Local knowledge proved a valuable asset for Tom Dowie as took the honours in the pro elite race at the opening round of the HSBC UK | National Four Cross Series at Chicksands Bike Park.
Having been convinced to take part after a four-year absense from the four cross scene, Dowie put in an excellent performance at the very course he helped design.
Persistent rain throughout the moto stages changed the dynamic of the course as the day progressed, with every qualifying moto group different to the previous one.
The narrow S-bend in particular proved tricky for many of the lower categories and arguably decided many of the rider positions well before the bottom half of the course.
Connor Hudson and Nathan Parsons took second and third respectively, with both showing similar form to their performance at the same venue in 2016, dropping down a position this time around.
Jack Hudson and Duncan Ferries, who was the winner of the B-final, took the final places on the podium.
"I helped design the course with my dad so I suppose local knowledge definitely helped today," said Dowie.
"It has been almost four years since I raced four cross, which I did at world level, and this is my first race back in the sport. But after this, I will certainly be riding a few rounds this season!
"Chicksands is a totally different course to the rest of the venue but it is used daily in the bike park so it was built to cater for everyone and fun to ride day in, day out."
Tyde D'Souza rode a faultless race to take the win in the women's category.
Riding for Dirt Bike School, D'Souza sailed through the moto stages to qualify for the final, delivering an excellent display against the rest of the field to secure the individual victory and help secure the overall team prize.
All women's competitors were riding together at Chicksands with D'Souza, riding as a youth, beating two junior racers Megan Wherry and Leah Clinch, who took second and third place respectively, while the podium was completed by Kelly Salone and Strivenns.
Oscar Powell took the win in the junior race from Finn Keogh, Matt Griffin and Alex Piper.
Results
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