The start, over an open grass field, was fast and furious, with riders all trying to control the single race line. Age was to have no match for experience as super vet ‘Doc’ Slaffer headed the field into the first set of twisting single track. With two sharp climbs in succession the younger leg of Rhys Hidrio and Andy Hull soon took the lead, followed closely by a mixed group of elite, sport and veterans. The short technical descent through the stream and quarry, sharp climbs and off-camber single track quickly spread the field wide open. Having bided his time during the first lap, elite rider Robin Ovenden soon took to the front, immediately opening a gap on Hidrio and Hull. For the next hour and a half the lead was extended and remained unchallenged until the final whistle. Hull, in only his second season back, rode a well-paced and controlled race to take an excellent second place. With improving form, elite rider Ian Le Lai showed strong skills and good race tactics to secure third.

Punctures were abundant on the freshly cut course, bringing a premature end to at least 6 riders races, some of whom would have challenged for class honours

The sports class was to be wide open, with last season’s winner Eric Le Brun now riding in the Veterans class. The strong legs of Lee Wells, having just finished a successful summer rowing, proved too much for any would-be challengers. The ever-consistent Graham Horsley show that a summer of road riding hadn’t gone to waste with a solid second with Gary Osbourne taking a surprise, but well deserved third.

The veterans class was all set for battle, but with reigning champion Bruce Dingle missing in action it would have done another day. The new challenger to the title, Eric Le Brun, rode a well-paced and controlled race to secure his first victory in the class and a very credible 4th overall. Simon Stead chased hard throughout the race for a strong second spot with Colin Malzard taking third.

The ladies class was also to be left wide open, with current champion Caroline Davies out of action due to a broken leg. Helen Mon Petit, showed great stamina and determination to take top spot with her and the ever-improving Lisa Barker both soldiering on to finish the full race distance. Newcomer Rachel Mauger, in her first ever mountain bike race took third.

With superb bike handling skills and improving overall fitness current schoolboys champion Rikki Knowlton had moved into the Sport class and gained 9th Place. This left George Milner to take the schoolboy class from the returning Joshua O’Donoghue.

Course cutting will take place on 23rd November at Hamel’s land, Grouville in preparation for the second race of the Winter Series will start at 9.30am on Sunday 30th November.
Please see the club website (www.ccc.je) for further information.