Mapley enjoys the fast ride

JOHN MAPLEY won the final round of the 2006 Holeshot Animal DH and Duel series, taking full advantage of near-perfect conditions for the time of the year. There was not an inch of mud anywhere to be found on the downhill course which started in the Pleinmont fields and headed into the woods to finish just above Portelet.

With the senior championship already decided, the newly-crowned champion, Jimmy Carling, elected not to return from the mainland for this event.

That left the opportunity open for different riders to challenge for the lead and for a long time the top spot was held by hard-tailer Jason Le Page who used his skill and experience to clock an impressive time of 1min. 1.9sec.

It wasn't until the final senior riders had descended that his time was beaten by Mapley in 1-00.1 closely followed by Ant Renouf in 1-00.7.

The final podium position was taken by Andy Colver, who was four-tenths behind Renouf.

Le Page's consolation was in winning the hard-tail category and the junior section was taken by an on-form Mick Ramos.

After the lunch break action resumed with the fifth and final round of the duel series in which two riders race head-to-head from a gate start over jumps, drops and numerous twisting turns.

Only the first to cross the finish line advances to the next round.

The final was contested between Colver and James Roe, with the latter crossing the line first to take the win.

Hard-tail rider Robin Le Cocq also pulled off an impressive performance to claim third place and relegate Mapley to fourth in the process.

One notable achievement was Adam Sunderland getting the better of his brother Jack for possibly the first time.