Race Report: Crank It Cycling Series Round 2 Twisted Oaks
The second round of the Crank It Cycling Series took place this weekend at Twisted Oaks Bike Park in Ipswich, with a challenging track consisting of table-top jumps, fast flowing berms, tight and twisty woodland corners and gruelling uphill climbs. Thankfully this weekends weather was significantly drier and warmer than the previous round, meaning the conditions were slightly less challenging to last weekends. This year's race saw an excellent turn out, with double the number of riders compared to previous years, making for an action packed weekend. As well as the core races, the Under 12s showed the adults how it's done, taking on the steep chutes of the first jumps, the tough climbs and tight berms after their skills practice sessions.
Due to a small delay in the morning, the day started with a combined race of the Youth, Sport and Veteran races. This only made the race more exciting with all categories battling it out to keep up with each other. Matthew Wilson took an early lead, showing no sign of slowing down on his way to first place in the Sport Category, despite George Turner's best efforts. George took second, followed by Edwyn Oliver-Evans in third. In the SuperVeteran's race Paul Watson powered to the win, followed by Nigel Herrod in second and Andrew Roberts in third.
The Youth race was a close one, with just under a minute separating the podiums over the five lap race. Isaac Starmer took the win, ahead of Keane Beckham in second and James Oates in third.
The Female categories began the afternoon's activities, opening with a close first lap with the race looking like it could be anyones for the taking. Lucy Allsop soon showed her dominance, going on to take the win by over two minutes. Bethany-Ann Jackson powered hard over the eight laps to take home second, with Eleanor Humphries rounding off the podium in third in the female category overall.
The final race of the day saw the Male fields battling it out for the win. Jason Bouttell dominated from the start, and was uncatchable claiming first place. Patrick Atkinson gave it his all to take second, and Kieran Jarvis from the Expert field taking third place overall.
The next round takes place on 2nd April at Lee Quarry.
Due to a late start the Sport and Youth Races were combined, making for a jam-packed competitive field
Matthew Wilson took an early lead in the Sport Male category, growing his lead over the 8 lap race enroute to first place
A sprint finish up the final flat towards the finishing line
To send it or keep it pinned? That is the question
Some riders were very glad to hear the final bell, just one more lap to go!
George Turner giving it his all on his way to second place in the Sport field
Competitors on the course, friends off the track - celebrations all round after a tough race
The Super Vets put the Youth and Sport through their paces
Plenty of options for riders to avoid the more technical sections of the track
The A-line proved the faster line, as long as you could negotiate the berm at the end
A massive thank you to all the event staff, marshalls and commissaires for helping to make the day run smoothly and safely
A packed field in the Under 12 category
The Under 12s loved facing the steep chutes into the table tops
Family came out to cheer on their riders
The upper course had riders face fast-flowing, tight berms
It's great to see so many young supporters encouraging their friends and family
Eyes on the prize - Aethan Hallam kept his focus on his way to taking the win in the Under 8s race
Smiles all round on the finishing line
Big hugs to the racers, the perfect recovery after a tough race
British Cycling Commissaires were on hand, making sure the day ran smoothly
While you waited for your rider to reappear from their 4km lap, the Twisted Oaks jumps provided plenty of entertainment
Last minute sugar rush for the riders on the starting line
You had to be quick off the mark to be the first to the berms, as over-taking places were rare until later in the track
Abigail Miller put in a fantastic race coming third in the Female Junior field
The Twisted Oaks track went from wide open berms, to tight woodland corners. Donna Hayman keeping it tight into the woodland section on her way to putting in a competitive time, winning the Grand Vets and finishing 6th overall in the Women's race
There was no stopping Lucy Allsop in the Female Junior as she took the win by over 2 minutes
This rider got so excited to reach the finish she rode off with the flag!
The perfect place to get yourself in the zone for the race, warming up by the track
A great turnout for the Men's XCO Race
Last minute words of advice on the start line
Always time for a bit of style on the jumps
Jason Bouttell took a dominating win in the Elite Men's race with an early lead and taking the win by 3 minutes
Friends and family were on hand to support in the pits
Always time for a cheeky wave to the camera
The uphill climbs provided enough space for a sneaky over-take, as long as you could put the power down
Even on the up-hill climbs riders were glad to be out and about
After last weeks snowy weather, the warm conditions were a shock for some riders with layers being discarded mid-race
The top berms allowed riders to really pick up some speed
Jack Bent putting the power down in a sprint finish taking home fourth in the Male Sport field
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It was a really fabulous day, a great location for my first ever MTB race. The course was challenging and yet really fun at the same time, that top section was a real rollercoaster! My whole family competed and everyone had a top day, we can’t wait to go back and ride the other trails, maybe skipping the big hill climb next time…