Report: Celtic Christmas Dirt Crits

Report: Celtic Christmas Dirt Crits

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44 riders attended the first Christmas Crit at the Celtic Manor in Wales. The weather machine must have been active because most people arrived saying how awful conditions were at home but we only saw a few spits of rain and this did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of the riders, many on shiny new Mountain Bikes. They did not stay that way for long!

As we experienced from the Summer Crits, over half of the entry came from younger riders with 13 contesting the U8 course and 9 U10’s on the full course.

Race 1 saw Aled Trott of Abergavenny RC storm to an early lead with Maindy Flyer’s Bevan Smith hot on his heels. Brother Ayrton was in touch along with Luke Harris, representing Halesowen CC, and Thomas Crapper of Abergavenny CC giving chase. Unfortunately Aled faded due to illness although he soldiered on bravely. The boys finished as Bevan Smith, Luke Harris and Ayrton Smith while for the girls Awen Roberts of Tawe Riders continued her good form to take the win ahead of Nikita Baylis of Abergavenny RC with Freya Evans of MTB Marathon in 3rd. Awen also wins the prize for biggest smile of the day!

The Under 10’s raced on the full course used over the summer with a couple of additions that proved a hit with most riders. Huw Higgins Worrall, Abergavenny RC, showed that the course suits him with an unchallenged win although he was pushed all the way by Oliver Beere, Maindy Flyers, and Owain Roberts of Tawe Riders. Josie Nelson, Halesowen CC, took a win for the girls with Elena Shaw second for Maindy Flyers. I also want to mention Harry Harvey, Newport Velo, in his first race who rode strongly to finish on his new MTB.

Due to numbers attending the Under 12’s, 14’s and 16’s all rode together and demonstrated great skills and fitness over 25minutes. There were some well cooked faces at the end! Teifion Best of Abergavenny RC demonstrated why he is the man to beat on the muddy stuff by riding away from the field to win overall and clinch the U14 win. Joseph Wiltshire, Cwmcarn Paragon, came a creditable 2nd overall and 1st U16 boy just overtaking Jack Broadley of Maindy Flyers on the final lap, Jack taking 3rd overall and 2nd U14 boy. Joe and Hefin Evans, Tawe Riders, made life difficult for themselves by coming together yards from the start and taking some time to extricate arms and legs and bikes. They also held up Sam Tillett, Cardiff JIF, who kept a cool head and rode away to catch brother James and take 4th place overall and a fine win in the U12’s. James Tillett took 5th overall and 2nd U12 boy just behind Sam. Sister Emily was not to be outdone by claiming 1st U12 girl making a 1st, 2nd and 1st for Cardiff JIF in the U12’s.

Manon Lloyd, Tawe Riders, claimed the win for U16 girls with Emily Haycox, Cardiff Ajax, taking the U14 girl win.

We were fortunate in enjoying support from Julian Beere of Sunset Cycles who donated some excellent prizes and all podium riders had a cash prize so some went home with more than they started with!

On a personal note I would like to recognise the support of the marshals, lap scorers, sign on ladies and all who pitched in the help on the day. Without your support these events would be much less likely to take place. Long may it continue and I am hoping for a full programme of events over the summer again.

Full list of results here>>>

Happy New Year and look out for Celtic Events in 2012!

Contact:

Garrie Tillett 07896 162475

garrie.tillett@welshcycling.co.uk