Event Details
Club: | Midlands MBO |
Event Name: | Astcote, Northamptonshire |
Date: | 21/10/18 |
Format: | MBO Score |
Mapping: | Ordnance Survey |
Time Limit: | 3 hrs |
National League: | - |
League: | Midlands MBO Series 2018 (Round 10 of 11) |
Electronic Punch: | SportIdent |
Event Report
The Astcote event in Northamptonsire was the final round of the Midlands MBO league series. The league standings after the previous 9 events saw Ian Cartwright, Mark Rowley and Andy Gregg in the top three positions contending for the title. Fifty two riders entered the event and they were greeted by a gloriously sunny day once the early morning fog had lifted.
Route choices were plentiful, but careful planning was required to make best use of only 3 permitted crossings of the busy A43 road. Salcey Forest, on the eastern edge of the map looked alluring – but the question competitors had to ask was worth the time investment to get there and back. The conditions and terrain allowed for fast riding with several riders completing more than 65Km in the 3-hour timeframe.
When the dust settled and the points calculated, the top three in the league coming into the event finished in exactly the same position in this event – confirming the view that the league table doesn’t lie! Congratulation to Ian Cartwright on his win – adding the 2018 Midlands league title to his impressive collection of previous victories. Ian was pushed close by Mark Rowley and Andy Gregg who gave it their all on the day. Ian’s victory was sealed by a well planed and executed ride where he avoided the forest area altogether and maximised his return by collecting all other controls, finishing with only 4 time penalties and 29 points clear of his closest rival, Mark Rowley.
Riders were complimentary about the course and enjoyed the buffet refreshments which raised £115 for the Air Ambulance. Proceeds from the event are being donated to cancer charities.
Thanks to all those who took part.