Go-Race MTB series celebrates it's 10th Year

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Published: 19 March

North Wales Go-MTB Series back for it's 10th year, we look back to the series that has cotinued to grow support new young riders into the sport.

Way back in 2009, Welsh Cycling MTB Development Officer, Mike Tong had a vision, he wanted to give MTB riders in North Wales a start in his passion for Mountain Bike Racing. Events started with low numbers but over the years have grown. Using a number of great sites within Mountain Biking country in North Wales from Coed y Brenin in the South, to the heart of Welsh Language on Llyn Peninsula, into the Gwydyr Forest, Llandegla Forest and Parc Padarn at the foot of Snowdon.

Over the years there has been varying course and numbers of Events, all consisting of a Mass Start MTB Race to prepare any riders looking to progress to Welsh & British Mountain Bike Cross Country Series. In addition to the race riders must complete a Skills Test as it is a key part of a MTB riders development. A score given to riders for both elements are put together to give them a score for the day to decide the podium and points then go forward for series placings.

These races have seen riders like Dylan Kerfoot Robson who has gone on to race at The Commonwealth Games in 2018, and Tim Freeman who was runner up at British Mountain Bike XC Championships in 2016. We also have Ben Bright a Current GB Apprentice Rider and Huw Buck Jones, Wales Youth Programme rider who learnt their skills in these races, this is to name but a few.

“Since its inception the series has made a great difference to young Mountain bikers up in North Wales in allowing them to access and take part in the first steps of competition and feed into the Welsh Cross-Country Series and British Series, this series is a vital component in our Rider pathway and helping us to unearth potential medal winning athletes in the future but for now it’s great to see so many young riders enjoying the sport in the early years” - Ian Jenkins Youth and Junior Programme Lead

Mike Tong has run the series from its inception to retiring from Welsh Cycling, he then ran it for a further two years as a Passionate Volunteer. The series is now been run by Tim Matthews HSBC UK Go Ride Coach for North Wales and very dependent on the support it gets from the Community Clubs and Parents in North and Mid Wales.

This Year is the Series 10th Anniversary and there is 8 races planned. Dates and venues are.

Rounds

1. April 6^th 2019 – Parc Padarn, Llanberis, Gwynedd.

2. May 11^th 2019 – Marsh Tracks, Rhyl, Denbighshire.

3. June 1^st 2019 – Nant Bwlch yr Haearn, Trefriw, Conwy.

4. June 22^nd 2019 – Llanfyllin High School, Llanfyllin, Powys

5. July 13^th 2019 – Park in the Past, Hope nr Wrexham.

6. Sept 14^th 2019 – TBC

7. Oct 6^th 2019 – Nant Gwrtheyrn, Llyn Peninsula, Gwynedd.

8. Oct 19^th 2019 – Nant Bwlch yr Haearn, Trefriw, Conwy

Thanks to the following Clubs, Round Organisers and Venues for their Support