Forest of Dean Fun Kids MTB Race

 

Spring Series 2008

Sunday 6 April 2008

 

Report & Images: Mike Anstice

Heavy snow was forecast and at 6.45am I checked out of the window to see a liberal covering of snow settled across the garden, but the thaw had begun, with no problems on the local roads the www.fodca,org.uk web site updated.....

"THE RACE IS ON!!"

Forest Cycle Ranger Andy's hard work had paid off with funding now for the all weather surfacing of the fodca single track trail and delivery of stone ready for the works had begun with nice piles all along 500m of the race trail, so the rakes came out and some Parents, Ben and Mike levelled the finish line and stomped down the hardcore.

After a warm day for the March event we didn't know if we were in Greece or Greenland as the sun shone through the forest canopy with occasional blasts of a chilling wind blowing in the occasional snow flurries; This didn't freeze the kids enthusiasm starting with a smaller field this month, the under 10 & 12 set off at Sam Beckingsale's pace. Racing 5 to 8 laps, on the diverted course they stormed around the forest trail some new converts to Mtb racing and regulars alike as young as 8. Sam first over the line today followed by a few lapped riders then Rowan Millar & Nathan Llewellyn and the first of the under 10's Ben Beckingsale and Jack Broadley also completing 7 laps, 1st girl Emily Haycox (U12) and then the under 10's Ffion Llewellyn, Suzanne Clarke & Grace Bennion.

U16's race was fast and furious, Ruby Millar British Cyclo Cross Champion, the only girl entered today set the pace from the first lap like a chased hare they could never catch, teasing the ensuing under 14/16 pack. It was a storming pace raced over 4 to 6 laps, U16 boys winner Ryan closely pursued by Dave Jones and Sam Anstice 3rd; The under 14 winner new to the event but not to the Forest, he won the last Septembers 1 lap Enduro was Matt Godden from Painswick, followed by last year series winner Jack Llewellyn and Joe Anstice 3rd.

A small field of small under 8 set off for the fun under 8 race, applauded on every turn they raced for 10 minutes and many managed 7 laps, a storming pace set by Abergavenny girl Megan watched by big sister Becky James, Great Britain Track and Road team member. This race is fantastic for any youngster with a bike and the energy of younger than 8 at the last New Year.

PARENTS

Once again Mike Anstice did a brilliant job setting the course in Sallowallets behind the cycle centre ably assisted by Forest Enduro organiser Ben Oliver. Disaster was averted as contractors upgrading the FoDCA trail to an all weather surface had inadvertently dropped their gravel in neat piles along where the kids were to ride - Mike and Ben and a couple of parents with rakes made some changes to the course ensuring racing went ahead. [Martin Green RDFCC]

Just a note to say "many thanks" for organising the junior MTB races on Sunday - our kids (Sylvie & Peregrine) had their first taste of racing (U8 and U10) and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. We will certainly try and get along to similar future events. [Chris Slinger]

David Evans (RDFCC) 5 year old Sammy from Coleford in his first race joined the Under 8's, soon mastered the course finding it easier to run the uphill sections cyclo-cross style than pedal his single speed bike.

Debbie Pearce (RDFCC) Jack & Daniel Pearce, 7 year old Jack found the going tough in his first event but nevertheless finished well up the field; Brother Daniel 8 found the job easier with the benefit of gears as he raced the Under 10's encouraged along by mum, brother and sister.

The youngsters from Abergavenny RC braved the cold to compete in round 2 of the Forest of Dean Kids MTB Series; on a fast course today, the club rider competed in age groups with usual determination with five youngsters taking first place.

The Beckingsale youngsters took a clean sweep in their races, it must be that Sugar Loaf Mountain Air, order it bottled now!!

Thanks for all the help from parents and RDFCC Club members who helped with the signing on, marshalling and recording whilst I helped the Ian Jenkins commissaries and also doubled up as event photographer. [Mike]

 

Results

C08
1 Megan James
2 Sylvia Slinger

 

1 Joseph Beckingsale
2 Thomas Biddle
3 Scott Bridgewater
4 Harvey Rollason
5 Jack Pearce
6 Andrew Wheatley
7 Sam Uele

 

C10  
1 Ffion Llewellyn
2 Suzanna Clarke
3 Grace Bennion
4 Ben Beckingsale
5 Jack Broadley
6 Cameron Biddle
7 Peter Kibble
8 Nathan Ford
9 Josh Bridgewater
10 Peregrine Slinger
11 Daniel Pearce
12 Joseph Addis

C12  
1 Emily Haycox
2 Ffion James

 

1 Sam Beckingsale
2 Rowan Miller
3 Nathan Llewellyn
4 George Hill

C14  
1 Matt Godden
2 Jack Llewellyn
3 Joseph Anstice
4 Sam Broomhall
5 Howard Clarke
6 Thomas Profit
7 Simon Todd
8 Blake Ward

C16  
1 Ruby Miller

1 Ryan Nash
2 David Jones
3 Samuel Anstice
4 Harry Williams

Further Info on the Series

The races are short course and multilap so the riders are never far away, this creates a tremendous atmosphere, entertaining for the spectators & an enjoyable and challenging event for the competitors. To see you all storming around the trail is tremendous. Almost 50 riders came down to the woods for the last race so get your entry in www.fodca.org.uk/race If you haven't raced 'XC' yet there's never been a better time to give it a go!! So it's down to Wales just this side of Carmarthen at Llyn Llech Owain for the third race in the Welsh Youth Mtb Series (previously round 5) so see you there on Sunday April 13th!