Rocks and Roost, British 4X Round 3 at Afan - Video

Round three of the UK's favourite 4X series dropped in at Afan in South Wales last weekend. Where many of the UK's tracks are BMX inspired, Afan is firmly a mountain biker's track. It's rough, loose and packed with big jumps and big rocks. The middle section is inspired by the classic Vigo World Cup track with a big, gnarly rock garden that makes bike choice trickier than the usual "hardtail every time" approach.


Practice was a chance to get used to riding the sun-baked, loose-as-anything track and for riders to try and get through the pro line. Where the track in Chicksands at round one rewarded the hole shot, Afan gives riders loads of line choices and chances to overtake. The fast guys were hitting the left-hand line through the rock garden and then the double/double proline - the rest were weaving through the rocks and making their way through the three tables.


Motos

Motos were tough for Jason Jessop and Oscar Powell. Both lost their clean sweeps - having won every moto of the year up to that point. The elite race was a battle between round two winner, Will Evans and Luke Cryer.


Semis

Semi finals began with a run-off with Charlie Currie beating Will Soffe and Euan Rossi to earn a place in the finals. Pro Elite semi-finals saw Will Evans and Davi Roberts to progress to the A-Final with Lewis Ashe and Joe Wallbridge heading to the B-Final.


Finals

Rippers 10-12

The Rippers field is where the future stars of mountain biking are born - the young guns that are hitting jumps that are taller than they are. If you're a parent that wants to introduce your kids to racing, this is a great place to do it. The final saw the Madley brothers, Jack Skinner, and Rueben Mills battle it out. George Madley just pipped his brother Luke to the 3rd spot, behind Jack Skinner in 2nd, and Reuben Mills taking the number 1 spot.


Juvenile 13-14

After snapping his mech hanger in practice, and converting his bike to single speed, Fred Hunt put up a good fight but couldn’t get any further than 4th place. Louie Partridge was looking fast all weekend throughout practice and motos. He finished with a respectable 3rd place, behind William Chater who took another 2nd place. In a league of his own Cornish weapon, Zac Hudson continued his perfect season, not losing a single lap all day.


Youth 15-16

Tom Bell and Dec Willicombe were head to head in Youth, both having taken a win already this season. Looking to upset the cart was Will Mills, last year's Juvenile Champ. Tom took 3rd after a wobble out of the gate and Will landed in 2nd. Dec scored his second win of the year.


Junior 17-18

Bad luck and sharp rocks mean Oscar Powell punctured in his 3rd moto. Fin Keogh and Alex Piper were left battling it out with Matt Griffin. Piper managed to get past Griffin to get himself a solid 3rd place. Fin Keogh laid down his smooth and stylish riding form but it wasn’t quite enough to get past Oscar.


Senior 19-29

Andrew Cooper had a solid day of racing on his new Giant trail bike ... but had to settle for 3rd. Joe Prestwood, with one win the season under his belt was on the pace and took a close 2nd. Reece Richards made his return to 4X after a couple of seasons off and certainly was up to scratch. He took the win on his trail bike.

Big Fun 17+

The category for 4X newbies - no license required and all about having fun and learning the art of racing. 4X newcomer Ryan Faultless took the 3rd spot, close behind Angus Child in 2nd. It was Martyn Nicholas who took the win, after a 4th place in Chicksands, earlier this season.


Masters 30-39

Masters saw the grand return of Tom Burch who last raced at the 2016 series finale in Harthill and was just a point away from winning the Senior Series overall title. It was unlucky to see him slide out in the final turn while in 2nd. That meant Mop Head passed him to take 3rd, with Alastair Keen coming in 2nd behind the constant pinner Lee Feery.

Veterans 40+

Jason Jessop continued his series domination, despite a hard crash in his third moto. The only Veteran to send the huge pro-line doesn’t show any signs of stopping his winning streak anytime soon. Behind him was 2016 National Champion, Neil Harbour in 2nd, and Michael Dewsnap who has recently recovered from a broken collarbone in 3rd.


Elite Women (open)

Series leader, Tyde D’Souza was elsewhere revising for her exams, leaving Megan Wherry the favourite. Sadly, she cased the pro-line and hurt her ankle putting her out of the running. Hannah Escott led until she slid out meaning the ladies behind her slipped past. Courtney Abbis took the 3rd spot, with Kello Salone taking 2nd, but it was all about Rona Strivens, holding out to take her first National win.


Pro Elite Men

Will Evans was the favourite for the win here and was full of confidence from his round two win. As Evans, Cryer and Roberts cut inside of the first turn, Charlie Currie went for the pass, which set him ahead of Davi Roberts. Davi pulled it back and put the gas down. At the front, Luke Cryer was hot on the heels of Will Evans, but simply couldn’t find a way past. Will showed his class to hold on to take his 2nd consecutive win of the year, with Luke Cryer in 2nd, and Davi Roberts in 3rd.

There is now a slight break in the series, as several British riders are heading to 4X Pro Tour rounds in Winterberg and Fort William, at the end of this month. Round 4 is on the 25th June, at Redhill Extreme, which has just gone under some pretty major renovations!. See you there!

For more on British 4X visit: www.british4x.com

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MENTIONS: @British4x

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