Israel Cup - Misgav

After some disappointment in the two previous races, Ben and Paul had been highly motivated and confident going into their final race in Israel. Practice the previous day had been very wet with torrential rain which suited the two British riders perfectly – an amazing course with what felt like more downs than ups!

The day of the race bought better weather but the course was still very wet and the guys were raring to go by the time the start of the race came around.

The race was packed with International riders, some of who the guys had been racing against up to a month ago in Cyprus. Paul got off to an absolute flyer and moved up quickly through the field and into the top ten, the mud working to his advantage. He began to pick off places and was in sight of the leaders when disaster struck. His chain snapped on a long piece of uphill fire road leaving him with no option but to retire, devastated knowing he was within touching distance of not just the points but the leaders of the race.

Unbeknown to Paul, Ben had also had problems and it was within the first 500 metres. His spare tube had rattled loose and jammed in the freewheel stopping the free hub from moving. Unbelievable.

Both riders had given everything and were extremely disappointed but take away positives, with good form and a great adventure under their belt, they now head back to the UK to get ready for the British series.