The British MTB National Championships were held at the weekend at Bringewood, near Ludlow. If you were pretty much anywhere in the British Isles over the weekend you’ll have noticed that the weather wasn’t exactly at its best, and certainly Saturday’s downhill racing was held in “difficult” conditions.

The DH race didn’t throw any real surprises, with Steve Peat winning the men’s ahead of an on-form Will Longden. Marc Beaumont was third and Dan Atherton fourth – Dan’s younger brother Gee won the Junior race with a time that would have put him third in the Seniors… In the women’s race, Helen Gaskell took top spot ahead of Anja Rees Jones.

Full results for the DH racing are at Cambrian Timing.

Sunday was XC day, and proved to be a disappointing one for defending champ Oli Beckingsale. He spent the first two laps within striking distance of a charging Nick Craig, but faded at the end of the race. A slow last lap let Barrie Clarke through, but it was too late for him to catch Craig who won the title he last held in 2000.

Early indications in the women’s race were for an easy win for Sue Thomas, but after a fast start she couldn’t maintain the pace and a consistent ride by Jenny Copnall put her five minutes ahead by the finish.

XC results in all their glorious detail from Cambrian Timing.