Soggy Bottom Round 2, Newnham Park, Plymouth

Soggy Bottom Round 2, Newnham Park, Plymouth

A grey Sunday morning saw three Mid Devon riders lining up on the startline for the Under 8s race.

Newest member Matthew Holmes riding his first race on a bigger bike, got away well and into 2nd place after the initial climb. Not getting such a good start, Jack Nixon jumped off and ran up the hill, finding himself a way down the pack.

The short course consisted of a steep, muddy singletrack climb where passing was difficult, with an off-camber turn into a fun descent with a couple of little drops. Then a loose gravel road section ran down around the building and back up into the start / finish arena.

Oliver Riches took the lead from the start, while team mates Matt and Jack tussled for the 2nd spot for the duration of the 20 minute race. After several crashes, Jack kept losing sight of his rival and friend, but slowly closed the gap, and after six laps it came down to an exciting sprint to the line where Jack just got past with a shout of “Yes!”.

In the girls’ race, regular podium finisher Bethany Coates took a convincing win out of only 2 female starters, completing one more lap than Edolie Wilson.

Many thanks to Fully Sussed for another well run and enjoyable event. A great course, prizes and refreshments as always. The final round of the winter series will take place on Sunday 26th March, with dates for a summer series also announced.

Boys (12 starters)
1st: Oliver Riches
2nd: Jack Nixon (MDCC)
3rd: Matthew Holmes (MDCC)

Girls: (2 starters)
1st Bethany Coates (MDCC)
2nd Edolie Wilson