Familiar winners in first race of the year

The third outing of the season attracted 58 entrants to Le Guet, where a mix of fast-flowing downhill single-track racing and steep climbs would leave the riders with no time to take in the beautiful views up the west coast.

James Roe and Brad Vaudin were neck-and-neck over the first four of an eventual 12 laps in the expert race.

However, Roe’s blistering pace would eventually lead to Vaudin fading, as the established Commonwealth Games man eventually won by 2min. 4sec.

The combining of all categories in one race hampered John Mapley somewhat, as the early traffic caused him to lose touch with the leaders and have to settle for third.

U16 talent Charlie Tourtel, riding in the advanced category, made it three from three as he took a fine win.

Just 3sec. behind, Mark de la Mare took the second spot from Dan Thwaite, who continued his good run of form.

Kylie Vaudin remains untouchable and registered yet another win in the women’s section.

With injury and illness hampering Chloe Woods and Jade Packham, this left the door open for Jamy Petit-Fulgoni to take yet another top-two finish in her quest to close the gap on Vaudin. Nor Holden took third spot.

There were other wins for Simon Rowe, Frankie Middleton, Adie Vaudin, Mark Naftel, Donna Smith, Chloe Sarre and Tristan Robillard in their respective categories.

The junior race, lasting around 40min., saw academy rider Zach Smith firmly in control.

He recorded five sub-7min. laps on his way to take victory from Sam de Garis, with both leading U16 rider Braden Morris in this popular class.

In the U12s, Luca Stonebridge pipped Harry Manning on the final straight to take the win.

This came as Jacob Piercey continued his good run of form, winning back to back races in the U10s.

Round four of the winter cross-country series will be held on 22 January.

Before that, the downhill riders will hopefully be out in force as round one of the Winter Gravity series commences this Sunday.