Racing News
Merida Brass Monkeys R2 - Race Report
by Joolze Dymond, 01 Jan 11. Results [ 1» ] Photos [ 1» ]
Rumours of more heavy snow did nothing to deter competitors for round 2 of the much anticipated Merida Brass Monkey Enduro, with entries piling in from all around the UK, riders keen to get a dose of post Christmas racing to help offset the excesses of the festivities.
The race organisers pulled out all the stops to ensure the Ash Ranges circuit was as snow free as possible, spending days prior to the event digging out the course, only to find the snow all but melted by the day itself. Still the effort did not go unappreciated, with riders now facing a warmer, sloppy blast through the undulating 6.5 mile circuit, full of cheeky single-track swoopiness, with plenty of technical sections to get the blood pumping and the adrenalin surging!
At the allotted time the brave 4hr riders headed off with a pulse of speed stretching the field within minutes of the start, up the tarmac drive before streaming tentatively across the firing range, just hoping it was the soldiers day off, then hitting the first of much single-track goodness, with a slick layer of extra muckiness to make you work that bit harder!
The 4hr race gets underway.
Target practice?
Keen to replicate the first round domination was TORQ rider Ben Thomas, now riding solo as team-mate Tim Dunford opted for a bit of extra cheer instead. Out to scupper his plans was Phil Gale, hoping to better his first round 3rd. Gale kept Thomas on his toes until a second lap puncture put paid to his race leaving Thomas out in front forging a comfortable groove that saw him complete an incredible 7 muddy laps to take the win 1 lap clear of his rivals. Those in pursuit tried hard to get on terms with the fast paced TORQ rider, but a series of worn brake pads, chain suck and broken chains, punctuated with punctures took their toil. The men’s 4hr Veterans race was a much closer affair with James D’Arcy fighting hard to get the win by just 49 secs from Richard John, with Gavin Rumbles another minute behind.
James D'Arcy succeeded in taking the win after a second place at round 1.
Jo Munden took full control in the women’s 4hr race with the battle for minor placing a much closer affair with Kathy Beresford just holding off a fast finishing Helen Major for 2nd. It was a complete replica of the first round podium finish for the women’s 4hr Veterans with Sarah Whelan clocking up her second win, with Viv Hazelton and Emma Cutler completing the line-up.
Jo Munden emerges from the mist creating a solid gap over her chasers.
Sarah Whelan clocking up another win.
For the 2-hour riders it was Scott Forbes aboard his new steed that was the man to beat with rivals George Budd breaking a chain putting him out of contention. Isaac Pucci took the Junior 2hr race despite an almost unassailable lead forged by Ben Sumner, who unfortunately suffered a mechanical on his 3rd lap leaving Pucci enough time to carve out a winning 4th lap, leaving Sumner to settle for 2nd.
Scott Forbes was untouchable.
Isaac Pucci found time to get out for a fourth lap in the 2hr race.
Paul Hopkins also found himself in an uncharacteristic 2nd spot in the men’s 2hr Veterans race with Dean Morgan taking full advantage of the Merida riders lack lustre illness afflicted ride to take a clear win. Iwona Szmyd took the win in the Women’s 2hr race with Amanda Morwood taking the honours in the Women’s 2hr Veterans race.
Iwona Szmyd encountering one of the few deeper puddles on the course.
Many thanks to everyone who made the day possible, all the competitors who braved the conditions and seemed to love the chance to push themselves and their machines to the limit in that soul sapping drizzle and well done once again to the team behind the event, all the hard work paid off again providing another winning event, oh and the heated marquee was pure genius!
We hope you can join us for the 3rd and final instalment on the 23rd January. Another day with another set of interesting challenges brought to you by the weather and the Gorrick/Army team, it’ll be fun!
01 Dec 24
26 Jan 25
