Riders get a taste of the Island Games route

The up-and-coming rider won last Sunday’s Summer Mountain Bike Cross-Country Series opener on the planned Island Games course at L’Ancresse East, where a puncture from established No. 1 James Roe had dampened the situation slightly.

But other results show Vaudin in a very positive light.

Topping the bill is his recent regional-level elite victory in the SouthernXC series opener in Fareham, which he called ‘a bit of a surprise’.

‘I was not expecting anything like that this early in the season,’ he said.

‘My legs just felt really good that day – probably the best I’ve ever felt.’

That milestone triumph had included a head-to-head victory over Roe, yet Vaudin had the modesty to admit his belief that his rival would have won Sunday’s local race.

Each lap stacked up at a hefty 2.7 miles, blending uneven grassy terrain with the odd steep hill and tough, rocky section.

Vaudin had the edge on a fast first lap but only Roe could maintain the pace.

Roe continued to carve out time on each following lap before suffering a puncture on the fourth circuit, passing on the lead before retiring.

Vaudin covered his six laps in 1hr 16min. 40sec. to underline his fast progress over recent years.

‘I’m really happy with how it’s going,’ the winner said.

‘It’s just down to training really.’

Mike Serafin took second expert from 1-20 down, followed closely by the in-form John Mapley.

Another notable presence in the experts came from teenager Chay Kennedy-Cook, who placed sixth overall despite his youth.

Mark Smith came out top of the veterans as a 50-plus rider, finishing 27sec. clear of rival Pete Miller.

Smith opened a solid advantage in the first four laps, before Miller began to eat into the lead considerably on their fifth and final circuit.

The improving Jade Packham showed her strength in taking women’s honours.

With domestic No. 1 Kylie Vaudin focussing her efforts on the national stage, the former track and field athlete put on a dominant showing against another developing rider in Jamy Petit-Fulgoni.

A fall on the penultimate lap did not stop her from finishing just over 3min. clear of her nearest opponent.

Young Megan Dowinton took third as she continues her return to her Island Games-qualifying form of previous years.