Conditions were perfect as racing got underway at Llandysul. However, the terrific amount of rainfall that West Wales received in the days prior to the event made an already challenging course that bit more difficult, with some particularly muddy sections. Being a brand new venue, this meant that this was the first time many of the riders competing had stepped foot onto the course, which not only added an extra element of difficulty but also generated added excitement.
With a good turnout for the Welsh MTB XC Series Finals, riders battled it out for on-the-day podium positions. However, they were also conscious of their placings in the league table of the overall series – wanting to finish on a high. Competitors were tested on this tough technical course, which included a range of terrain, sharp turns, steep descents and also a brutal climb. However, the words of encouragement that the riders received from the supporters enabled them to execute the technical sections of the course with ease and as a result, lots of medals were won. It was the perfect day for a handful of riders who took the double, with wins in both the on-the-day competition, and within the overall Series League.
Action ensued across multiple age categories throughout the morning of the Series Final, as children from the Under Six Category up to the Under 12 Category gave it their all around the course – making lots of parents very proud. The smiles from these young competitors certainly spoke for themselves throughout the morning. Steffan Jewell (Ystwyth CC) was the first to conclude a brilliant series with a pair of wins in the Under Six Boys, followed by Freya Lamp who also took the honours in both elements in the Under Eight Girls. Much success was also had by Alex Carson (Clwb Beicio Mynydd Dyffryn Conwy) in the Under Ten Boys Category and Tom Carson (Clwb Beicio Mynydd Dyffryn Conwy) in the Under 12 Boys Category as they both clinched a pair of wins in the on-the-day competition and in the league standings.
It then moved quickly onto the second section of the day, with the Youth, Juvenille, Women and Fun races. Some spectacular racing was shown as the competitors gave it their all, with many stand out performances. Riders certainly had their eyes on the prize as the standard of competition was very high. Firstly, Freya Evans (The Bulls) took the double in the Juvenille Girls category which was followed by Luke Williams (Rhyl CC) in the Juvenille Boys. George Marshall (Cardiff JIF) also obtained much success with the double in the Youth Boys and so did Holly Bradbrook (Marsh Tracks Racing) in the Youth Girls. Eldryd Lamp clinched a win in both elements in the Vet Women and so did Rowena Duffield in the Fun Women Category.
The day of racing came to a conclusion with the Senior, Junior and Vets race. As competitors pushed the pace and put their fears aside whilst tackling the difficult terrain, it was certainly a showcase of talent. After over an hour of racing and a close battle, the competitors certainly provided spectators with a fantastic atmosphere. Again, this was a section that saw many riders achieve the double. Tim Davies (Abergavenny CC) secured a win on the day, and took the highest amount of points across the series in the Grand Vet Men. Sam Ryland (Cycle-Tec) also had a very successful day, achieving the double in the Junior Men. Whilst securing third place on the day, Guy Rees (Bynea CC) took the honours within the series league standings.
Welsh Cycling Events Officer, Rhys James, said: “A big thanks goes out to Wayne and his team for organising the Series Final of the Welsh Cycling Mountain Bike here in Spencer ECA. They did an amazing job which ensured the event was a success. Although set out on a challenging course, competitors from all categories seemed to embrace the toughness of it which was fantastic to see. We have already started to put thoughts into action for the 2020 series in which we hope will be another good year of Off-Road racing here in Wales.”