With Lockdown being relaxed across the UK and the government giving the green light for organised grassroots sports to take place once again Round one of the Pedalhounds Enduro Series signalled the start of the 2021 UK racing calendar. With all the precautions put in place you would expect, and even the sun coming out on a bank holiday, it was a good sign that everyone was in for a good day.
The race took place over 5 short stages, which the riders could ride in any order but all racing was done blind with no practice, however, you could ride each stage with a maximum of 3 laps with the fastest 2 out of 3 times for a stage added together for the final stage time. This keeps everyone on their toes whilst allowing for one throwaway run. It's a really good format for riders of all levels.
The Land of Nod is not one of the most extreme venues for Enduro in the UK, but it is a good example that even with very little elevation, well-designed trails can make for fast, fun racing, with a mix of open fast flowing stages and steep technical ones there was something for everyone over the 5 stages. The perfect venue for easing yourself back into racing after lockdown.
Not everyone kept it rubber side down today (both of these riders walked away unharmed). There was, however, a big crash on stage 2 towards the end of the day with the stage having to be shut for 30 minutes, as the amazing medical team looked after the rider. (I'm not sure how the rider was I hope they're fine)
The steep chute at the end of stage 1 was perfect for just getting off the brakes and letting the bike do its thing.
Luke Robson and Steven Stock flowing through the top of stage 1
Results
Hardtail Men
1st. Michael SMITH
2nd. Mitchell WALKER
3rd. Jack WALLER
12-14 Boys
1st. Thomas HAWKINS
2nd. Thomas WHITELEY
3rd. Nathan DIWELL-WILSON
15-18 boys
1st. Jack LEAR
2nd. Luca THURLOW
3rd. Daniel STURGEON
19-29 men
1st. Lewis CLARY
2nd. Dan HOLE
3rd. Ryan KEYNES
30-39 men
1st. Warren FIELD
2nd. Jamie ARNOLD
3rd. Ross SEARLE
40-49 men
1st. Aidan BISHOP
2nd. Ashley NEWBERY
3rd. Ian HOPKINS
50+ men
1st. Keith WILSON
2nd. James CRAIK
3rd. Neil BASS
Fun men
1st. Rob DWYER
2nd. Tom BINDLEY
3rd. James BETTERIDGE
E-bike 14-29 men
1st. Matt BAYLISS
2nd. Chris BAYLISS
3rd. James JACKSON
E-bike: 30-39 men
1st. Casey DARE
2nd. Jamie WILKINSON
3rd. Steven STOCK
E-bike: 40-49 men
1st. Graham GOODYEAR
2nd. David HEMMING
3rd. Mark BAKER
E-bike: 50+ men
1st. Allen CRAIG
2nd. Kelvin TATUM
3rd. Bradley BRIGGS
12-18 girls
1st. Charlotte MCGREEVY
19-39 Women
1st. Emily ASHWOOD
2nd. Sarah CRELLIN
3rd. Rhiannon GUNNER
40+ Women
1st. Rachel CLAY
2nd. Kim BATSFORD
3rd. Renée DIWELL
E-bike women
1st. Alexia DESILE
2nd. Daisy POTTER
3rd. Jenny TATUM
Another amazing Enduro organised by the Pedalhounds team, something that is not easy in the current climate. The next round of the series is at Matterley Estate, Hants 24-04-21.
some one is going to get killed on these races.
The seller of the bikes should be ashamed also for de-restricting the specialized Levo bikes. You know who you are .
Ebike racing should and will be banned.