The second Hope XC Race Series took place at Lee Quarry in the north west of England at the weekend, on a redesigned course which gave most riders’ bikes a good beating, and left some of the field with more than a few cuts and bruises.
Many felt the full force of the redesigned course with Lizzie Bowler dropping out of the women’s category with a broken rear mech; Elaine Powell riding most of the course with a bleeding leg and Graham Smith retiring after losing the saddle on his bike.
Elaine Powell (Life Cycles Bolton) won the Mountain Diva Category finishing two minutes clear of Jo Holden.
Carrie Price took the Have-a-go Heroines title, racing in the quarry for the first time.
Michael Coward (Velo 29 Cycling Team) on his way to winning the Men’s Racer category
Michael Coward (Velo 29 Cycling Team) won the Men’s Racer medal while Tom Albutt took the honours in the Weekend Warrior category with Mike Hodgson and Matthew Holstead (Lifecycles Bolton) taking second and third respectively.
The Have-a-go Heroes category was taken by Nicholas Dinsdale (Clitheroe Bike Club) ahead of Richard Simms (Richardsons CC) who was close behind.
The new Lads category for youngsters was won by John McCellar (North West MTB Centre), beating the previous week’s winner Benjamin Mossman by a whisker.
Race 3 is being held on the 18th October and pre-entry is still open. For more information go to brownbacksracing.co.uk
