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Yet again the sun shone at the final round of the Barnesbury CC’s Muddy Monday MTB Youth League. 29 riders lined up on Monday 15 July 2013 for the Start Cycles and Bernicia supported event held at Gallagher Park, Bedlington.
The competition was fierce right down to the last mass start race. A prank by an unknown joker spoiled the finale, seeing the faster riders diverted off course after the marker tape had been moved before a marshal ensured the slower riders were kept on course. Scrambling to get back on terms Jack Watson ensured a final victory by the fastest rider. After the race, organiser Stephen McIntosh calculated all the permeations to the result, which also included cancelling the last race result. Throughout the permutations none of the placings of the first three in any category changed as a result, meaning the last race result stands.
In the under 6 category Jon Morley (Barnesbury CC) completed a stella series. With another maximum points evening ensuring he was the third rider to achieve the maximum points tally of 1500 along with Jack Watson under 16 (Barnesbury CC) and Joe Tubby under 14 (Tyneside Vags). Martha McIntosh (Barnesbury CC), who did not ride the last event, won the girls under 6 competition. Edith McIntosh (Barnesbury CC), having battled throughout the series with Mea Clethero (Barnesbury CC) secured overall victory with a determined display in the final race to secure the under 8s title. The boys under 8 prize went to Nathan Castle (Newcastle Phoenix).
The under 10’s competition was fierce between two riders with amazing amount of talent. Daniel Holmes (Tyneside Vags) edged out a battling Grace Castle (Newcastle Phoenix) for the top spot however as girls and boys receive a trophy. They each win their respective boys and girl category in the age group. The under 12 race saw Charles Lewis (Newcastle Phoenix) and Jack Nicholson (Morpeth Road Primary School CC) battle for the top spot. Being separated by only 9 points going into the nights race, a poor performance in the skills race all but ruined Jack’s chance of overhauling Charles who secured a win with a consistent, reliable performance throughout the series to ensure he extended his overall lead to 15 points. Francesca Wilkinson (Morpeth Road Primary School CC) secured the girls title with some solid performances.
Many thanks to all the riders who supported the league, and the parents and the helpers for making 2013 the best, most successful league yet.
