News
World Cup and World Masters MTBO
Posted: 04/06/10
The first real day of racing began today. The World Cup women and men rode a long race, and the masters rode the ultra-long. The weather was hot and there was not a cloud in the sky, so hydration was important for us all. The courses were tough with some exceedingly steep climbs, and even the elites reached their limits on at least one! Winning times were generally longer than expected and the terrain took its toll on a number of bikes, with people returning to the finish on foot, carrying broken derailleurs, or missing a wheel.//
//There were mixed results for team GB. Sarah Bayliss and Charlie Somers-Cocks winning W40 and W50 respectively, giving them overall lead in their events. Emily Benham found the elite tough but finished a respectable joint 11th with Heather Monroe close behind in 21st.//
//Mark Stodgell was pleased with his ride and had his best finish at this level of competition, finishing 26th in the elite men. Bobby Smyth riding his first elite race completing the course in 51st. The M40's had a good race, with John Houlihan pipping Andy Conn for 6th place by just 13 seconds, and Dickie Jones behind in 13th. Bryan Singleton was unfortunately a victim of the forest, and walked home with a bent frame and a rear derailleur in his pocket. In the M50's Tony Brand-Barker proved to be consistent and finished 7th again, and John Rawden found the area challenging finishing in 24th place.//
//Tomorrow the elite ride a middle distance race and the masters a 'short' long race. Hopefully a good recovery tonight will have some good results again tomorrow.