King’s Lynn rider Smithers set up victory with speedy opening lap

Mens 3 hour winner Andrew Cockburn laps Elvita Branch, second woman overall, at the Revel MTB races. Picture: Fergus Muir (Image: Archant)

KLMTB member Robert Smithers won the shorter 90-minute race, setting himself up with a very fast first lap on the course which was flowing, but not exceptionally challenging.

Next fastest was Kieran Jarvis – still a Junior under MTB rules – while Norwich rider Matt Ellis was second Senior followed by a near tie between Chris Skinner and Adam Cross, who were both charging towards the finish line when a backmarker fell and they were practically forced to a stop.

Women's 90 minutes winner – by over 10 minutes – was Laura Sampson.

The first off were the Three Hour competitors and here both winners were on hardtail (suspension only at the front) bikes.

The Senior start at the Revel MTB races in Thetford Forest. The winner was Robert Smithers in the orange helmet, number 125. Picture: Fergus Muir (Image: Archant)

Among the women, Thetford rider Mel Paddington came from behind to overhaul early leader Elvita Branch.

Senior Men's winner Andrew Cockburn had mainly to worry about supervet Paul Ashby, but did manage to stay in front of the Veteran winner.

'Real cyclo-cross weather' was a phrase heard several times as rain brought a full-blown mudfest to West Suffolk Wheelers cyclo-cross on Hardwick Heath.

There was a clear progression to the day. It rained on the youngest riders, whose races come first. Then the 12-16s finished splattered with liquid mud.

The junior start winner Kieran Jarvis no 234 - at the Revel MTB races in Thetford Forest. Picture: Fergus Muir (Image: Archant)

Next came the Vets races where tight corners became the centre of spectator interest as riders slid off, but bikes continued to stay clear enough of mud to function okay.

But by the final race the drying mud was sticking and clogging. Wheels stopped going round and interest focussed on bike changing in the pits.

In the first-lap charge, Dougal Toms, running with his bike, actually took the lead from James Madgwick and Sean Dunlea who were still in the saddle.

However, biding his time behind these, it was Stephen James who finally took the flag.

Dougal Toms runs into the lead, passing James Madgwick (left) and Sean Dunlea, at West Suffolk Wheelers cyclo-cross. Picture: Fergus Muir ...040 Dougal Toms runs into the lead, passing James Madgwick (left) and Sean Dunlea (Image: Archant)

It is sad to be reporting that Godric Cycling Club members are mourning their loss of Dave Hatcher, stalwart member and secretary of the club for many years.

UEAs Matthew Madgwick (left) hands a clean bike to twin brother James at West Suffolk Wheelers cyclo-cross. Picture: Fergus Muir (Image: Archant)

Swainsthorpe rider Dougal Toms leads Callum Riley over the planks at West Suffolk Wheelers cyclo-cross. Picture: Fergus Muir (Image: Archant)

It was slippery in the Vets race at the West Suffolk Wheelers cyclo-cross. Picture: Fergus Muir (Image: Archant)