Midlands XC Round 2 - Cannock Chase

Permalink | No Comments (0) | Share This

May 25th saw the second round of the Midlands XC series roll into town. After a month of non-stop racing, it was my time to be back on the other side of the course tape and play race co-organiser again.

With 250 pre-entries, the series is flourishing and we were at maximum capacity a week before the event. Whoever said XC racing is dying, needed to come round and help us reply to all the emails in the preceding week from riders asking to be put on the reserve list.

Holding the event on a bank holiday was always risky, but the rain held off until the morning races had finished ensuring the female and junior categories enjoyed a dry, dusty 7km course, tucked away in a densly wooded corner of Cannock Chase.

I’ve learnt from previous mistakes and now know you can’t organise a race and compete in it as well. However, with Charlie getting married, Matt ill and Paul recovering from his first 24hr solo effort, it was down to Phil to fly the flag for the 29er crew, taking 5th place in the elite race (which was won in convincing fashion by Trek SIS rider, David Fletcher - who grabbed a bronze medal at last years world champs in the junior category).

A mention also for fellow 29er rider Christian Aucote (Kenda/Haro Goldtec) who finished third in the expert race, despite a first lap puncture. You need some Bontrager tyres mate!