Mapley proves his fitness as he returns with a win
A DEMANDING course around the motocross track played to John Mapley’s strengths as he sealed victory in round two of the new cyclocross series on Sunday.
Best known for being a prolific winner of downhill events, the mountain bike specialist has improved his endurance capabilities significantly ahead of the Guernsey 2023 NatWest International Island Games.
Opting for a mountain bike rather than the cyclocross variety that his main competitors utilised, he rode consistently to gap round one winner Alex Van Katwyk and promising teenager Chay Kennedy-Cook in the 55min. plus one lap race.
The course mixed the bumpy, rutted track with spiralling paths on the grass and some one-two punches from 90-degree turns leading directly into short, sharp hills.
Mapley’s bike choice seemed to pay off.
While the cyclocross riders opted for a swift dismount and dash up the steeper hills, which the most skilled riders performed seamlessly, he managed to pedal up throughout.
He broke clear on the third of an eventual 14 laps to leave his challengers in the dust – but they still had each other to battle.
A battle it was, with leads changing throughout. Van Katwyk drew out 40sec. in the middle only for his rival to catch him and lead briefly, but a stronger last three laps made the difference.
Although ineligible for the series title due to his bike choice, Mapley took race honours in 59-46, followed by Van Katwyk (1-03-03) and Kennedy-Cook (1-03-44).
‘It was great – I had Covid about six weeks ago, so this is my first proper race back,’ the winner said.
‘It was more to see where my fitness is and see where I am at this level.’
He described the series as ‘good, something different’.
‘Because it’s never been done before, more people have got mountain bikes than cyclocross bikes,’ he added.
Adam Torode finished surprisingly close to third after a strong back half, followed by the lapped Mark de la Mare and lead veteran Lloyd Wallbridge. Those three had all opted for mountain bikes.
Under-12 Zach Smith picked up a very convincing victory in the shorter support race, which consisted of 35min. plus one lap.
Chloe Woods was the sole competitor in the Women’s A category – and therefore a firm favourite for overall female honours.
The recent winner of the Guernsey Velo Club’s most improved mountain biker award finished 2-10 ahead of veteran Frankie Middleton as both completed seven laps in the shortened timeframe.
Fellow veteran Claire Smit capped off the women’s top three.
