Winter Mountain Bike Series 2011/2012

Sorel Point, St. John, 8 January 2012

The first race of 2012 Cycle Centre Mountain Bike series run by the Caesarean Cycling Club took place at Sorel on Sunday 8th January, the 36 senior riders and 7 Juniors from the JCAYA were fortunate to have excellent riding conditions with dry firm ground and no wind.  The course was designed to enable all but a few of the riders the opportunity to ride the complete course without dismounting and having to push their bikes, this led to some fast riding over the 15 miles that were ridden over 90 minutes for the winner Robin Overden..
 
The start was a 500 metre sprint to the first turn where there was the normal pushing and hustling for position to gain a clear run for the section of single track that followed. The top riders always seem to find their way to the front and it was Overden, Ben Le Brocq, Bruce Dingle and Eric Le Brun all leading the pack.

Robin Ovenden was a clear leader from the start and although Hidrio tried hard to stay with him could not hold on and Ovenden comfortably taking the win.  Krzysztof Jeromkin had an excellent ride to take a comfortable third, the only other rider who was close to him was Ben Le Brocq but he had to retire before the final lap.  The veteran riders of Bruce Dingle and Erik Le Brun had a close battle for the entire race with Le Brun just managing to edge out Dingle to take 3rd fourth place.  Lee Well’s has started to transfer some of his road racing form to off road and came home in 8th with triathelete Tim Rogers pushing hard on this non technical course to finish 9th.  Mark Hamilton produced a very strong ride in 12th overall and Damian Maher also finished well in 13th.

Some notable old faces are returning to the racing scene this year and great to see Kevin Le Jehan competing again and Sandy Hugh who will never give up and with more time on the bike will improve his fitness and placing overall.  The Super Vets was won by Dave Bihet with Colin Hidrio and Peter Derrick not far behind, although next season a number of other riders will be in this class and making it very competitive.
 
There were four ladies competing with Helene Mon Petit taking first place ahead of Louise Banks who found the course more to her liking than some of the more technical courses, Rachel Maher rode well in her first race and Gemma Derrick continues to improve, it is great to see the ladies starting to come out in force. 
 
The JCAYA Youth race was run over 45 minutes duration and started after the main event, with increased numbers of riders it is great to see more youngsters competing and passing the senior men and women in the field.  

The Club would like to thank The Cycle Centre for their support and sponsorship, the land owners who allow the event to take place, and Club officials Torty Hubert and Sean Le Breuilly for lap scoring.

JCAYA and CCC junior member, eleven year old Sabine Minchinton-Gilley filmed and created this Video of the Event.