Kev Chant broke his own course record to take the overall win in the local ‘Misery on the Milly’ open 35km time trial in 47 minutes 21 seconds, averaging over 28mph.
James Veal took 3rd overall and was also the fastest Vet 40+ rider on the day. James Pett and Junior rider Mackenzie Cook also put in solid performances on the day.
The MTB squad also notched up some impressive results on the mainland. Ewan Cook, Nick Earley, Simon Ernest, Finley Manser-Grundy and Sonny Shuttleworth travelled to Winchester to compete in In #1 of the Southern XC Series at Matterly Bason – a dry, fast course with 70% fire road and 30% single track.
Ewan, racing in the Open Junior (17-18) category, had a flying start but was just off the front, but continued to ride consistent laps and by picking off riders found himself battling for the win. After several attacks, Ewan had to settle for 3rd behind two Olympic development riders – an amazing result for the young gun.
Nick, who was racing for the first time this Season in the Open Expert category rode a consistent race and managed a 9th place. Simon was up last in the open masters (Vet 40) category and had an awesome first race of the Season for the team, battling at or near the front and came home in 6th place.
Finley, one of the youngest riders competing in the Under-10 category, had a terrific race. He was gridded at 32nd out of 40 riders and fought his way through the bunch to take 7th overall.
Sonny, who was also making his debut for the team, was racing in the Under-12 category on a fast, flowing course with a good mix of open sections and a technical wooded area that tested bike handling skills. Despite being gridded at the back of the field, Sonny fought his way through, making some impressive overtakes—particularly in the tricky wooded section—and crossed the line in a well-earned 18th place.
Sonny said:
“I really enjoyed the race and competing at this high level has given me a lot of confidence. I’m looking forward to the next round and plan to focus on some training to improve on my uphill speed”.
Alfie Haydon travelled further afield to Woody’s Bike Park in Cornwall to compete in the first round of the South West Championships. Alfie said:
“I managed to take 3rd against some very good guys. It was an awesome course, very steep climbs and relentless down hills. It was a great day out which gave me some practice on a National course ready for the first round of the National MTB XC Championships at Cannock Chase next month and I picked up some valuable national points.”
MTB Team Captain Nick said:
“It was a good day out for the MTB lads and we’re looking forward to improving over the next few months and hopefully stepping up on the podiums in the Southern XC and National Championships”
