Southern XC 2008 - Review
1.10.08
The Southern XC Series 2008 has been a fantastic success especially when you consider the NPS crumbled before it had even finished. We are lucky in the South to have the support from Sponsors and riders to make the series viable year on year. We certainly went out on a high with over 400 riders entered our biggest filed of the year on a bright sunny day on a great fun course at Bordon. Let's hope everyone returns for the series next year, the numbers have been steadily increasing this year so 2009 could be a record year.
We have been seeing riders returning to cross country from years gone by plus many new riders are coming into the sport. We have our regular racers that are loyal to the series and those that come and dabble in the odd round. With the series now BC sanctioned we have also seen riders travelling from further afield in search of a good race with ranking points on offer.
We have been investing heavily in the series thanks to our sponsors Pedal On and Felt bikes and this will help us onto a better starting point next year. Plans are already underway for a full 5 round series at the better venues from this year plus a couple of new ones. We are also looking to hold an exciting stand alone Southern Championship at a venue not used now for a few years.
This year started with lots of promise at a great course at Mapledurham but disaster struck on the morning of the event as we had several inches of snow fall in a couple of hours. The race went ahead but many riders didn't get there and as the snow melted the mud stuck to bikes and it became a real slog. Unfortunately all the hard work we did building the course was wasted as inconsiderate parking in the farm yard instead of on our allocated field meant we have been asked not to return again.
East Grinstead started well but the heavens opened about midday and that too became a mudfest. Crow Hill was a great success especially as it was used by many as a test event for the National Champs. Erlestoke made a welcome return to the series and it turned out to be the favourite course for many. Alton once suffered with rain but this time we were ready for it and had used the hardest packed trails we could find to keep it 100% rideable despite the mud. Bordon was dry and warm so 3 wet races and 3 dry races at least we kept the races varied.
Going into the final round Adrian Lansley (Pedal On.co.uk) was leading the series ahead of team mate Chris Minter. Ade had wrapped up rounds 1 & 2 in the mud but had to settle for 2nd behind Gareth Montgomerie (Colnago/Ergon RT) at round 3. Ade took a gamble and dropped round 4 to ride the Marathon Champs which left the door wide open for Chris and bagged his first Southern win of the year. When Ade took the win at the Southern Camps he was odds on favourite to take the overall title but he had to finish. Chris would be there to uphold the Pedal On honours if the worst was to happen. Chris too had to finish as a mechanical at round 2 in the mud meant he too was relying on the final.
At Bordon Billy-Joe Whenman made his first appearance at the series and tried to upset the apple cart but Ade was having none of it and it went down to the wire battling lap on lap. It was Ade who got the break in the closing stages and emerged from the woods first with a 9 second gap. The pair of them nearly got caught though by a fast finishing Chris Minter who put in a storming 4th lap and closed in on the final lap to only 3 seconds off Billy-Joe. So Ade got the series with Chris second and Andy Howett picked up 3rd from a string of consistent results.
In Experts Tim Dunford (Hargroves) continued his domination and perhaps now BC will realise they should have let him ride Elite this year as he will certainly be going straight back up next year. Tim rode the equal fastest lap of the day 21 minutes dead same time as Mark Hutt's opening lap. Although Minters 4th lap time of 21.03 is more impressive. Just as impressive was that 21.03 was equalled by veteran Mark Chadbourne on his opening lap, no wonder I couldn't get any where near him! Tim took the series although Chris Lane was close with 3 wins at the opening rounds although his results tailed off in the final rounds it was enough for 2nd overall. Nick Coley (Evans) took 2nd.
In the women's Elite race Nicky Hughes (Activ) took another win and wrapped up the series. Hilana Marais (Rock & Road) took the win in the Expert race and also took the series win.
In the under 12's Sam Shepherd (Primera) got his first win of the series and was also promoted to top spot on the podium for the series as the dominant Herne Hill boys were probably at Abergavenny. Gretel Warner (Team Darenth) got yet another win and with the series.
The Juveniles was won in style by Martin Turton (BOBS) and he also wrapped up the series. Liam Keynes (1st gear Cycles) took 2nd overall after a string of top 5 results. Darren Pyke (VC Deal) got 4th which was enough to take 3rd overall.
In Youths Steve James (Mountain Trax) won with Ben Roff (Team Keyne) 2nd and the same order on the podium for the series but they were joined by Ryan Keynes (1st Gear Cycles) in 3rd spot after regular top 10's all year.
In Juniors Sam Barley took the win but only having 2 rounds he was not in contention for the series. That honour was taken by 2nd place man on the day Matt Taylor (Pedal On) with John Pybus getting 2nd overall after his 3rd place on the day.
The Vets was virtually a done deal with Mark Chadbourne (Ride) being totally dominant all year. His only downfall was dnf due to a puncture at round 5 so he still needed to finish the final to take the title. Darren Shepherd was there to take his place with his string of 2nds if anything went wrong. He too needed to finish as he didn't start round 5 due to a bad back. Needless to say it was all systems normal and another 1-2 for this pair in the race and the series. The battle was really for 3rd place and I was in on this one, I had a flush of 3rd places but with a dnf (mech hanger) at round 2 I could be caught by Roland Tilley (Ride) or my team mate Mark Cracknell (AWCycles). Roland was strongest on the day and took 3rd in the race and the series. Not the first time he has knocked me back on the final round.
The Tilley household must have a few trophies as Carol also went home with another 2 for the race and series wins.
The Grand Vets was totally dominated all year by Ray Crosthwaite ( Pedal On) who won every round except round 1 which he decided to skip as he didn't like the snow. Paul Warner (Team Darenth) took 2nd with round 1 winner Clive Ely (mountain Trax) getting 3rd overall.
The Open race and the series was left wide open as the dominant Serge Hunt had already promoted himself up to Sport before the series was over, nice move! Owen Pattinson (Owens Cycles) won on the day but with only 2 results he wouldn't have an impact on the overall which went to the regular guys who had scored consistent results. Dave Nicholson (1st Gear Cycles) got top spot with Kevin Lawley (Leisure Wheels) 2nd and Simon Lesser (Suppshop.co.uk) was 3rd. The womens race was won by Clair Muir (Leisure Wheels) got her 3rd win but as you need 4 results the title went unclaimed.
The Sport race was won by Juan Pablo Hercules in his first race of the series but it was 2nd placed Simon Allard (Offcamber.co.uk) who walked off with the series title. Daniel Eastment (Ham Hill Billies) was 3rd on the day but moved up a step on the podium when the big trophies came out. This left Phil Lenney to take 3rd place.
Maxine Filby won the ladies Sport race but we have been lacking ladies this year so again the title was unclaimed.
The Masters women though seemed to show up whatever the weather and there was a good battle for the top 3. The order in the race was Amber Atkinson (Pedal On) 1st, Mandy Hibberd (Pedal On) 2nd and Emma Craddock (South Downs Bikes) 3rd. This order was reversed though for the series positions with Emma getting top spot over the Pedal On girls.
The Master mens race was going to be a good one to watch with Graham Warby absent he handed the title to Mark Hutt (AWCycles). Mark wanted a win though and so did Paul Hopkins (Mountain Trax) so a good battle was set. Nick Onslow (Pedal On) was safe in 2nd so Hoppy just needed a good result to take 3rd overall. Mark Hutt set a storming first lap with the fastest lap of the day and set up a good gap over Hoppy which he never managed to close. Tom Smith (AWCycles) took 3rd in the race but only had 3 results so would not be in contention.
So that's it for another year see you all in the Spring at the first round. We have an issue with the gridding for round 1 next year as where riders didn't show up for the final we have not included them in the series results. However for the gridding I feel they should be included so we are discussing whether we include best 5 from 6 results for everyone or count 6 (all) results for everyone as a opening ranking for next year as that is how the National rankings would have ranked everyone.
Once again thanks to our two Sponsors Felt Bikes and to Pedal On who also supplied and ran the website, the on-line entry and the series points etc. Adrian Lansley especially was a true star he helped run the series in the background for you and he went a won it too. If you see them don't forget to thank my right hand men (and woman), Trevor, Henry, Ben and Mr and Mrs Murph.
Steve Jones
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Southern XC 6 - Results and Overall Standings now published
22.09.08
Thanks to everyone who came out to enjoy the sunshine and the Bordon singletrack at yesterday's final round.
Results and overall standings are now published.
Pedal On would like to say a huge thanks to the SMBC team of Steve, Ben, Murph, Trevor and Henry for running 3 rounds of the series and coordintaing things. A massive thanks to Chris Denman, Paul Warner and Julian Lye and their respective back up teams of West Drayton MBC, Team Darenth and SPAM for running individual rounds of the series. Without all of these people and their helpers the series would be impossible to run.
And lastly, thanks to the hundreds of riders who turned out in ALL conditions to support the UK's best regional race series of 2008.
See you all in 2009.
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Southern XC 6 - 2 weeks to series finale!
05.09.08
The final round of the Southern Xc series will take place on sunday the 21st of September at the classic Bordon venue. Bordon is one of the most loved courses in the South of England. Its flowing Singletrack means racing is hard but fun! the Bordon course will stand up to any weather conditions and is blessed with a great hard standing car park.
Online entries will close 5pm Weds 17th.
We look forward to seeing you there.
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Southern XC 5 - Results
02.06.08
Results and Series Standings after Round 5 are now posted.
Thanks to everyone who turned out to battle the annual July mud bath!
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Southern XC 5 - Reminders
30.06.08
Just a few quick reminders for Round 5.
Online Entry shuts on Wednesday the 2nd of July at 17:00
If you have raced any Southern Xc races this year then don't forget your series number board for round 5.
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Southern XC 4 - Results
02.06.08
Results and Series Standings after Round 4 are now posted.
Thanks to everyone who made it to the race and a big thanks to the SPAM team for organising the race.
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Southern Area Championships Information
23.05.08
Round 5 of the Southern Xc is also the Southern Area Championship. To be eligible for the title of Southern Area Champion you need to have a BC licence registered in one of the following regions: South, South East, South West, Central or Eastern.
If your licence is outside of these regions you can still collect ranking points. You do not need a licence to take part in the race.
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Southern XC 4 - Entry Reminder
23.05.08
Online Entry shuts on Wednesday the 28th at 17:00
If you rode at Round 1,2 or 3, don't forget your series number board for round 4.
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Southern XC 3 - Results
19.05.08
Results and Series Standings after Round 3 are now posted.
Thanks to everyone who made it to the race.
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Southern XC 3 - Update
16.05.08
Only 2 days until Rd3 of the Southern Series gets underway. The news from Steve Jones at the course is that it is very dry there! Most of the course is well draining, so any rain before Sunday should have little effect on the course.
The access to the venue is slightly changed to previous events at the venue, day parking is another few hundred metres along the lane. Just head towards the old entance (now for campers only) and follow the signs.
Directions:
Leave A31 between Cadnam (end of M27) and Ringwood at Picket Post by the Services, follow signs to Burley. After 1 mile take 1st road on right to Crow just after the Burley sign. Follow road for approximately 1 mile and turn 1st left into Charles's Lane.
Access roads will be marked but entrance to camp site only is down 1st track under 50 yards on the left just by the cattle grid sign. Entrance will be marked but also says 'Valemoor' and there is a Caravan & Camping Club Certified Location sign at the entrance. Proceed carefully down this track, turn right after about ¼ mile by water tap and Elsan point. Follow sandy track beside woods to the far end and camping filed is on the right.
For the main entrance and parking continue on Charles's Lane over the cattle grid for a further approx 200 yards, entrance is a track into the wood on the left just past Gaddens Close Farm. Proceed carefully down the hill and the car park is at the very end on the left.
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Southern XC 3 - Reminders
12.05.08
Just a few quick reminders for Round 3.
Online Entry shuts on Wednesday the 14th at 17:00
If you rode at Round 1 or 2, don't forget your series number board for round 3.
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Southern XC 2 - Race Report
02.05.08:
Race report from Rd 2 Southern XC by Paul Warner of Team Darenth:
A couple of friends and I had spent three days getting the course ready for our round two of the
series. On the Thursday we had some heavy showers which put a block on a few technical sections
of which I wanted to use. This was Due to the previous few weeks of rain which had made the
ground sodden and impassable. We desperately needed some dry weather prior to the event, which
we got on the Friday and Saturday. On the race day it was cloudy but dry, we was keeping our
fingers crossed that it would not rain. But the day was going to be a race of two parts the morning
dry and fast, the afternoon slow and muddy.
The first race of the day was going to be the under 12s which were going to be half the senior course. On the start of the first
descent Gretel Warner crashed heavily due to a rider changing their line and colliding with her, she was to not complete her
race. The boys carried on with Tom Franklin in the lead which he managed to keep to the finish,
closely followed by Henry Barnes of Palmer Park just four seconds back, with team mate David
Barnes in third.
The under 10s were to be doing two mini laps of the upper circuit, which was still
spongy in places. The racing was very tight with Freddie Argent of HHYCC and Freddy Wright
contesting for the two front places. The win went Freddie Argent with Freddy Wright twelve seconds
back, closely followed by James Hopwood of Team Darenth. Jenna Pakin of Team Darenth was to
win the girls race by nearly two minutes over Gemma Heath.#
Luke Grey was going to the youth race a one horse affair he stomped round in just under forty seven minutes for two laps; he also
had the fastest lap of the day. The second spot was a close affair between Ben Roff and Hugo Humphreys, with Ben pulling out a
minute on Hugo on the final lap to take second and Hugo third. Samantha
Bryant was not to have it own way at this round she was take second spot behind Hannah Barnes of
Palmer Park Velo.
The juvenile boy’s race was won by Alex Baker of Orange Monkey with a gap of
nearly two and a half minutes back to the next rider. The second spot was going to be a tight affair
of only nine seconds separating Martin Turton and Harvey Lowe, which Martin held to the line. Alice
Barnes of Palmer Park Velo took the win over teammate Emily Barnes in the juvenile girls.
The Open men’s was won by Serge Hunt of Petracycles by a margin of nearly ten minutes. Steve Brown and
Dave Nicolson caught John Cordery of Basildon Timber on the second lap, and opened up a gap on
now the fourth placed rider. On the third lap Steve managed to open the gap up to claim second
with Dave in third.
The Fun men’s race was won by Leon Rainsford from start to finish, followed by
Nathan Hoy and Grant Stretch of VCGH , first and only Fun lady was Carly Annable. The winner of
Fun female was Jo Mundon who led from start to finish. But she was being wheeled in by Heather
Scurrell with just twenty two separating them, third went to Sue Ritche of Addiscombe CC.
Calum Chamberlain and Thomas Humphreys where racing together in the Juniors on the first lap. But
Calum turned up the pressure on the second lap to pull away to take the win. Third spot was to go to
Max Filleul over six minutes behind.
Mark Chadbourne of Ride cycle works romped away with the win closely followed by Darren shepherd of Primera Sport even
though the heavens had opened on their third lap which made the course very slippery. Third spot went to Mark Cracknell of A
Wcycles.co.uk. Katherine Mason of Sussex Nomads won the Veteran ladies with Carol Tilley in second place.
After the puncture on rd 1 Ray Crosthwate made sure of the win at rd2 with an
excellent show of why he is one of the best Grand Vets. Second and third spots were being fought
out between Joseph Rowe and Geoff Bores with Joseph finishing eighteen seconds in front of Geoff.
By the time the fourth lot of races had started the rain had stopped and the sun came out this was to cause
the mud to thicken up and times to slow down, so the decision was made to cut the laps down.
Jon Cruikshank of Team Larkfield cycles was able to take the win with steady pace, Simon Allard of
Offcamber /Scott in second followed by Daniel Eastment of Ham Hill Billies in Third.
The Masters race was to change leaders after the first lap Graham Warby took the lead from Jamie Newall in the
second lap. Graham was to take the win, with Jamie being overtaken by Scott Forbes of Pedalon so
was pushed back into third overall. Emma Craddock of South Down Bikes was the only Masters Lady but
she gritted her teeth and got on with her two laps.
Tim Dunford of Hargroves was leading the expert for two laps but was to lose his lead in the final lap to Chris Lane of Dodgy Gear
who rode pass himto clinch the win, third spot was to go Nick Coley of Evans cycles RT. Abi Greenway of Charge Bikes
had just over two minute lead on second placed Fiona Blagg (Bath uni). Abi was winning but the time
difference was cut back to 47 seconds in third was Hilana Marais (Rock and road bikes).
Adrian Lansley (Pedalon) was take the win in what was now becoming a battle to keep going. The only other
finisher was Peter Hawkins some four minutes.
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Southern XC 2 - Uncollected Trophies
01.05.08:
We have quite a few uncollected trophies from round 2. If you finished in the top 3 in your category and would like your trophy then please email us to advise us that you will be attending round 3 and would like to colelct your trophy there.
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Southern XC 2 - Overall standings
29.04.08:
Thanks to everyone who competed at round 2. The earlier races benefited from a drying track which was still a little slippy from the previous week's rain. Races after 1.00pm were subject to a 30 minute downpour which made the course very slippy at first, then very sticky as it slowly dried. The drying mud made bikes heavy and the going very slow! The decision was made to cut the later race's length to avoid any more suffering than was required! We hope we are going to be blessed with better weather for the remaining rounds.
Series standings are now posted.
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Southern XC 2 - Reminders
10.04.08
Just a few quick reminders for Round 2.
Online Entry shuts on Wednesday the 23rd at 17:00
If you rode at Round 1, don't forget your series number board for round 2.
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Southern XC 1 - Race Report
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Southern XC 1 - Race Report
09.04.08 - report by Steve Jones
We have spent many weekends since January cutting and refining the Green Deane Wood course. It was looking good, we had even leaf blown the whole course on the Saturday before the race and even the damp sections in the right down in the valley were beginning to dry out. Ade Lansley did a 20 minute lap in the afternoon and predicted race laps would drop to 17 minutes. We prayed for it to stay dry and the forecast predicted cold winds with some hail storms so we could be lucky.
Come Sunday morning though we were dealt a cruel blow, a blizzard swept across the South of England dumping several inches of snow on the course in about an hour and a half. As many riders from our sponsors team Pedal On would say the weather was ‘BIZARRE’! The leaf blower became a snow blower but there was not time to clear the whole course and the damage was already done. As soon as the snow had stopped falling the sun began to break through the clouds. The snow started melting, which made the early races muddy but still quite fast. This was evidenced by the fastest lap of the day being set by the first racer round the course, Youth winner Ben Roff of Team Keyne with a 27:31 first lap. The conditions got worse as the morning went on as the mud got very sticky although it possibly improved a little in the afternoon as most of the mud was on the Vets bikes by then. Fastest rider of the afternoon was Adrian Lansley with a 28:14 although the average for many seemed to be around 40 minutes a lap with quite a few over the hour!
With the sun still shining though and cold wind helping dry the ground though the mud quickly became very sticky and in parts un-rideable. Unless you had 1.5’s the bikes were clogging up even when pushing so in true cross style you had to carry the bike which by now were seriously heavy with all that mud. The front riders quickly realised the only way to stay ahead was to jump off before the 2 muddy climbs and run with the bike to the top of the hill. Hopefully your wheels were still able to turn and you could jump back on and ride the remaining 2/3 of the lap as the top half of the wood was not so claggy.
So on to the racing, first up in the first snow were the under 12’s. We had to drag them away from their snowball fights and making snowmen to line up in the cold for their races. Some very brave youngsters set off on a hastily shortened course as we daren’t send the little ones down the first chalkpit as you could hardly make out the edges of the drops.
The girls showed the boys up today, all starting together it was the under 12 girls first into view at the end of lap 1. A very close race between Hannah Sykes (VC DEAL/VC DEAL/HAMMONDS/ACTIV) and Gretel Warner (TEAM DARENTH) but Hannah took the win by 4 seconds with Dominique Harris (LEISURE WHEELS) 3rd.
George Meeran (HERNE HILL YOUTH CC) won the boys race with Luke Hibberd 2nd.
In the under 10’s it was Harrison Powell 1st with Frazer Hopkins 2nd and Georgia Hibberd collecting the Gold medal in the girls race.
In the Youth race following Ben home race was Hugo Humphries (Lee Valley YCC) and in 3rd was Peter Robinson (Smart Coaching/Haribo). Samantha Bryant (MARIN UK) was the only girl brave or foolish enough to start the Youth race and battled on her own for an amazing 1hr 47 that’s dedication or points chasing. The Juveniles was won by Martin Turton (BERKS ON BIKES) with Lewis McNicoll (RATZ) 2nd and Liam Keynes (1st GEAR CYCLES/FELT BIKES) in 3rd.
The Open race was quite close at the top but was won by Charles Bell in 2nd was Kevin Lawley (LEISURE WHEELS) and Richard McDowell 3rd. these 3 were the only ones to finish under 2 hours. Worth a mention was the final rider to complete all 3 laps William Nagle in an incredible 3 ½ hours that’s an enduro! The Fun race was won by Steven James of Mountain Trax and Vic Collins 2nd and Leon Rainsford (WFRS) 3rd.
With Carol Tilley (RIDEBIKE.COM) the only Vet women on the start she just had to battle round to clean up max points and she did for just short of 2 hours. Catherine Bates (MUDDY FUNSTERS) was the only lady in the Open race but all the women started together for a bit of competition.
With hindsight we should have cut the laps but looking at Bens 27 minute lap it seemed to be a bit long but not worth cutting it down. However the Open and Fun riders had trashed the course walking up the first 2 climbs and any riding line had been trampled in.
The Juniors were up next and race favourite Michael Butler (ACTIV) quickly stamped his authority on the race and was never troubled. With Jon Pybus (DH CYCLESPORT) taking runner up spot and series sponsor PEDAL ON getting their first rider of the day on the podium with Matthew Taylor.
The Vets were up next and the race could go to several riders. Mark Chadbourne (RIDE CYCLEWORKS) last years series winner being one was on fire at the Gorrick last week setting lap times some of the Elites would have been happy with. New boy Darren Shepherd (PRIMERA) is also on form and the conditions suited him well. Paul Hudson (SPROCKETS.UK.COM) has also stepped up a notch this year and running 1.5’s was able to ride many sections the others were riding. Mark got the early lead but Darren got away to come through first at the end of the lap. Paul was able to ride so much more of the course and reeled them both in to take the lead. Mark Cracknell (AWCYCLES.CO.UK/GIANT) my team mate was another contender especially as the more mud the better he goes but he punctured on the first lap and never made up time before puncturing again on the last. This left me chasing hoping to pick up the pieces. I knew there were some big flints on the course which you could avoid on the Saturday but now hidden in the mud they were waiting to catch out the skinny tyres. Paul set for a big win suffered a cruel blow double puncture on the last lap leaving Mark to take the win. Paul rode on with both flats and no doubt had to do some running like the rest of us on his last lap. Darren was tiring fast and I could see him now and the chase was on. We both passed Paul on the final field section but I couldn’t quite catch Darren who took 2nd but I was happy with 3rd in a very tough race. So on the podium it was Chadbourne, Shepherd and Jones (sounds like some old cowboy film).
The Grand Vets was also left wide open with last year’s series winner Ray Crosthwaite puncturing on the first lap. Surprisingly Andy Roberts a hardened cyclo-cross rider pulled out before the start not happy with the conditions. I would have put him down for a very good chance of beating Ray today. This left ex-moto crosser Clive Ely (MOUNTAIN TRAX) to revel in the mud and take well deserved win from Rob Owen (BIKECITY.BIZ) and in 3rd Chris Absolom (PGSECURITY.CO.UK).
Next up was the main event, the Elite Mens race, my money was Adrian Lansley for the win and not to manage his estimated 17 minute lap. Adrian riding and working for series sponsor Pedal On has been instrumental in helping get the series re-launched with support from Mr Pedal On Andy Cracknell. Not just with cash support but quality number boards, course marking tape but importantly hosting the series website and pre-entries plus Adrian’s time. The snow was a real shame today as pre-entries were 4 times what they were for round 1 last year. If it had been dry we had expected entries to exceed 400. Will Bjergfelt riding for our other series sponsor FELT bikes would be keen to upset my prediction, ideally we wanted one of the sponsor’s riders to take the win. Chris Minter last year’s series winner would also like to start the defence of his title with a win for Pedal On. Ade quickly put a big gap into the others on the first lap with Will and Chris together chasing nearly 2 minutes down. Gareth Montgomerie (COLNAGO/ERGON RT) and Ross Adams (RED KITE CYCLES) were in 4th & 5th a little further back. Chris slowed a bit on the second lap as Gareth picked up the pace and got across to Will. These two now rode together trying to chase down lone leader Ade. Chris hadn’t given up though and he was chasing hard spurred on by the support of his team mates. A late charge with a storming sub 30 minute last lap (his fastest of the race, how does he do that?) saw him pass a tiring Gareth and Will. He was now riding quicker than team mate Ade but it was too late to catch him now. So the win went to Ade, with Chris a fine 2nd and Gareth holding on for 3rd.
The Expert men were right behind them with Chris Lane (DODGY GEAR/BIKE STATION KONA NISSAN RT) taking the win by over 12 minutes from Patrick Cobb ( JOHNS BIKES RT) with George Budd (SALSA FACTORY RACING) in 3rd hopefully grateful of some good Enduro practice with nearly a 2 ½ hour race.
In the Masters it was Graham Warby who dominated and made it look all too easy with very consistent lap times to take the win. Anthony Bailey (LEISURE LAKES RT) took 2nd with Nic Burridge (WHYTE RACING) in 3rd. Special mention goes to Lee Marston (RAF Cycling) who hadn’t realised he had been lapped by Warby and everyone down to 7th place so he went round again for his 4th lap and rode for close to 3 1/2 hours. We were taking the course down so he probably just followed the muddy line through the woods or the auto pilot clicked in and he finally finished at gone 6pm. Timelaps had gone home so he was only credited with 3 laps. A reminder to anyone you finish on the same lap as the leader, if you choose to keep riding that’s up to you!
Simon Allard (OFFCAMBER.CO.UK) set the early pace in the Sport race but paid for the effort and was slowing on the last lap. A fast finishing Daniel Eastment (HAM HILL BILLIES) was nearly 3 minutes faster Simon and of his own previous lap but it was too late and another lap was needed a good 2nd place though. Matthew Fairburn (CHELTENHAM CYCLES) was battling with Daniel for 2nd but couldn’t hold that last lap charge.
Felt got their win after all in the Expert Ladies race with Annie Last (FELT RACING) who was far from last today over 9 minutes clear of Abi Greenaway in 2nd with Fran Mundy 3rd.
To match their 1-2 in the Elite Mens race and round off their day Pedal On added to their trophy cabinet once again in the Masters Ladies race with Amber Atkinson 1st followed by Cam Brown in 2nd.
The 2008 series has kicked off with some notable absentees who didn’t want to brave the snow and mud. Many others gave it a go but suffered bad luck with mechanicals and punctures in the long tough one they will remember for years to come. They will all be looking to make up the lost points at round 2 at Deers Leap Country Park on 27th April. The early leaders will be keen to ensure they don’t and will want to strengthen their early season advantage, so we are all set for some tough racing ahead.
Pictures from the mornings races are from 1st gear cycles www.1stgearcycles.com and Ratz member Paul Robinson has free pictures from throughout the day you can download from www.photobox.co.uk/album/7968031 . Luke Webber also has a gallery from the Elite & Expert races at www.photoboxgallery.com/lukewebber
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Southern XC 1 - A Snowy start to the Southern XC
07.04.08
Despite 4 inches of overnight snow, round 1 of the Southern XC series saw nearly 300 competitors tackle the Mapledurham course. A combination of snow melt and drying afternoon wind made the tricky course hard going in places, a real test of man and machine against the environment. It was definately an extreme race but ultimately it is the variety of courses and conditions that make mountain bike racing so great!
A massive thank you to all of you who took part in the race, in what were very challenging conditions and a huge thank you to the organisers, SMBC, for making sure the race went ahead and was run to a fantastic standard. We look forward to seeing you at round 2 in Kent.
Results are posted at Timelaps now.
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Southern XC Online Entry
01.04.08:
Online Entries for round 1 will close at 17:00 Wednesday 2nd April
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Southern XC Gridding
31.03.08:
Gridding for round 1 of the 2008 series can be found HERE
Gridding is based on 2007 series rankings. Gridding has been applied to categories with a sufficient number of participants in 2007. Master and Super Masters men have been combined for the requirements of BC rankings.
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Southern XC Information Update
28.03.08:
We are just over a week away from the start of the 2008 Southern XC series, here are a few important notes concerning the first race:
Closing date for Postal pre-entries - Tuesday 1st April
Closing date for On-line pre-entries - 17:00, Wednesday 2rd April
Entry is available on the day up to 1 hour before each race.
Series Number Boards
For 2008 we are using high quality vinyl number boards and should be kept for the whole series (your number will not change). A lost or damaged board can be replaced for £3. If you forget your number board we can loan you a temporary number for £1.
Ranking Points & BC Licence
If you want to collect BC ranking points then you must bring your BC licence to registration when signing on so we can record your BC number and check your race category (you must ride in the category on your licence). No licence no BC ranking points.
Gridding
Gridding at round 1 will be based on the top 20 riders from the overall series position from 2007. Open will not be gridded at round 1 as we did not have series points for 2007. Masters gridding will be first 10 from 2007 Super Masters followed by first 10 from 2007 Masters. Only larger categories will be gridded where line grid line up is 2 rows or more deep.
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Southern XC Entry Form
12.03.08:
If you would like to enter by post rather than online or would like a printed entry form with race info on then you can download our entry form HERE (pdf file 1.99MB):
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Southern XC Facebook Group
18.02.08: Southern XC Facebook Group Setup.
If you are a user of Facebook you may like to join the Southern Xc Facebook group. this is an informal group for riders to contact one another and share information abouth Southern XC. Simply visit Facebook and search for Southern XC
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Online Entry Open
01.02.08: Online entry is now open
We apologise for a technical error that may have prevented entry into some catgories over the weekend of 2/3rd February. this has now been resolved.
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Round 1 date confirmed
Press Release from Southern XC 07.01.07:
The date for round one of the series has been confirmed as the 6th of April:
Round 1 6th April Mapledurham, near Reading, Berks.RATMBC
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Southern XC Series 2008
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Southern XC Series 2008
Pedal On is excited to announce its sponsorship the of the Southern XC series for 2008. We are looking forward to helping the Southern XC team to build the best regional race series the UK has seen for a number of years. The series will be visiting 6 classic, new and improved venues.
The 2008 Southern XC series will consist of 6 rounds across Southern England, including a Southern Area Championships at round 4. All rounds will be British Cycling sanctioned events so you are guaranteed a consistent quaility of courses and events. You will also be eligible for National ranking points if you hold a BC Racing licence.
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Official Press Release
Press Release from Southern XC 05.12.07:
For 2008 the Southern XC team will bring you 6 rounds of cross country racing at some great venues across the South. For the first time the series will be sanctioned by British Cycling so you will be able to pick up National ranking points. The series will be a full BC Category E Ranking Series with a Category D Championships which for the Southern Champs means you will get the same points as a National Points race.
Another first for this year is the series has attracted sponsorship from not one but two companies, Pedal On and Felt bikes. Their support will enable us to improve the series infrastructure and support to bring you a more professionally organised series. We are aiming to improve and level the standards across each round of the series.
Round 1 6th April(tbc) Mapledurham, near Reading, Berks.RATMBC
Round 2 27th April Deers Leap Country Park,East Grinstead, West Sussex.Team Darenth
Round 3 18th May Crow Hill,Ringwood, Hants.RATMBC
Round 4 1st June Erlestoke Near Devizes, WiltsSPAM
Round 5 6th July (Sthn Champs) Chawton Park Wood, Alton, Hants.RATMBC
Round 6 21st Sept Oxney Moss,Bordon, Hants.WDMBC
The series will open at Mapledurham near Reading, on the great Green Deen Wood course with some nice technical drops and climbs, some will remember form the first Pro-Cup earlier this year. At the time of going to press this date could be subject to change but the rest of the series has all been confirmed.
Round 2 moves to Deers Leap Country Park with its great mix of technical woodland and fast open tracks. With the promise of a large new parking and arena field at the opposite side of the course plus with some more singletrack added this venue will be much improved.
Round 3 returns to Crow Hill, a great fun course that is surprisingly tough with its constant short sharp climbs. The course will be changed to a clover leaf design to make best us of the stunning central hill top arena and forest trails. This race will be a chance to pre-ride what will be the 2008 National Championships cross country course on July 20th.
Round 4 returns to an old favourite of ours Erlestoke in Wiltshire not used by this series since 2004. A great course used for many SAMS races in the 90's plus a great National Points race that some old hands will remember.
Round 5 will incorporate the Southern Championships which is once again at the excellent Chawton Park Wood course in Alton. A great venue with huge potential lots of great trails to build a varied course in this huge wood. Lets hope for better weather this time but just in case we will be planning some alternative all weather tracks to avoid the worst of the mud.
Round 6 is at Oxney Moss at Bordon once again the series finale. With is fast flowing singletrack it's a fun course with some fast climbs it never lets up and is a worthy end to determine the final series positions.
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