THUNDER, rain, wind and mud were the unwelcome additions to the latest round of the Arrowsmith Marlow & Ian Brown Cycles sponsored mountain bike cross-country series. What is usually considered a short yet popular course on the cycling calendar was turned into a demanding test of both the rider and their machine by the conditions.
Despite the event being part of the Guernsey Velo Club’s Champion Rider series, which aims to find the best rider across all disciplines, it appeared the weather dissuaded many from attending.
Of those who did turn up, the under-16 and under-14 categories headed off for five laps in what turned out to be the worst of the weather.
Under-16 rider James Mapley overcame the mud and the rain to take victory from Adam Sunderland and Alistair Martin, while Alex Falla was the comfortable winner ahead of Alex Wilson in the younger age group.
With the course resembling a bog in several places and the sun trying to break out of its enforced hibernation, the elite, advanced, sport and veteran categories lined up for their race.
A fast start into the wind saw advanced rider Gary Robert get the jump on elite rider Josh Gosselin for a short time until the latter managed to get his legs into gear and assume control of the race.
Having previously made a tactical decision to fit specialist mud tyres, and with fellow Island Games star Rob Smart racing in the UK, Gosselin never looked back and dominated the race to the finish lapping everybody on the way.
Robert, however, maintained his good start and put in an impressive performance to take a deserved second place overall and first advanced rider ahead of the only other elite rider to finish Matt Osborn.
Showing their versatility as athletes and utilising their experience as runners, Philip Touzeau and Craig Addlesee turned in creditable performances to take fifth and sixth respectively.
Geoff Gibson was first sport rider and a surprising return to form for Pierre Paul saw him take the veteran win over Shaun Moseley.
The junior riders competing on a shortened course saw Vicky Mann taking first place over two laps in the under-eights.
Bradley Smith won the under-10s three-lap race while the longer four-lap one for the under-12s was once again led home by William Falla ahead of Michael Mann.
While the cross country series now takes a break for three months, focus shifts towards the other off-road events offered by the varied Velo Club calendar.
Article posted on 21st May, 2007 - 12.00am
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