Distinctly moist conditions for the final Gorrick Spring XC race (Pic: Luke Webber)

It was too good to be true! After nearly two years without a drop of rain the 2006 Exodus Spring Series got more than its fair share and ended on a decidedly soggy note. After a week of the wet stuff there were heavy showers for the morning races, and come the afternoon a persistent deluge set in, making the walk to the start line for spectators an event in itself and the racing a true test of bike handling skills.

Although there was no concrete hill, climbing (or running, as it became in the afternoon) was still a big part of the lap, alongside several high-speed downhills featuring drop-offs that would be measured in feet and not inches. As if this wasn’t enough, the rain turned off-camber bends across roots from challenging to death-defying. Many series titles were to be decided on this, a course which tested not only fitness and skills, but determination and mental strength.

The first big win of the day was claimed by Marcus Haynes (Total Bike Tuning) taking the race and Youth title in style, with Thomas Humphrys (Sutton CC) just missing out on the title by 30 seconds, finishing fifth on the day.

Paul Hopkins (Mountain Trax) returned to the top of the Super Master podium after some cracking performances – not least in the final round where he held on for the win despite a puncture. Mark Hutt claimed second for the series after five solid results. Securing the Masters series on the day was Will Thomas (Evans Cycles), ahead of series-long rival Nigel Grantham (PedalOn).

Despite never winning a race outright, Steve Jones (AW Cycles) and his run of magnificent second places were enough to take top step on the podium over winner on the day, Mark Cracknell (PedalOn). In contrast Ray Crossthwaite (PedalOn) won every Grand Veteran race to finish the series in style ahead of another second-place addict, Norman Butler (BikeGuatemala.com).

The Open and Sport races have quickly become a great opportunity for the best Youths and Juniors to pit their wits against stronger opposition. Two such riders in the Open series were Jake Moxham (Dysons Cycles) and second-placed Ben Thomas (Fuel Gloves/Mountain Trax). Adding the Sport title to his two Youth National Cyclo-Cross Championships, Alex Paton (Activ) has been a real star so far this year. After winning round one of the National Series as well it seems that nothing is impossible for this great talent for the future.

After two hours of slip and slide most Elite riders were unrecognisable. Chris Minter (PedalOn) made good progress finishing second on the day and the series, behind team-mate Adi Lansley. Second was John Veness (Kona UK) and Mark Russell (Torq), third.

In the women’s races Sarah Carter (Beyond MTBs) was top Super Master, Viv Hazelton Sport champ, Briony Croft (Southampton Uni) taking Open honours and
Cam Brown Master/Veteran series winner.

After five XC races and one enduro everyone at Gorrick would like to say a huge thanks to the riders and to Exodus for supporting the Spring Series come
rain or shine. After a summer break we will be back with the Southern XC and then our autumn races which will hopefully see some of this elusive good weather.