Race 1, Val de la Mare, 9 November 2008

The weather proved ideal for the youngsters to turn out in force, with a total of 57 riders taking part in the first race of the winter series. The new look Val de la Mare course was challenging and exciting for spectators and participants alike and generated some great racing.

In the 5 and under class, ten entrants lined up for the first race with ‘old hands’. Even at this age, there are a number of seasoned racers and the recognized names were soon to the fore. George Daniels in his second season was quick to take the initiative but it was Malo Mont Petit le Brun who showed his stamina over the 2 lap course and take victory. George maintained second and in 3rd was Max Bennet, another experienced young rider. In the Girls class Aimee Lutz led the way with a convincing ride with Nicole Hamilton in an excellent 2nd. In third was Tegan Crowther.

In the 6&7 year old class there was a field of 18 riders on the line so the start was fast and furious up the steep concrete road section. The 3 lap race over the winding course was a tough test for these young riders and it was the Ben Le Rougetel who was quickest off the mark. Ben extended his lead throughout the race with his brother Tom working hard to move through to 2nd after a slower start. Oliver de Sousa maintained good lap pace to finally take a great 3rd and Oliver Daniels was never far behind in 4th. Aimee Hugh rode well and was the only girl to complete 3 laps taking 1st place with Sophie Jones in 2nd and Joie Sabery in 3rd.

The 8&9 year old class was eager to get underway with no less than 20 riders on the line. Off the blocks first was Luc Mon Petit Le Brun but always in close attendance was Jack Lutz and they soon stretched a lead ahead of Samuel Maher in 3rd. A new technical section of track caught out a few riders. However young Jack picked his moment on the final lap to overhaul Luc and be in first place at the critical moment – over the finish line. Sam maintained his 3rd spot. In the girls class Indi Malzard had led from early on but a spirited ride from Sabine Minchinton-Gilley, overcoming her nerves on the technical section extremely well, gave her a deserved class victory and Evie Le Breton grabbed 2nd with Indi in 3rd.

The 10/11 and 12-14 age groups raced together and the technical course proved popular, with the riders taking humps and jumps at high speed. George Milner was lead rider in the top age group and showed his experience to take victory and in 2nd place was Jason Banks. The lead trio in the 10-12’s all raced well with honours going to a deserving Oliver Lowthorpe but not far behind were Hugh Percival and Michael Milner in 2nd and 3rd respectively.

The cycling club would like to thank the landowners for access to the land. The next event of the series is due to take place on the 23rd November.

5 and under		6/7 class		8/9 class
1	Malo Monpetit-Le Brun	1	Ben le Rougetel	1	Jack Lutz
2	George Daniels	2	Tom Le Rougetel	2	Luc Monpetit-Le Brun
3	Max Bennet	3	Oliver de Sousa	3	Samuel Maher
4	Billy Malzard	4	Oliver Daniels	4	Thomas Lumborg
5	Aimee Lutz (1st girl)	5	Elliot Stead	5	Joe Hugh
6	Nicole Hamilton	6	Thomas Boarer	6	Mark Boarer
7	Tegan Crowther	7	William Wycherley	7	Rhys Pilley
8	Kerry Banks	8	Ben Hamilton-Sparks	8	Luke Hamilton-Sparks
9	Dave Sabery	9	Max Crowther	9	Joshua Jones
10	Jake Sabery	10	Tyler Collins	10	Andrew Kean
		11	Kye Hamilton-Sparks	11	Morgan Huelin
		12	Michael McGinley	12	Sabine Minchinton-Gilley
		13	Samuel Smith	13	Evie Le Breton
		14	Amiee Hugh	14	Alex Byrne
		15	Ben Daniels	15	Josh Daniels
		16	Sophie Jones	16	Indi Malzard
		17	Lyndon Huelin	17	Aimee Banks
		18	Josie Sabery	18	Aaron Banks
				19	Reece Cunningham
				20	Jordan Gautron
10/11 class				12-14 Class
1	Oliver Lowthorpe			1	George Milner
2	Hugh Percival			2	Jason Banks
3	Michael Milner
4	Amber Smith
5	Hayden Bishop