BM forum regular Nick Evans gives it some gurn

Gavin Rumbles

Pics: Luke Webber

Gorrick’s Spring Series continued in earnest with another bumper turnout challenging themselves on a course some thought was the best ever. Those who conquered the five sharp climbs were rewarded with varying descents, from loose and loamy, to fast gravel gullies and even a downhill course with berms and jumps to enjoy.

Ross Adams (Torq/Red Kite) showed his superb form by taking the Elite win by a full six minutes ahead of a tired Luke Smith (Whyte) who came in second but consolidated his series position at the top of the table. Third man home was George Buss (Beyond MTB) whose consistent lap times paid dividends.

The Elite women’s race was another clear-cut affair, with Kim Hurst
(AgiskoViner) ahead of Jenn Hopkins (Minx Kona) who bravely tackled the climbs of Surrey Hill aboard her trusty singlespeed. In the remaining women’s races Jaqueline Easton rode to the Supermaster win, Mandy Hibberd (PedalOn) took a close fought Master/Veteran race, while Sam Bryant (Marin) romped away with the Open spoils and Phillipa Le Roux taking the Sport category in a similar fashion.

In the Sport race Jake Moxham (Dysons Cycles) made it two in a row, but he had to shake off the charging Gerald Tudor (Beyond MTB) and Billy Joe Whenman (Marin) who was riding well after coming back from injury.

Earlier in the day the Supermasters ripped the course with winner Scott Forbes (PedalOn) also claiming the fastest lap of the day in 23.12! Graham Warby (Aston Hill) had no answer for such pace and finished second, with Sam Gardner (Cannondale/FatFace) third.

We’re not sure whether Phil Moore’s lurid pink and black jersey scared away the rest of the Masters field, or if he was just plain fast – whatever the reason, Moore rode to victory from Jason Painton and Oli Pepper (DeSalvo). Despite being a bit of a late starter, Paul Lasenby (Marin) rose through the field into fifth position – who knows what he would be capable of had he started on time!

Jef Sharp (Ben Hayward Cycles) continues his domination of over 40s racing in 2007 with a win in the Veteran race, followed by regular Roland Tilley (Ride Cycleworks) in second and team-mate of Sharp, John McAndrew, third. Top of the Grand Veteran pile was Ray Crossthwaite (PedalOn) who looks on unbeatable form right now, with a seven minute gap on the rest.

Thomas Humphreys (De Ver) secured the spoils in the 111-stron Open race. Also making their way to the front of the crowd were Richard Vail (Sigma) in second, and Philip Lenney (Loughborough Uni) in third.

The final race of the day was the annual Varsity challenge between Oxford and Cambrige Universities where the honours were even. Cambridge earned bragging rights in the men’s event, with the top three riders being in the green – Chris Pedder, Simon Brereton and Rob Baldock, while the Oxford ladies in blue drew level thanks to excellent rides by Marcie Reinhart and Amber Thomas.

Dry trails and a hilly course down south in February – somehow Gorrick has pulled it off again. I’m not sure how they do it, but to have any chance of an answer you’ll just have to come on down to round three, the Crowthorne Classic on 11 March. Full details at www.gorrick.com.