Race Report!
National Points Series Rd 1 – Thetford Forest, Norfolk
Results…
|
Paul Beales |
|
25th |
|
Elite |
|
|
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Will Cooper |
|
36th |
|
Expert |
|
|
|
Brodie Gardias |
|
39th |
|
Sport |
|
|
|
Matt Steven |
|
14th |
|
Masters |
|
|
|
Mark Allen |
|
DNF |
|
Masters |
|
|
|
Nat Jarvis |
|
18th |
|
Youth |
|
|
|
Alex Baker |
|
2nd |
|
Juvenile |
|
|
The first round of the National Points Series held in Thetford Forest, Norfolk produced mixed results for the team as they look to build on recent success.
With our two new monkeys making their NPS debuts and a huge entourage following the team with tremendous support including loud cow bell it was to be a fantastic weekend.
Our two new Monkeys, strutting their stuff around Thetford… (Courtesy of www.joolzedymond.com)
Alex set the scene early on in the day with a fantastic race in the Juvenile category. After a great start he settled into his rhythm and sat around 30 seconds down on the leader with just one other rider managing to stay in contact. In the final kilometre Alex pounced, making a huge attack to come home in 2nd place, his first National podium and a truly remarkable result for the 14 year old.
Alex deep in thought before the start of his race… (Courtesy of www.joolzedymond.com)
Next into the action was Nat who strides into his second year as a youth and showed that the winter training had been well worthwhile putting in a great effort amongst a highly talented Youth category. Nat took up his position in the middle of the pack and finished in a strong 18th position.
Nat concentrating on his ride… (Courtesy of www.joolzedymond.com)
Fast forward a couple of hours and it was 1pm and time for the Elite race. Paul took up his position near the back of the grid for the first National elite race of his career. The laps were put up to 6 thanks to the youngsters flying round in the morning session and as the gun went and the stones started flying, nearly 40 of the countries finest riders went charging down to the first corner at blistering speed.
Paul had a steady race finishing in 25th position in a daze after what was quite obviously one of the hardest races he had started. It was a base and certainly a stepping stone as he now looks to gain experience and work his way up through the category.
Paul pushing hard in the Elite Men’s race… (Courtesy of www.joolzedymond.com)
Just behind him Will took to the line in a very strong Expert field and after a good start was unable to hold the pace of the top riders. Will has been unfortunate with illnesses coming at the wrong time throughout the winter but will now look to build on this result and work his way up to the top 10.
Will had a steady ride in the Expert field… (Courtesy of www.joolzedymond.com)
Matt was starting only his second race for the team and showed exactly why he was asked to become a monkey with a superb performance finishing 14th amongst a field of over 60 riders in the Masters category. Mark didn’t have so much fun and was forced to pull out of the race after less than a lap.
Brodie was our other new monkey and like Will has suffered through the winter with some illnesses and was a surprise starter as he took on the sport category. A steady ride saw him finish the race in 39th position.