Ian Lelai rides to his second victory of the series
[picture by Robin Ovenden]

The 4th Cycle Centre sponsored, CCC Mountain Bike event took place at the popular Vautier and Averty woodland course at Sion. A total of 35 riders were to be challenged by a heavy going and muddy course, with some highly technical, steep sections. The track would prove to be a real test for the rider’s stamina and technique.

And it was x-motocross racer Ian Lelai who found the demanding course much to his liking, first with the power down after a fast start and soon heading off into the distance with Sport rider Andy Hull in second place unable to maintain the pace. Lelai, in the elite class rode to overall victory in masterful fashion with Gary Roberts, visiting Guernsey rider also finding the course to his liking taking 2nd place and Rhys Hidrio, carrying a slight injury could do no better than 3rd. Adam Wojtkiewicz was 4th.

In the sport class Andy Hull, despite a few excursions over the handlebars maintained control of the race with a well deserved victory and quite possibly the ride of the day. Gary Osbourne was pushing hard in 3rd and on the penultimate lap his efforts paid off as he eclipsed Lee Wells to take 2nd, Wells who had also enjoyed some un-planned ‘airborne time’ was to finish a respectable 3rd with some mechanical problems losing him valuable time.

In the Veterans class Erik Le Brun was top performer with another solid ride. He moved to an impressive 2nd overall for one lap of the race but eventually took 1st in class and 3rd overall. Simon Stead, with his demanding training regime continuing to prove successful was 2nd in class, and in 3rd was Michael Boarer, who survived crash free ahead of Colin Malzard who could not improve upon 4th place despite his valiant efforts to close the gap on Boarer.

In the Super-Vets, Chaz Knight enjoyed another good victory, with Dave Bihet 2nd and Mark Knowlton 3rd. In the Ladies, Helen Mon Petit Le Brun was the winner from Louise Banks in 2nd. In the Schoolboys class, George Milner was in full control with Ben Le Brocq, in his first race up from the Children’s events in 2nd and Matthew Nerac 3rd.

The club extends its grateful thanks to the landowners for use of the land and to all the club members who assisted with the course preparation. [Report: Michael Boarer]