BACK ON TRACK BASH XC SERIES 2012 - ROUND 1 REPORT

Easter Sunday delivered a successful start to the 2012 Back on Track Bash XC Series. Despite the best attempts of the weather to hamper course conditions in the week running up to the event, Sunday dawned with drier, if slightly cloudy conditions. The course was tacky under tyre, but with a gentle breeze blowing across the venue and drying out the course things were looking good for an excellent days racing in the woods at Oaken Coppice.

A steady flow of riders signed on and Race 1 got underway, promptly at 10.30 with a good turnout of youngsters and adults alike. The Cardiff Jif duo of Matthew Thompson and Adam King took the Junior race by the scruff of the neck taking first and second respectively. James Nixon filled third spot denying local Malvern Cycle Sport rider Harry Webb a place on the podium. A further double act in the form of brothers, Harry and Jack Sowden dominated the Youth race with Harry taking the win. In the same race local rider Josh Brooks riding for Malvern Cycle Sport snapped his chain just after the start. By the time he got underway again he was left with a seven minute deficit on the rest of the field. A valiant ride saw him claw his way back to 6th place as he crossed the line.

Very much on home turf, Tracy Moseley took the win in the Women's race and representing the other Malvern based club, Velo Club Sevale, Chris Slinger secured first place in the Fun race. Malvern rider Ryan Williamson took first place in Juvenile boys.

Whilst riders and spectators enjoyed the generous and seriously value for money portions from Bob's Catering, the future stars took to the course. The Under 10's and Under 12's on shortened versions of the main race loop provided some exciting and entertaining racing. In fact closest finish of the whole day was in the Under 10's race as Luke Harris, Halesowen A&CC and Charlie Griffiths, Climb on Bikes treated everyone to a race for first and second that went to the line with Luke sneaking the win by half a wheel in the sprint. After the efforts of their race, all the children were greeted with the welcome reward of cream eggs for all as they crossed the finish line.

In the senior men's race in the afternoon Ed Moseley completed a family double taking the win ahead of Phil Morris (check out his blog here) in the Elite/Expert race, the decisive move coming mid way through the race; Ed taking the A line over the log jump, taking the lead and never looking back.

Steve Ferguson, Team Certini took first place in Masters, Simon Lingard ensured the trip from Wales was worthwhile with victory in Sport, in Veterans a Dream Cycling one, two was denied by Keith Peters of Worcester Cycle Centre and Tim Stowe, Jewson Mi Racing rounded out the categories with the win in Grand Veterans. Full results available at Tap Timing

Many thanks from headline sponsors, Back on Track Bikes, and the organisers to everyone that attended and made it a superb day at a venue that continues to build its' reputation as a great place for mountain bike racing. An extra special thank you from the land owners (and the organiser) to all the riders who disposed of their rubbish in the bins provided or took it home with them - very little evidence of racing (gel wrappers and cable ties) was found after the event . It all helps to secure the future use of the venue so a BIG THANK YOU. Please note the race at Storridge was held on private land and riding at the venue is prohibited outside the day of the event.

The next round in the series is at Top Barn on 29th April 2012. Racing returns to Storridge for the final round on 19th August.

All images courtesy Mark Evans

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