Race Report: UK National 4X Series Round 7, FlyUp 417
Round 7 of the National British 4X series began with a minute’s silence to pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
For Round 7, the final round of the 2022 National British 4X series, racers made their way to FlyUp 417 Bike Park located in Gloucestershire. This track hasn’t seen the gate drop since 2019, so a special thanks to Tom Gethin at the bike park for making the track run sweet ahead of the race.
Track conditions went from considerably wet to quickly drying out ready for race day on Sunday. Riders favoured this as it made the already bike parks smooth track even faster.
It was no surprise to see riders of all categories embrace the features on this confidence-inspiring track, notably the double berm corners which could take you from 4th place to 1st and vice versa depending on how the tight inside or super-fast outside berms were tackled.
These features made for an unpredictable finish order amongst the racers, catching some riders out. This was clear when Tyler Anderson of 13-14M was in first position and decided to take the defence line, towing the following 3 riders behind him into the slower, tighter inside line.
The endless opportunities on this track made an even more exciting return for the Masters Category which was reminiscent of old school senior races, which could have easily been elite.
The true nature of pro line and B line definitely came in to play on this course. After being on fine form all day, we saw this section take senior rider Lewis Ashe into B final following a mishap after being well ahead. The elite women’s win on the day went to Sophie Cade when she stormed the pro line after being in second position to Josie McFall, which contributed to the overall series points.
This weekend didn’t only decide winners on the day, but also over all series winners, their points and top placing teams.
In support of the 4X family's Czech friend Anna Slancova, who recently suffered a serious injury out in Val Di Sole during a 4X ProTour race event, all those in attendance today came together to let Anna know through a video message that we are thinking of her. A testament to the 4X community and we extend our support to Anna.
The Gloucestershire countryside is a pretty nice place to be racing your bike
It's all about keeping your eyes level and on the next corner
Veteran men are still hot out of the gate
Josie McFall back on home soil after taking the win at the 4X Pro-series. The British Champion was on a mission to seal the National series win as well
It's great to see so many kids out racing
It's all about speed through the corners
Unfortunately in 4X racing contact is inevitable. Fortunately the marshalls had it all under control
Three a breast into the corner, what could possibly go wrong?
David Sibley out in front as per usual
The fight for the first few corners were crucial on this 417 track
British Cycling's commissaries were on hand to make sure the racing was clean, well as clean as 4X racing can be
Jamie Tomkins taking the win in the final round of the Masters category
Being the last round of the year, there was plenty of silverware on offer
With the pressure put on bikes out the gate, it's not surprising one or two chains can't take the heat
FlyUp 417's 4X Track has an impressive pro-line which provides riders with the opportunity to send it
The series commentary has been provided by Mophead and Hannah Escott. These guys always do such an amazing job
It's great to see father and son out racing here in the 4X series
Harvey Roberts in his first-ever race. He just can't help himself but send it through the first straight
Freddie Cadman Carpenter has dominated the youth category and has been on the podium at every round he has raced
It's always great to see the riders of all ages gossiping on the push-up to the start
Roy Sutton on the tools getting some fresh Schwalbe rubber ready for race runs
Zac Hudson out working on his gate starts after racing a few World Cup Downhills
Felyx Williams took third in the final round in the 10-12 field
It's great to see mixed gate practice underway, with riders having the opportunity to gate alongside riders of all different age groups
Queues at gate practice were long
Gate Master and Chief Michael Dewsnap has run the gate all year. It's been great to have Dewsnap back amongst the 4X family
These young kids aren't afraid to send it over the drops
It's great to see the U12s racing on the same track as the senior riders. Layne Goddard pumping the rollers on the second straight
Plenty of National Champs jerseys out on display. Scott Roberts finishing up second in this round of the series
Dad's jobs never end
Riders race all the way to the line
There's always time for a whip through the pro-line
Game face time, Tom Bell focussed on his way to winning the final round
When she's not racing 4X, Hannah Escott is commentating on it
The Masters field carving their way through the Gloucester countryside
This is how not to jump through the rhythm section
Sophie Cade took the elite female win in the final round
Here's your 2022 4X Series Winners
And here are your 2022 4X Team Series Winners
Josie McFall and Zac Hudson are your new Elite Male and Female Series champions
The Men's pro-field is a tight group of friends, that once they cross the finish line, are always quick to congratulate each other
The Women's field are no different
The vibe at 4X is very much one of friendship and enjoyment
That's it for 4X until next year
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4 Comments
- 2 0
tbasjason
(Sep 19, 2022 at 5:48)
Anyone not sure whether to have a go or not, do it, was so much fun! Thanks to all involved in making it happen on the day.
- 2 0
drjonnywonderboy
(Sep 18, 2022 at 3:27)
Next year im there 
ill start doing pressups now
ill start doing pressups now - 1 0
losidan
(Sep 18, 2022 at 8:48)
You'd be better off with pullup's
- 1 0
J1BB
FL (Sep 18, 2022 at 2:37)
Love to see it!
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