Race Report: British National XC Series 2022 - Round 2 Newcastleton by Mandownmedia

Racing returned to Newcastleton for 2022 but with a completely different course from last year after storm Arwen demolished great chunks of the forest. The course builders got creative though and chucked in some new technical features including the quarry drop and the walled garden. With only a week since the previous round, it was always going to be interesting to see how riders fared on a very different feeling course. This was going to have to be a tactical game.

RockUK Newcastleton played host to Round 2 of the National XC Series, with its quarry chute, wall drop, steep ascents and root-infested forestry single track the riders had their work cut out.

Coffee and cake were on hand to keep the crowds cheering

Business as usual for Schwalbe ensuring riders got back on the track in super speed. Not only are Schwalbe the title sponsors of the series but they are also providing a neutral service facility to riders.

Without the commissaires and the other volunteers racing just wouldn t happen

Without the commissaries and the other volunteers racing just wouldn't happen

Best way to avoid a fallen tree . . . jump over it Dru Dennis making light work of the natural technical features.

Best way to avoid a fallen tree: jump over it, Dru Dennis makes light work of the natural, technical features.

The steep uphill at the start (and end) of the course caught many riders out, but Jay Cracknell powered through to take fourth in the Male Sport.

It's always smiles from Robbin Godden when you see him on his bike

The 40-49 men's field were keen to chat, I mean start their race...

Mr Consistent Scott's Tony Fawcett with another 4th place to add to his one at the first round

Chris Buchan taking a comfortable win in the Male 40-49 field

Chris took the win by over 2 minutes.

After taking the win in Round 1 Elena McGorum battled hard taking home third in the Elite Female field.

After taking the win in Round 1, Elena McGorum battled hard taking home third in the Elite Women's field.

Another win for TMO racings Emily Carrick-Anderson. It's been a strong start to the season for Emily with wins in both rounds of the national series.

Annie Last recovered from Brazil last week charged on to take the win in the Elite Female field.

Annie Last, recovered from the Brazillian World Cup last week, charged on to take the win in the Elite Women's field.

Sometimes you just need a snack.

Another race and another win for the XC legend Nick Craig

Hands up if you won your race! Aelwen Davies taking the win in the 13-14 women's field for the RR23 team.

A sprint finish saw Ewan Dix beat Alfie Amey to take the win in the 15-16 field.

Ewan Dix gave his all on the course.

Even the commissaires had difficulty separating Oscar Amey and Ben Coppola in the battle for 7th 8th place in the 15-16 field with Oscar claiming victory.

Even the commissaries had difficulty separating Oscar Amey and Ben Coppola in the battle for 7th/8th place in the 15-16 field, with Oscar claiming victory.

This says it all

Sometimes you just need help from a friend.

Neil Catling making quick work of the damp roots.

A great turn out at Round 2 of the XC National Series in Newcastleton

Christer McNulty less so.

The claggy mud caused havoc on the rooty course, brave on the rollers

Who doesn't love a pooch?!

All smiles at the finishing line for Tom Stephenson taking the win in the Male Sport field

Mechanicals called an early end to many riders' race days, but this rider somehow managed to reach the finishing line before the bike finally gave up

As if the climb wasn't enough there was slick, wet mud waiting at the bottom to sap any of the speed you carried into it

The views from the Newcastleton track are pretty epic.

Scout out the line...

then hold your breath and go!

Bruce Dalton, enjoying both the unprecedented Scottish sunshine and the skills track, took third in the Male Open.

The skills section tested riders' abilities with tight corners, rocky drops and technical ascents.

Tom Scott on his way to 7th in the men's junior field.

Ruby James on her way down the quarry chute

Figuring out the best line whilst doing your best don't look at the photographer pose

The tranquil lake of RockUk distracted from the muddy descent on the other side

Lucy Allsopp powered up the starting up-hill sprint taking the grassy line to avoid the collisions

Feargus Pearson making light work of the gap jump

The pits were a busy place this weekend.

Practice was vital to scouting out the best lines, especially on the gap jump

No pressure of the small jump its not like anyone was looking. Pro Visions' Matt Cuthbertson did his best to put on a show.

Don't worry, the doctor will see you now... if your run doesn't go so well

And the gap jump was this big!

The Juniors watched on keen for the Elite start

The Elite Men were not shy about sending it. another good result for Corran Carrick-Anderson backing up his 3rd in round one with a second 3rd here. TMO racing is having a very good start to the season.

Charlie Aldridge took home second place this weekend meaning he extends his lead at the top of the series after a win in the first round.

Scott's Ollie Akers looking smooth over the doubles

It was a tight battle for the first few laps, but Cameron Orr had the stamina to take the win in the Men's Elite field,

Round 3 of the series will be DrumlanrigScotland 7-8th may and if you want to see the race report and images from round 1 of the series head here. full results and images are available. at the link below

The British National XC Series race reports are presented by Scott Sports

Full Results and Images

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