For the last race of the season a wet and muddy track at Les Platons greeted the riders. It was, however rather mild, possibly a first for this venue making it ideal for children out to have some fun on a Sunday afternoon, with many appearing to aim for the largest puddles they could find during practice. A good turn out of 44 riders took part and although championship positions were fairly well established, this did not detract from the riders enthusiasm and determination.
In the 10/11 age group there was a great victory for Hugh Percival after he traded places with Cameron Ingram three times. Unfortunately a lap 3 crash pushed Cameron to the back of the field leaving Hugh to pick up maximum points and take the championship from previous class leader Matthew Rayson who couldn’t be present. Oliver Lowthorpe rode a controlled race moving up places on most laps to take a great 2nd place ahead of Jason Banks, who was 3rd in the race and 3rd in the championship. In the girls class Nikita Connan was again a good match for the boys and recorded her 7th class win and the championship.
In the 8/9 class Harry Garnham led from the off and seemed to relish the opportunity to finish his season with a dominating victory and take the class championship with 6 race wins. Hayden Bishop was determined in 2nd place and took 3rd in the championship and never too far behind was Jacques Stead in 3rd. Samuel Maher, after a tumble at the start took 4th in the race but a great 2nd in the Championship. Phoebe Percival was top girl after a trouble free ride with Carys Ingram in 2nd place but it was Carys who took the class championship.
The 6/7 year age group, with 19 riders again made up the largest class. On the day it was Luc Monpetit LeBrun who rode course majestically, pulling well clear of the field. It rounded off a great season and gave him 2nd in the class championship. Second in the race and 3rd in the championship was Ben le Rougetel, who must be a strong contender for this class for next season. But it was Jack Lutz, who took 3rd place on the day that secured the class championship which he had begun with 3 victories out of 3, a lead he retained throughout in this wonderfully competitive class. Indi Malzard was unstoppable in the girls class and ground out her fifth win of the season and for championship victory. Eloise Dorans, looking decidedly muddy put in a gritty performance for 2nd place in the race and the championship with Evie Le Breton a consistent 3rd in class and the championship.
In the 5 and Under class, Thomas Boarer was again quick off the mark but the ever powerful Oliver Daniels looked well suited to the course and pulled clear after overtaking at the end of lap 1. Oliver and Tom took championship 1st and 2nd respectively with the ever improving Malo MonPetit Le Brun in 3rd place. Aimee Lutz was back in action and took her fifth win of the season and matched her brother Jack by winning the class championship. Her name sake Aimee Hugh was in 2nd place after a slip on a challenging downhill section curtailed her race.
An enjoyable prizing-giving took place at Devil’s Hole later in the afternoon, a great family affair with winners receiving trophies and all competitors who had completed 4 races receiving medals from CCC MTB Chairman Colin Hidrio. He commented that the Children’s series continued to go from strength to strength and the club looked forward to the next season with great expectations. Sincere thanks were given to Devil’s hole for hosting the ceremonious affair, the Landowners for their permission to us the land and to the series sponsor Malzard and Hutcheson Builders.
Thanks to Michael Boarer for organising this race - and the series!
