Children's Mountain Bike Series, Summer 2008

The first children's summer event was held at Jardin d'Olivet and proved a great success for riders and spectators alike. 41 riders registered for the 5 classes and some exciting races did justice to the excellent course design and lovely conditions.

In the 5 and Under class, with 6 willing entrants, it was Malo Mont Petit-Le Brun, on his new race bike, who led the way and took a great victory. George Daniels was 2 nd and Billy Malzard 3 rd both receiving some useful parental support and encouragement along the way! Aimee Lutz was top girl and took a very respectable 2 nd overall.

In the second race of the afternoon, the 6/7 year age group, with 15 riders the scene was set for good battle. Ben and Tom Le Rougetel as well as Max Jeanne were experienced hands in this class and showed well from the off to take 1 st , 2 nd and 3 rd between them.   Thomas Boarer and Oliver Daniels were making their debut in this class after a good season in the younger age group and secured 4 th and 6 th place between them. In the girls class Indi Malzard showed Dad Colin how to do it by taking a great win and 7 th overall.

The 8/9 year age group, with 13 riders on the line was also destined for thrills and spills throughout.   Richard Pallot showed great technical skills and lead early on but Jack Lutz got into his stride on lap 2 of the 4 lap race and rode onto victory, a great result having just moved up from the younger class. Samual Maher never gave up trying and his efforts were rewarded by taking 2 nd place on the last lap with Luc Mont Petit-Le Brun working hard in 3 rd place. Isabel Lowthorpe was leading girl with a strong performance and Carys Ingram put in a sterling effort to finish 2 nd .

The 10/11 year age group was amalgamated with the new 12-14 year old class and Cameron Ingram showed his power by winning the older age group with a spirited ride. The likely trio of Hugh Percival, Oliver Lowthorpe and Harry Garnham kept up where they left off from the winter series fighting for positions over the 4 lap race with Hugh taking the honours and Oliver and Harry 2 nd and 3 rd . Amber Smith was winner of the girls class.

After the races, medals were presented to all class winners by course designer and sponsor Colin Malzard to rapturous applause and great enjoyment by the youngsters. The club extends its grateful thanks to the landowners for use of the land and to all the club members who assisted with the course preparation.