Thetford’s Winter Series kicks off (Pic: Mark Cozens)

Around 250 riders showed up to take on the first round of the Marin Winter Series at Thetford Forest. This year sees a change of venue, with racing on the Brandon side which features better trails, the nearest thing we have to a hill and some long singletrack sections.

Despite the shallow gradients the 6.1 mile course was hard. Several of the nice twisty singletrack trails had been reversed so they were now nasty twisty climbs. Having practiced the course on Saturday I was glad I wasn’t racing!

Sunday saw a steady stream of riders at sign on, some great weather for this time of year and some tight racing. Tyrone of Tutto Bici was on site ready to fix bikes, sell spares and offer advice, TORQ sent loads of energy drink which went down well with the riders – Matt Hart himself was absent due to running his training camps but will be at rounds 2 and 3. Marin were unable to attend due to Dave Hemming being ill however our title sponsor will be back on form and at the remaining rounds. Matt from Chelmer Cycles made a brief appearance, did quite a few laps and as usual raided the shop to provided loads of prizes.

Results for round 1 are at TimeLaps and you can find photos of the event from Derek Haden, Mark Cozens and Nick Johnson, plus of course www.thetford-mtb-racing.co.uk. That’s also the place to head for details of the rest of the series. Round 2 is on 27 November – sign on from 8.30am, first start at 10.40am.