Season proper has already begun, what better way to kick it off with a race around the Lee Valley trails, part of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park legacy. As usual the team at Mud Sweat & Gears set up a great course to race, with some sweet single-track and technical features compromising A and B lines making the course suitable for all abilities.
Jodie Cole, kicked off the teams season with the Female Sport race at 10am. The riders were called to the grid, ready to battle it out onto the initial start lap, this was shortened to enable the riders to leave the grid safely and feed into the single-track proper.
Jodie had a smooth start and soon got to grips with the course, producing consistent lap times throughout the race. She even took advantage of a clear final lap to produce her fastest of the
race, all on her way to taking her category race win! Well done Jodie!!
Jodie; 'What a result for the first race of the season! It was a tricky course with tight turns, rocky descents and minimal space for
overtaking - definitely one for testing my riding skills.'
Before the Men's afternoon race the Team Gazebo decided to take a wander, thanks to strong windy conditions and a large gust of wind, even the 52kg of leg weights and two ground anchors couldn't hold it down. Thanks to everyone who played a part in rescuing it, literally just before it made it onto the A12! Hopefully it should live to see another day lol
The Men's race at 2pm soon came around, with Matt Ellis (Sport) and Darren Evans (Veteran) lining up on the grid. Unfortunately for Matt his race was short lived, a snapped chain on Lap 1
provided an early DNF.
Darren had a good start, entering the first single-track section in 15th position. He battled through the field to come a surprising 7th, much higher than expected.
All in all a mixed day at the races, huge thanks go out to the MSG team plus all the Cadet marshals who made the day an enjoyable one. Special mention to our friends at Sussed Out Suspension, Andy and Laura Sampson, plus Gary Curtis at Push Sport / Barford Hire / Streetlife all of which went on to take their category race wins in style!
Also thanks to all those track side supporters during the race, the sportsmanship of fellow riders in the tight single-track areas and of course our co-sponsors;
KTM Bike Industries, Physio Resolutions and Torq Fitness for their on-going support!
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