Racing News
Saddle Skedaddle Spring Series 4 Results - Porridgepot Hill & round 5 update
by Paul Howard, 29 Mar 09. Results [ 1» ] Photos [ 1» ]
What a fabulous if chilly day to tackle yet another exciting variant on this venues courses. It may have been on the short side for some of you but the leg testing steep climbs were more than a challenge for many. Porridgepot is always a great favourite for the spectators and Hecklers Hill was packed as riders grimaced over the summit through a barrage of encouragement and amusing heckles. Watching the fit and fast riders power up in the big ring was a sight to behold. With so many riders competing there were spectacular finishes with positions often being decided in the final metres of track. Hopefully Joolze Dymond captured these on her trusty Kodak! Links to all her photographs are now available via the link above.
As usual series sponsors Saddle Skedaddle provided two holidays in the prize draw; one went to Natasha Litherland third in Open, the other to Craig Dolwin tenth in Sport. Well done to you both.
On a somewhat more sour note we have again had feedback from competitors who encountered riders swearing at them to get out of the way, plus physically pushing and shoving. We are aware of the small minority causing these issues and if there are further occurrences you will be banned from all Gorrick events, and quite possibly other promoters too. Remember mountain bike racing is a NON contact sport, it's for the enjoyment of all and no-one should have to tolerate such behaviour.
ROUND 5 UPDATE: We've just had news in that due to Army operational reasons Round 5 on the 19 April at Ash Common Firing Ranges will move over the road to Tunnel Hill - venue for round 2. To make up for this loss we've got a treat in store for you... the course will head over the Old Guildford Road byway to introduce a whole new set of trails. There will be Series podium presentations on the day, so don't forget that to qualify and be in with a chance of a top 3 Series prize you must have scored points in a minimum of three rounds. The current points list and sponsors is listed here...
If you enjoyed Porridgepot make a note in your race diary for the 5 July and the Army Cycling Union Are You Tough Enough Enduro. The arena and parking is located about a mile away which enables a longer course and consequently more fun trails in the area to be used.