British Cycling National MTB series Round 2 at Margam Park
Utmost International academy riders Zach Smith and Charlie Tourtel and club member Mark Le Page recently attended round two of the British National XC series, which returned to Margam Park, Wales last weekend.
The 6.95km course is set in the 850 acre country estate is situated two miles east of Port Talbot on the narrow coastal plain, set on the southern slopes of Mynydd Margam, a largely forested mountain rising to a height of 349m.
Zach and Charlie rode in the Youth and Junior categories and would need all their skills to endure a mix of fast downhill style single tracks, 238m of steep climbs per lap, drop offs and fire roads, it was certainly not a course for the faint hearted. Starting 13th of 49 on the grid, Zach had an impressive opening lap, positioning himself in 8th place. Lap two would see Zach drop down to 10th place as he found himself embroiled in an exciting contest with five other riders, which were all closely grouped for the remaining two laps and despite giving his all, Zach had to settle for 15th spot on this occasion. A very hard fought race, which saw this group separated by a mere 16 seconds at the finish.
Charlie Tourtel rode in the raceteam-fuelled Junior class, where he was gridded 16th of 29 and would certainly have his work cut out over the 3 laps. The mass start would see him starting well, moving up to the top ten after lap one. Despite going over the handle bars on lap two, Charlie continued to grind out the remaining lap to finish in a very creditable 16th place. Great preparation for the Island Games in July!
Despite travel issues Mark Le Page found himself on the start line in the star studded Expert Category. Gridded in 16th place, Le Page made a great start and found himself in seventh spot after lap one. He settled into the pace well but did lose some further places during lap two and with the heat taking its toll, he would lose three further places to finish in 14th. A great effort against some hardcore XC riders and a top performance by all the travelling club riders.
Round three of the series will see Zach Smith travelling to Glentress in Scotland on the 11 May 2025 where he will tackle part of the course used in the 2023 World Championships.
Written by Rod Smith.
