Racing News
Spring Series - Round 3 Results & Photographs
by Paul Howard, 07 Mar 10. Results [ 1» ] Photos [ 1» ]
Minus 7 degC was the reading on our cars as we arrived at Crowthorne at 7am to complete the setup, definitely cold enough to prove that winter certainly isn’t over yet. The low overnight temperatures had an unexpected side effect on the toilet facilities, and we can only apologise for the flushing water freezing. Plenty of boiling water did the trick, but maybe antifreeze is next on the list of things we must take to a race! The temperatures remained pretty low throughout, the advantage being this meant the course had dried out well in most places. Crowthorne is well known for its fast start, followed by plenty of fast singletrack with the odd tricky section to test skill levels, none more so than The Quarry and Corkscrew. Laps are always a little shorter here than other venues so the racing is sharp, close and frenetic. Many riders using the race as a sharpener to test their form prior to the forthcoming national races. As such it was great to see a turnout in the 600's, no doubt boosted by clear, bright blue skies.
Photographs
Joolze Dymond and 'Famous' Dave made the most of the light conditions to capture everyone on film. You can view their photographs via the direct link above this item, or visit www.joolzedymond.com. You may not be aware that Joolze is a full time photographer and makes her living from lying in a cold muddy ditch snapping away as we enjoy ourselves riding bikes. She takes great photos and it's well worth buying them, to display on your pc or get a hardcopy print. Their return journey from Bradford is a long one and processing upwards of 2000 images is time consuming although done during the return drive, so make it worth their while.
Varsity Challenge
The annual shootout between Oxford and Cambridge universities - known as the Varsity Challenge - rounded off the day. Always well supported they bring along a broad spectrum of riders keen to do battle in both the mens and womens categories. In the Mens race Cambridge took the top two spots with Oxford the runners up. The tables were turned for the Women as Oxford were victorious. We don't know the final outcome as to who the winning team were, as the mathematicians amongst the students will apply some advanced calculations to determine the overall winner. Whoever wins, it’s more fun for all than the boat race!
Saddle Skedaddle Holiday Prize
One rider in particular had more than enough reasons to be happy. Nicky Hughes who finished third in the Veteran Womens race was the prize draw winner of the Saddle Skedaddle holiday break.
Riding Off Course
It's rare that riders lose their way on the course as we go to great efforts to ensure that there are plenty of direction arrows and marker tape, erring on the side of the more the better. But, just occasionally the tape gets broken either by riders ploughing through or errant people not involved with the event maliciously moving things. As you can imagine these circumstances are out of our control which is why we have three motorbike marshals continuously patrolling the course. They check all is intact and are also there to monitor rider safety to deal with any issues or first aid requirements. We had reports that some of the early starting Adult races turned the wrong way onto a fireroad where the tape was broken and they consequently went astray. A marshal was soon on hand to renew the tape who also reported that all was in order before this batch of races had started and the Youth, Juvenile and Beginners riding earlier did not encounter any problems. As with all races we recommend you preride the course at a steady pace to visualise the route, practice any tricky sections and most importantly to warm up the body ready for the high intensity of racing. So, if you've done this and find your competitors going off in the wrong direction, you can be safe in the knowledge that because you prerode you will stay on course and not follow the pack with your head down.
Overtaking Etiquette
It seems every now and again riders turn to abusive language or pushing and shoving to make headway when encountering people to overtake. Please be reminded that the onus is on the overtaking rider to pass when safe to do so. If there is not room to do so the rider in front does not have to make way. There is an etiquette and we suggest the following method is preferable. When catching up a slower rider you may pre warn them well in advance that you are nearing by shouting "Rider". When just a few lengths away if you can see the trail widens enough for you to pass which may mean going off the racing line shout which side you wish to pass on; "Pass on your right please" or "Pass on your left please". Wait just a moment for the rider to acknowledge and then if the trail is still clear, swiftly pass giving them plenty of room. Follow up with a hearty "Thank you". Bear in mind that not all riders have the race experience you may have and just now and again they move to the side you wished to pass on. So be it, as part of your racecraft you need to react and another call to the side you want to pass is worthwhile.
We'd rather not have to be heavy handed, but Gorrick will act on formal complaints of bad language etc. via a cautionary word or in extreme circumstances banning from events, which could apply to other organisers events too. Please take this on board as we're giving you this advice to become a better racer - as fast, efficient and courteous overtaking is a key skill in racing.
Looking ahead to Round 4
Porridgepot Hill at Deepcut on the 28th March is your next chance to revel in some great trails and close racing. The venue is used not only by Gorrick but also for some of the Army Cycling Union 'Are You Tough Enough?' enduro course (on the 4th July incidentally). Our third race venue this Series offers up a change in terrain, as the hills become a little longer and steeper. But you know that means great payback in the form of cracking descents flowing down the hillsides. From this round onwards riders in the top 10 positions of the Series Points Categories will be gridded to the front rows so make sure to hear your name called out. The series points table will be updated later this week.
See you again in just a few weeks.
01 Dec 24
26 Jan 25
