JOHN MAPLEY blitzed the course to win the opening event of the Holeshot/Animal Down-hill and Duel Series at Pleinmont. With brilliant sunshine and a fast-flowing course from an open field to a technical wooded section enticing 30 riders to the Guernsey Velo Club event, Mapley’s time of 57.89sec proved once again that his skills are not limited to cross-country racing.
He finished ahead of the only other rider to break the minute barrier, Andy Colver.
Riding his brother’s old bike and proving that he, too, has an impressive natural handling talent, James Mapley took third overall and was first junior rider in a time of 60.65sec.
Less than 0.1sec. behind in fourth was senior Jason Le Page, with an ever-impressive Pierre Lowe rounding off the top five.
Proving that full suspension and more than one gear are not necessary to compete in these events, Jon Dorey took a narrow victory in the hardtail category just 0.02sec. ahead of Gary Robert.
An impressive turnout by the veterans saw Andy Wilson take honours by over four seconds from club president Gary Wallbridge.
The afternoon event on a separate course pitted two riders at a time in a battle to be the first to the finish line.
The racing provided spectators with some exciting battles and impressive aerial manoeuvres over the wooden jumps.
In this style of racing, leading through the first corner is vital to ensure success and it was here that several riders crashed out in spectacular style.
However, staying on two wheels and stealing victory from the downhill winner, Mapley, was junior rider Lowe.
The next mountain bike event takes place among the woods at Le Guet on Saturday with the third round of the cross-country series.
For more information visit the club website, www.guernseyvelo.org.gg.
Article posted on 19th April, 2007 - 12.00am
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