Southern MTB XC Race Report - 2nd Round - Folly Farm
Ten riders from the Guernsey Velo Club travelled to the UK for round two of the 2024 Southern XC MTB Series held in Folly Farm on the Kingsclere Estate in Basingstoke on the 28 April 2024.
The venue, set in the picturesque woodland and countryside valley in the middle of an estate, has trails that have a real old school XC feel, coupled with a gruelling single track, testing turns, progressive climbs through woodland and big fire road blasts. The 5.5km course would certainly be a tough test for the riders, especially as the torrential rain overnight left the course extremely muddy and leant itself to some highly competitive racing.
The U12'S would see Jacob Piercey looking to take his first podium in this category. Jacob made a great start and quickly settled down in third position, despite Jersey Youth Cycling rider Alexander Le Sueur hot on his heels, Jacob managed to hold off Le Sueur to take third place on the podium.
The Juvenile boys would see Zach Smith in top form coming into the event as he looked to extend his lead in the championship. From the off, Zach was in a class of his own, as he lead the race from start to finish, completing the two laps in a time of 50.14 some 4 minutes ahead of Olly Smith, to take his second win in the series and the Southern Championship title for the second year in succession.
The Juvenile girls with would see Holly and Amy Smith competing is their first Southern XC series event. Both girls rode the course with a lot of grit and determination, tackling the difficult riding conditions very well. However, it would be sister Holly who took the bragging rights on the day as she took the 6th spot ahead of Amy in 8th. A great performance for both girls on the treacherous course.
Academy rider Charlie Tourtel rode in the highly competitive Youth boys class with his eyes set on his first podium in the series. After lap one Charlie was sixth position as it became apparent the course conditions definitely suited the talented Cyclocross riders, rather than the XC riders. Charlie remained in sixth place for the duration of the race, but was still smiling at the end.
There were also excellent placing’s for Rod Smith and Pete Miller in the Open and Sport categories. There were also, unfortunate mechanicals for GVC riders Adie Vaudin and Wayne Piercey with Vaudin’s derailleur snapping off on the practice lap, meaning he wouldn’t even make the start line!
Guernsey final race of the afternoon would see the inform Mark Smith riding in the Grand Vet class. Smith started strong and settled into the race well as he battled the tough conditions to finish a very credible 25th place.
A great achievement for all the riders on this relentless track.
The next off island event will see several GVC riders attend round two of British Cycling’s National Mountain Bike Series in Margam Park, in Wales on the 12 May 2024.