Race Report: British XC National Series Round 2 Margam
Racing returned to Margam Park for a National round for the first time since 2014. Several of those who raced here last time were back for another go, just in an older race category. Not only was the course very different to Round 1 at Tong but the weather was distinctly kinder to racers and bikes.
Margam Park has some epic Welsh views
The tension always mounts when the 30-second board goes out
A great turnout for the second round of the National series with a fantastic 452 taking to the course
As always, team Rotor were out in force, a good middle-of-the-pack finish for Daniel Ward
The support from the crowd at these races really gets these riders across the line
Scott's Nick Craig took the win by 27 seconds in the Veteran class
Even despite the tough course, riders were still out having some fun
Kevin Holloway had a fantastic race taking home second in the SuperVeteran class
With limited spaces to overtake, often it was on the climbs you could the power down and take the lead
Sometimes it pays to have a quick look over your shoulder as you're chilling out cruising up the fireroad
George Gori kept it pinned into the berms
Zachary Hutchinson getting some air over the drop mid-way through the course
It's always nice to say hi to the photographers, even after grafting up a gruelling climb
Just as the riders crested the top of the hill, they were greeted by this open section allowing them a bit of breathing space
Climbs are always tough but the beautiful Welsh countryside at least gives you something to look at
There's always time to send it
Max Greensill gave it his all to take the win in the Junior field by over 2 minutes
No fancy pits here at Margam Park, just one person, a bike and a load of parts
Celebrations all round for Simon Osborne in the Veterans class
Commissaires were on hand to ensure the day ran smoothly and safely. Without the unpaid volunteers, racing wouldn't happen, so next time you finish a race make sure to thank the commissaries
Round 2 took place in the scenic park of Margam Castle, with a steam and bar on site!
It's always great to see Evie Richards on a National Series start line
Not the Sunday Libby Bell would have wanted only managed one lap after a mechanical ended her day
Ella MacLean-Howell had a great day of racing taking home second in the female elite
Hope's Ruby James couldn't help but smile on the way around the course
The long flowy descent halfway through the track gave the riders some respite and a chance to enjoy the single track Margam has to offer
Nice on a warm day, the cool stream would have been very welcome, but it was a shock wake-up call mid-race for many riders
With multiple lines to choose from in the Stream Crossing, it made for the perfect overtaking place
Elena McGorum showed her strength this weekend with a win in the Short Track on Saturday and a third place in the XCC on Sunday
Evie Richards showed no sign of slowing down taking a dominating win in the Female Elite
Smiles all round on the finishing line with the usual race debrief
Competitors on the track, friends off the track - the community atmosphere at these National races is so great to see
As well as the National races, the Crank It Cycling U12 Skills sessions also took place, the National Series really has something for everyone
James Swadling put the power down in the practice, mastering those tricky climbs
The usual warm-up gossip ahead of the race
Focus on the start line
A perfect spot to catch the action
Fresh out of the river crossing the riders were greeted with yet another tough climb
The support teams at these races are absolutely vital to ensuring riders complete the course safely and smoothly
Everybody is keen to get a shot
The only way is up - when marked on the map as a 'very steep short technical climb', they weren't kidding! The climbs really put the riders through their paces
It's a long way to the top (even for walking photographers!), but what greeted the riders were not only the stunning views over the Port Talbot but the fantastic descents across the Margam Estate
It was a tight battle between Cameron Mason and Joseph Blackmore, with Cameron keeping the edge for a majority of the race
But it was Joseph Blackmore who ultimately claimed victory, taking the win comfortably by over a minute
Round 3 of the National Series continues on 7th May at Holywell Estate, Farnham.
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It’s even fun for us mechanics so thanks for the pic, too laden to have the dropper up!