Sunday began the 3rd year running for the Woodland Riders winter series, held at the commonly known site of Chipshop. With a good entry and one of the first races of 2012 an exciting days racing was ahead.
Using a good variation of tracks, Chaz created possibly the longest and most varied course Chipshop had to offer. 'Wooded Track' provided the pedalling, 'Avalanche' provided the carnage and 'Gnarkill' provided the technicality. Conditions being dry but a tacky track with lots of grip.
It soon came apparent that 'Avalanche' was going to be the section to watch. Featuring four jumps in a row (gap, small double step down, flat hip, double) riders were finding that if they wanted a competing time they would have to make the first gap, being the trickiest. Its safe to say that this jump took its share of victims throughout the day. This section was even more daunting to the riders as it was packed with hecklers, shouting all sorts of abuse to make you go faster or in some cases crash harder.
After the first runs, Jay Williamson was leading overall from Ash Mullane who was just a second back. These two were followed closely by Harry Steer and Ben Deakin. In Juniors Ryan Tunnell held top spot, but also followed very closely by Charlie Ross. Owen Willicombe had smashed the Youth category by over 7 seconds, as had Andy Boyle in masters beating second by 13 seconds!
Second runs allowed riders that chance to make up those extra seconds on their first run. Ash Mullane did just this and beat Jay Williamson by 0.164 in seniors. Ryan Tunnell, Andy Boyle, Owen Willicombe and John Cobb all held their own and dominated their categories throughout the day.
Results:
Rippers:
1st: Charlie Scutt (2:11.313)
Juvenile:
1st: Jack Hewlett (1:42.856)
2nd: Matthew Bryant (1:52.253)
3rd: Kieran Atherton (2:03.252)
Youth:
1st: Owen Willicombe (1:25.989)
2nd: James Cooke (1:33.436)
3rd: Jack Bell (1:33.438)
Junior:
1st: Ryan Tunnell (1:24.811)
2nd: Bow-Jango Cann (1:25.514)
3rd: Charlie Ross (1:25.696)
Senior:
1st: Ash Mullane (1:20.456)
2nd: Jay Williamson (1:20.620)
3rd: Harry Steer (1:22.007)
Master:
1st: Andy Boyle (1:26.020)
2nd: Lee Pattemore (1:39.739)
3rd: Andrew McRobbie (1:40.776)
Veteran:
1st: John Cobb (1:28.501)
2nd: Sam Shields (1:33.047)
3rd: Matthew Oakley (1:34.053)
As always thanks to Chaz Lamely who does a top organisation job. Thanks also to all the marshals, photographers, spectators etc. Get yourself entered for round 2 below.
woodlandriders-racing.co.uk
More photos from the day can be found:
Here
Photos: Angus McIntosh
Words:
Greg Berry
