The 4th race of the Autumn series was held at Val de la Mare which coincided with the CCC MTB open day. Despite wintry conditions a record attendance of 72 riders braved the elements to make for some fantastic racing.

The day’s racing got underway in the 5 and under class with 9 entries, including newcomer Rohan Hugh. In the boys class George Daniels led the class away and maintained the lead to the finish top with Billy Malzard in good form taking 2nd place, 3rd was Sonny Bertram. Katie Le Gros was top girl of the day.

In the 6&7 year old class there was a field of 15 riders which made for exciting racing. In the boys group Malo Monpetit LeBrun was on a charge from the start and took a great win. It was all change for the following places with Thomas Boarer making a later surge to take 2nd and Greg Hawley 3rd after Oliver Daniels had suffered difficulties on the last lap. Aimee Lutz was top girl with a consistent ride taking 1st place, new entry Emily Blake was 2nd and Aimee Hugh 3rd.

The 8&9 year old, the largest group of the day with 24 riders was set to be a good race with a an air of excitement on the starting line. Once underway it was Jack Lutz and Luc Monpetit LeBrun who set the pace. Jack pushed on for a deserved race victory followed by Luc, who escaped a mid race crash involving a number of riders. Sam Gardner rode well to take 3rd place. In the girl’s class Adele Maher was in fine form taking 1st after a steady race with new rider Lauren Trachy, very much enjoying the race in 2nd, Indi Malzard was 3rd.

In the 10/11, with a class size of 11 riders it was Sam Maher who was the man on a roll. He didn’t have it all his own way though, Michael Milner led for 2 laps before Sam squeezed ahead for victory with Michael 2nd and Jacques Stead in a reliable 3rd. In the girls class Amber Smith was immediately on the case with a solid ride taking 1st place, Emma McGinley working hard in 2nd and it was good to see Bethan Hamon back at the races and taking the 3rd spot.

In the elite class of the day, the 12-14 year old age group, there were 9 entries taking on the longer course. Ben Le Brocq was away with his hallmark high speed start and looked set to extend a lead. Oliver Lowthorpe had other ideas however, settling in behind Ben and not allowing him to pull ahead. This was the case until the last lap where Oliver made his move, out-braking Ben into the penultimate corner and then charging for the line to take outstanding class victory. Schumacher would have been proud! In 3rd place was the hard working Ryan O’Shea and Matt Topman enjoyed his first event to secure a deserved 4th spot.

The cycling club would like to thank the landowners for access to the land.