Ian Brown's XC Series round 5 results
A huge field of 63 competitors took to the fast tracks at Delancy Park for the Guernsey Velo Club's fifth round of the Ian Browns MTB XC series. The riders faced a challenging course featuring narrow single tracks, tree-lined stretches, and significant elevation changes, all set on a well designed MTB track. With John Mapley returning to the competition, the expert category always promised a tightly contested race, with James Roe and Mark Le Page also vying for victory. Utmost International Academy riders Charlie Tourtel and Seth Davey were determined to make their mark as well. The race began with the typical formation of five riders maintaining pace for the first four laps. However, a burst of speed from Charlie Tourtel on lap five resulted in a split and Seth Davey falling away. Over the final six laps, the lead changed hands multiple times, but it was Tourtel who showed his strength, sprinting to secure his first victory in the expert category, while also clocking the fastest lap at 5:28. Close behind, Roe and Mapley finished in second and third places respectively, with Mark Le Page rounding out the top four.
Utmost International Academy youth rider Zach Smith was also in fine form, as he put in a impressive display to take the win in the Advanced category and 5th Overall. Fellow academy rider Remi Le Compte took the second spot with Pete Sargent in third.
The veteran class never fails to disappoint with Wayne Piercey firmly in control, taking the win from Dan Hamon, who despite struggling for pace in the single track, took the second spot, ahead of a returning Tim Stonebridge in third. Mark Smith continued his dominance in the Grand Vets with Jamy Petit-Fulgoni and Donna Smith taking the win in thier respective ladies categories.
Utmost International Academy rider Freddie Martel is untouchable at the moment as he took the win in the U14's, ahead of Luca Robilliard and Harry Manning who continue to grind out good performances in this class.
Jacob Piercey and Hugo Johnson were the riders to catch in the U12’s and U10’s, both registering wins in the junior boys categories. Orla Pipet and Esther Martel were the stand-out riders in the under 10’s / 8's.
The next MTB event will be held on the 25th May starting at 9am - venue to be confirmed.
Written by Rod Smith.
