Round 4 – 28 Jun 17 | RMAS
Following weeks of hard graft in building a bespoke course Rd4 of the ACMTBXC was held on Wednesday 28th Jun at RMAS. Yet another large turnout suggested that there was going to be some quality racing and no one was disappointed. Whilst the sunshine of Tidworth was missing, the overnight rain had cleared away and actually helped bed the track in and what was already a fast track got faster and grippier as the afternoon progressed… however the Barossa mud is probably still frustrating some riders as it seems to get everywhere.
Race one saw yet another dominant performance from the RAF team in the Inter Service category with Sgt Lewis and Flt Lt Rose claiming the top steps of the podium in first and second respectively with Maj Ficke, the first Army Race Team rider coming in third to take the final step.
Snapping at the rear mechs of the Army Team riders were the the Mens Masters with Maj Hunt from 1 Rifles putting in a very impressive performance to take top honours. Maj Hunt was closely followed by recently crowned Army Champion, WO1 Pearson (3 MI Bn) in second and Capt Thompson (24 Cdo Engr). Behind the ‘old boys’ were the ‘really old boys’ in the Grand Masters category. First place went to Capt Hale (EMUOTC) with Maj Hendry (FTU) and Lt Col Ingleton (Upavon Stn) close behind in second and third.
The final category in Race one saw another bumper turn out of female riders battling for top honours. The win went to WO2 Weldon from Army HQ who is now being requested to turn up with her own podium. In second place was Capt Roberts (3 (UK) DSR) and third place went to RAF rider Cpl Jordan-White.
Following a brief pause Race two set off with the Men’s Seniors and Juniors categories keen to make the most of a fast and flowing track. 2Lt Warner (11 Sig Regt) clearly had a point to prove following his last experience of Sandhurst and road away from the front of the chasing pack for a solo win. He was followed by Maj Richards (AMD) and Cpl Craig (24 Cdo Engr) in second and third respectively.
There was yet another display of young talent in the Junior category with the win going to OCdt Robinson (EMUOTC), second to LCpl Clayton (42 Engr) with Pte Bishal Rai (10 QOGLR) coming in third. It is great to see so much talent in the junior category. LCpl Clayton also received his belated trophy for runner-up at the Army Championships.
Big thanks CoH Martin and Maj Ficke for hosting another quality event and designing such a good course, all the hard work was well worth it. Further thanks to the DH/Enduro boys who turned up to provide some quality support and track side bike maintenance. Thanks also to Adam from Southern XC who gave up his time to come and see what the Army are getting up to and offer some advice on how we can make the competition and venues even better… Please do not forget that the Southern XC Series support the Reserve MTBXC series with the next round being held at Pippingford Park on Sunday 16th July. Finally, hats off to Phil Pearce who yet again displayed his superhuman form, smoking the whole field in both races and still having the ability to chat and offer advice as he overtook us, what a top bloke, we wish him all the best for the rest of the season.
Hopefully everyone had fun and enjoyed an afternoon in the woods. Round 5 is to be held at Minley on 12th July we look forward to seeing you there.
Oh and we did beat the Southern XC litter count with only one gel wrapper being found… Not perfect but not bad, thank you.
Results - Round 4 (xls)
Any discrepancies, please contact James. Thank you!
Race photos
Race Sponsor
As always, many thanks to our Sponsor without whom we would not be able to run these races!
