The 2023 Schwalbe British 4X Series finals took place at the incredible Twisted Oaks Bike Park in Ipswich yesterday where the 2023 Series Champions would be crowned.

This track is one of the most flowing 4X race tracks in the UK; with a great mix of overtaking, multi lines and technical sections this track is loved by amateurs and elites.

With the track being just a couple of miles away from the nearest beach this was also an excuse for the riders to arrive a little earlier than usual to enjoy the idyllic setting that this unique track has. The open practice session on Saturday was busy as riders sessioned the sections working out the best lines for racing on Sunday. Sunday’s conditions were dry and the track was in perfect condition for the day’s racing to get started.

The crowd favourite big fun class for ages 17+ kicked off the finals with Adam Ford taking the win ahead of James Moores and John Marsh.

The 7-9 year olds then took to the stage as Jaxon Marsh grabbed the holeshot and didn’t look back, taking the win in front of Harrison Grigg and Harvey Roberts.

Moving up an age group and the 10-12 rippers wowed the crowds all day an in the final it was Harry Donald who took the win. The European number two BMX rider looked just as good on the 4X bike as he has all year on the 20”. Josh Sylvester took 2nd with Jacob Marsh in third and Robin Matern Alonso in fourth.

Moving onto the juveniles, the season-long battle between Felyx Williams and Barnaby Tucker resumed. This time it was Williams taking the win ahead of Tucker, with Jay Holt-Davies in third and Max Corrigan in fourth.

Next up were the youth who, once again, proved that they are the next generation of bike racers. Zac Twitchen made a great start and dominated the race leading from start to finish ahead of Lucas Rose, Harvey Gulliver and Mark Reynolds.

In the junior event, after flying all year, Izak Williams took the win at this final race cementing his overall champion result. Kyran Patel finished second overall, with Over Swift in third and Dylan Willis fourth.

In seniors it was all set to see Josie McFall take her first win against the men as she qualified as top seed, but her competitors had other ideas. Making a good gate, things became tight in turn one and McFall was on the ground. Louis Hopkins capitalised and held on to take the win from Jaccob Stell and Connor Jocelyn with crowd favourite McFall rolling down in fourth position.

In the masters the hunt for the overall title was the talk of the weekend. Dave Richardson was the shock of the day, eliminated in the motos, which left the way clear for Matt Hillyard to take the title. In the final though, David Sibley took a fantastic win from Hillyard, with Simon Nash in third and Tom Price in fourth.

Onto the crowd favourite veterans category. Paul Hanks hey off a hard, charging Julian Allen to take the win with Allen coming in second, Richard Rowland in third and Roy Sutton in fourth.

The grand vets showed they do not hang around and after a ferocious battle, it was David Michael who took the win from competitors Andy Davies, David Trevena and Andrew Ballard.

Katie Hayes continued her amazing run of form this year in the senior women’s category taking the win from Alice Taylor, Claire Mardell and Katie Walker. Unfortunately Jessica Taylor suffered a crash earlier in the day and we wish her a speedy recovery.

Finally, it was the turn of the elite men. Connor Hudson took gate one, Ian Forsyth in two, Ben Jones on three in three and Jack Hudson in four. The gate dropped and it was Connor Hudson with the holeshot. In turn one, riders fought for position but it was Forsyth who carried speed and got away in the lead. Ben Jones slipped into second to chase Forsyth. Through the tough pro line, Forsyth extended his lead and crossed the finish line for the win, celebrating ecstatically. Jones followed with a career best second place and the Hudson Brothers cane in third and fourth, Connor finishing ahead of Jack.

Finally, after 20 years, Chris Roberts, the Schwalbe British 4X Series organiser is retiring. We just want to say a huge thank you to Chris for everything he has done for the British 4X Series over the years. We hope to see Chris on the start gate in 2024 finally back racing 4X!

2023 Overall Series Champions:

7-9 Male - Jaxon Marsh
Juvenile Female - Anya Matern Alonso
Juvenile Male - Felyx Williams
Youth Female - Alice Taylor
Youth Male - Lucas Rose
Junior Male - Izak Williams
Senior Female - Katie Hayes
Senior Male - Connor Jocelyn
Master Female - Claire Mardell
Master Male - Matthew Hillyard
Veteran Female - Claire Dorrian
Veteran Male - Richard Rowland
Grand Vets - David Michael
Elite Female - Jessica Taylor
Elite Male - Scott Beaumont

Event album on Flickr