Originally scheduled to take place in Erlestoke, the first round got underway at Checkendon, one of the south’s most popular mountain biking venues. Due to last year’s falling number of XC racers the series was relaunched with the priorities being more fun and less cost at the expense of British Cycling sanctioning.

Despite the risk of heavy rain (which never arrived) riders from all over the south turned up to savour the delights of a dry course, which allowed for fast and furious racing through the legendary RATZ singletrack. The course involved the usual fast start and finishing straights, with the racers experiencing technical trails peppered with rocky and rooty uphill climbs toward the end of the lap, which tested even the fittest racers.

The youth riders got things underway with John Smedley (Sid Valley CC) beating Robert Whenman (Team Darenth) comfortably with William Thompson (Bike Plus) rounding off the top three.

The Junior crowd was left looking somewhat depleted with only four competitors to battle it out. And it was Carl Harris (Corridor/Specialised) who took the race victory a good five minutes ahead of Steven Griffiths (Lee Valley Youth CC). Luke Webber took third.

The Elite race saw the fastest action of the day and Stewart Bowers strolled home with a convincing victory. Chris Minter put in a valiant effort to take second but Sam Gardner was just too good on the day.

Unfortunately not that many women racers turned up and the riders all set off at once. However this was to the liking of Sophie Johnson (MBUK/Scott) who continued her string of good results this year, taking top spot in the women’s Expert field. Rebecca Milbourn took the only place in the Elite standings, completing the four laps in a swift 1.43.29.

Initial responses are good from most of the racers with only a few minor niggles to be sorted out for the next round in Oxney Moss, near Bordon. See you there!