Sunday, 19th April 2009
Pics by Rob Crayton
www.robcrayton.co.uk
The first round of the Powerbar Midland Series kicked off in style down in Rugby last Sunday, with a warm sunshine and fast, dry trails (with the notable exception of one enormous puddle, hence the muddy bikes).
The Midlands is organised by Altura Patterson Training team rider Nadine Spearing and her partner James Hampshire, and is sponsored by our team sponsor Powerbar, so we were all there for the opening round. Annie and I flew the team flag in the Elite Women’s race while Nadine took care of the signing on and race admin, and coach Andy Patterson had his first MTB race of the season in the Master Men’s race in the afternoon. Full credit goes to Nadine and James, as the whole day ran smoothly. Charlie Wigfall kept us entertained with commentary and 30 years of Hip Hop, and we even had a great bunch of hecklers with cow bells in the feed zone.
Annie and I had our work cut out on the racing side, as we were lined up against top Kiwi racer Rosara Joseph, the rider who pipped me into second place at the first round of the NPS. Rosara set the pace from the gun, and soon opened a gap on us both. The course comprised short power climbs, sweeping off-camber descents and twisty, rooty singletrack. It was a tough and tiring course as there was little chance to rest or drink, but it made for fast, fun racing. Rosara won, with myself second and Annie third. Andy raced in the afternoon and finished 11th in his race.
Lee Williams (Wiggle) had a great race in the Elite Men’s event, winning ahead of Paul Robertson (MSC/Sportstest) and Andrew Cockburn (Ticket2Ride). For a full list of results and lap times, including kids’ races, go to www.timelaps.co.uk.
The Elite Women gridding up for the first race of the day (from left) Rosara Joseph (no. 192), Annabel Simpson (no. 190) and Jenn O'Connor (no. 191)
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