of Oli Pepper (DeSalvo) and Phil Moore.
The SuperMasters saw another sublime display from Scott Forbes (PedalOn), with the rest fighting for second which was eventually claimed by Anthony Bailey (Leisure Lakes). Paul Lasenby (Marin) stepped up a category today, arrived on time and claimed fifth despite riding aboard his freeride rig with 7 inches at both ends!
Round three also saw a return to form for Mark Chadbourne (Ride Cycleworks) who overturned Jef Sharp’s (Ben Hayward cycles) lead on the final lap to snatch the win, while in the Grand Vets Ray Crossthwaite (PedalOn) continued his domination with a convincing victory ahead of early challenger Peter Harris (Pearce Cycles).
Young riders took the Open race by storm, with Max Sykes (VC Deal), Michael Butler (VC Deal) and Ben Roach (Rugby Velo) rounding out the top three. These three are under 18 and it’s good to see the kids putting in such great performances.
Another race where the kids were ripping it was Sport, with top GB junior Alex Paton taking the win ahead of Marin’s Billy Whenman. Third was another Junior - Ben Thomas (Mountain Trax) putting in a convincing performance, while winner of rounds one and two, Jake Moxham (Specialized/DysonsCycles) finished fifth.
Shaun Hurrell (Glendene/Biketrax) went one better, however. The 17 year-old rider took to the Elite race and gradually made his way up, until there was only Ross Adams (Red Kite/Torq) for company. On the final lap neither could get the upper hand and both riders crossed the line together, Adams taking the win and Hurrell second. Third place was series leader Luke Smith (Whyte) who consolidated his lead.
Jenn Hopkins (Minx/Kona) wrapped up the women’s Elite race, with the flatter course much more to her singlespeed liking, but watch out as she is going to be getting some gears soon! Briony Croft (Southampton Uni) took a popular win in the Sport race, while Jackie Roberts (Beyond MTB/Specialized) wrapped up the Supermasters and Mandy Hibberd (PedalOn) was the first to finish amongst the Masters and Vets.
The day though will be most remembered for the sun coming out, alongside the shorts and jerseys that have been getting rather lonely in the back of the cupboard for some time now – god bless global warming!*
*For those of a more serious persuasion, that was a tongue in cheek comment.
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26 Jan 25
