Simon Finishes Third in Toughest Marathon Yet

British Enduro Series Round 4

Sunday 24th August, 2008

Altura Patterson Training racer Simon Young earned his first National Series podium on Sunday, finishing third in the 100km marathon. Torrential rain on Saturday night turned the course into a slippery, sludgy mudslide. The course was shortened slightly to just over 10km per lap, but conditions were so slow that only one rider managed to finish eight laps before the 4pm cutoff.

That rider was Felt racer Will Bjergfelt, who lapped the entire field to finish the 80km just under 6 hours. Second placed Sam Humpreys, riding for Charge Bikes, took second place with 7 laps, and Simon came in third a few minutes back, also completing 7 laps.

In the 100km women's race, Jenn lined up against Melanie Spath, but none of the other entries turned up to the start line, leaving the two leaders from Saturday's race with the 100km event to themselves. Jenn managed to carve out a lead on the first lap, but took a heavy fall on a technical section in the second lap, and pulled out with a suspected broken arm. Mel carried on alone, and completed an admirable 6 laps to secure the race and series win. Jenn was badly bruised and shaken, but after a check over by the Extreme Medics, was cleared without serious injury. She stayed on in the feedzone to help support her teammate Simon.

The 100km men's podium, from left Simon Young, Will Bjergfelt, Sam Humphreys

For full results and lap times from both events, please visit http://www.timelaps.co.uk/

Double Win For Altura Patterson Training

British NPS XC Round 4

Eastridge, nr Shrewsbury, Saturday 23 August 2008

Jenn crosses the line to take her first NPS XC win since 2004

The team scored a double win today, with Jenn O'Connor taking the top spot in the Elite Women's event and Ruth Mordaunt winning the Master Women's race.

Ruth celebrates her win, which puts her back in the lead for the series

Jenn led the Elite field from the gun, battling with Irish German rider Mel Spath up the opening climb. Mel was looking strong and riding confidently, and opened a gap in the first muddy, rocky descent, but Jenn soon closed the gap and took the lead. She finished the first lap a minute ahead, and opened the gap up to over three minutes over the four lap race. Mel held her second place, with British National Champ Jenny Copnall taking third spot a further minute back.

Jenn was elated with the win, her first in a National Series XC race since 2004.

In the Master Women's race, Ruth battled with National Masters Champ Nina Davies, trading places for the first lap, until Ruth's aggressive descending earned her a gap. She continued to stretch her lead for the rest of her three lap race to take the win with two minutes to spare, and reclaim top spot in the series.

Jenn takes the last corner almost 4 minutes ahead of the field

Jenn all smiles after her win

Jenn will race again tomorrow (Sunday) in the 100km marathon, along with team mate Simon Young. Ruth is on her way to Pra Loup in France for the World Masters Championships next weekend.

The Master Women's podium (from left) Emma Bradley, Ruth Mordaunt and Nina Davies

The Elite Women's podium (from left) Jenny Copnall, Jenn O'Connor, Melanie Spath

Results

Elite Women 4 laps
1. Jenn O'Connor (Altura Patterson Training) 02.03.56
2. Mel Spath (Torq Kona) 02.07.46
3. Jenny Copnall (Subaru Gary Fisher) 02.09.15

Elite Men 5 laps
1. Ian Bibby (SiS Trek) 02.02.22
2. Gareth Montgomerie (Colnago Ergon) 02.03.49
3. Paul Oldham (Hope Factory Racing) 02.04.45

Expert Men 4 laps
1. Tim Dunford 01.43.47
2. Paul Robertson 01.47.17
3. Ben Thomas 01.48.32

Expert Women 3 laps
1. Hilana Marais 01.36.30
2. Lucinda Insall Jones 01.50.21
3. Sally Gabriel 01.52.01

Master Men 4 laps
1. Matt Barrett (Lutterworth CC) 01.47.02
2. Scott Forbes (Pedalon.co.uk) 01.50.07
3. Ben Dale 01.52.20

Master Women 3 laps
1. Ruth Mordaunt (Altura Patterson Training) 01.44.39
2. Nina Davies (Ogmore Valley Wheelers) 01.46.39
3. Emma Bradey (Torq Kona) 01.57.16

Juvenile Men 1 lap
1. Alex Baker 27.14
2. Matt Godden 28.38
3. Ryan Fenwick 28.38

Juvenile Women 1 lap
1. Bethany Crumpton (Team Chance) 33.48
2. Hannah Ferguson (Nissan Kona) 37.14
3. Imogen Buick (Salsa Factory Racing) 40.55

Youth Men 2 laps
1. Kenta Gallagher 00.50.20
2. Steven James 00.52.11
3. Ben Roff 00.54.45

Youth Women 2 laps
1. Ruby Miller 01.11.45
2. Katy Winton 01.14.35

Junior Men 3 laps
1. Joe Peake 01.22.42
2. Robert Hussan 01.25.00
3. Will Verney 01.26.10

Junior Women 3 laps
1. Annabel Simpson (Team Chance Ducati Corse) 01.52.05
2. Anna Buick (Salsa Factory Racing) 01.58.34
3. Carla Haines (Team Chance Ducati Corse) 02.06.12

Sport Men 3 laps
1. Dave Henderson 01.22.25
2. Alex Kinvig 01.24.18
3. Giles Drake 01.26.55

Veteran Men 3 laps
1. Darren Shepherd 01.22.42
2. Andy Weaving 01.23.57
3. Roland Tilley 01.24.55

Veteran Women 2 laps
1. Kate Wheeler 01.16.57
2. Gaynor Lea 01.18.11
3. Sarah Bayliss 01.33.07

Super Vet Men 2 laps
1. Victor Barnett 01.02.21
2. Steve Collen 01.34.09
3. Chris Hearn

G. Vet Men 3 laps
1. Ian Wright 01.26.00
2. Kevin Townsend 01.22.33
3. Roy Hunt 01.27.42

Midland Series Round 3 & Midland Champs

A selection of podium pics and action shots from Race Two.

Midland Series Round 3 & Midland Champs

Race 2

The second race of the day included all the senior men's categories, and the majority of entries. David Fletcher won the Elite men's race after a close battle with Lee Williams, also taking the Championship title. The first lap brought a surprise as Expert racer George Budd came flying through the arena ahead of the elite field, despite having started two minutes behind. It seems the entire Expert field had missed a section of course by mistake, but since everyone in the category had done the same thing, the race went on regardless.

In the Veteran race, Patterson Training client Michael Powell had a great day, taking the win from Keith Sperry by 45 seconds.

Full result and times can be found on http://www.timelaps.co.uk/

Patterson Training client Michael Powell took the Veteren Men's win.

Elite Men 5 laps
1. David Fletcher (SiS Trek) 02.14.25
2. Lee Williams 02.14.28
3. Robert Friel (TSW Cycles) 02.20.01

Expert Men 4 laps
1. Paul Robertson (Sportstest.co.uk) 01.47.09
2. Ben Thomas (Mountain Trax) 01.47.29
3. John Whittington (Bath Uni) 01.48.56

Sport Men 3 laps
1. Niall Frost (Team MK) 01.26.11
2. Giles Drake (Roy Davies Cycles) 01.27.27
3. Chris Metcalfe (Matlock CC) 01.27.29

Master Men 4 laps
1. Graham Warby (Spirit Racing) 01.49.17
2. Matthew Dennis (Yeti/Goldtec) 01.51.40
3. Luke Moseley (Climb On Bikes) 01.52.22

Veteran Men 3 laps
1. Michael Powell (Sherwood Pines Polaris) 01.27.07
2. Keith Sperry (Welland Valley CC) 01.27.50
3. Jonathan Marshall (Belper BC) 01.29.51

Grand Vet Men 3 laps
1. Ian Wright 01.27.34
2. Roy Hunt (Orbea) 01.30.17
3. Pete Harris (Pearce Cycles RT) 01.31.48

Midland Series Round 3 & Midland Champs

We are enjoying sunshine and fast racing here at Sherwood Pines for the Midland Champs, sponsored by Patterson Training and Powerbar. Race 1 set off at 11am with all the junior and female categories. Jenn won the Elite Women's race ahead of National Silver Medalist Paula Moseley and Espoir National Champ Amy Hunt, with Paula taking the Championship title as the fastest local rider. Jenn also took the trophy for the series. Newcomer Hilana Marais won the Expert Women's race ahead of Abi Greenaway and the Sport race was won by Ceri Dipple. Masters Women was won by Emma Bradley. The Junior Men's race ended in a sprint finish between Calum Chamberlain and Will Verney. Chamberlain won the day, wth local rider Verney taking the Championship title and the series. The second race is now on the third lap and we'll have news on that is a couple of hours. Top 3 results from race 1 are below.

Elite Women 4 laps
1. Jenn O'Connor (Altura Patterson Training) 02.03.43
2. Paula Moseley (Climb On Bikes) 02.05.36
3. Amy Hunt (Colnago Ergon) 02.10.36

Expert Women 3 laps
1. Hilana Marais (Rock & Road) 01.42.22
2. Abi Greenaway (Charge Bikes) 01.53.46
3. Sally Gabriel (One Planet Adventure) 01.44.13

Sport Women 2 laps
1. Ceri Dipple (Team Milton Keynes) 01.10.23
2. Nicola Jackson (Macclesfield Wheelers) 01.21.46
3. Karen McBarrons (Churnet Valley Velo) 01.22.02

Master Women 3 laps
1. Emma Bradley (Torq) 01.40.26
2. Theresa Jackson (CC Luton) 01.46.51
3. Niki Humphrey (Fig Rolls Racing) 01.47.08

Veteran Women 2 laps
1. Lynne Coldray (Team Milton Keynes) 01.12.24

Junior Women 3 laps
1. Danielle Rider (Smartcar/Probikekit) 02.15.32

Junior Men 3 laps
1. Calum Chamberlain (Mountain Trax) 01.22.54
2. Will Verney (Felt) 01.22.55
3. Thomas Stewart (Doncaster Wheelers) 01.26.47

Youth Men 2 laps
1. Aron Marshall (Sherwood Pines Polaris) 00.57.23
2. Hamish Fletcher Cooney (Gill Cycles) 01.01.36
3. Bruce Dalton (Matlock CC) 01.02.40

Juvenile Men 1 lap
1. John Lomas (Matlock CC) 00.32.24
2. James Hyde (Kettering CC) 00.34.02
3. Oliver Futrell 00.34.52

Fun Men 2 laps
1. Rob Harris 01.08.37
2. Leon Rainsford 01.08.53
3. Spencer Parker 01.11.31

Fun Women 1 lap
1. Julie Watson 00.43.33
2. Louise Kirkham 00.44.21
3. Sarah Eccleshall 00.48.54

For full results and laps times go to www.timelaps.co.uk

Powerbar Provides Emergency Supplies for Midlands XC Champs

Patterson Training and Powerbar have stepped up as last-minute event sponsors for the Midland XC Champs this Sunday (August 3rd), after the existing sponsor pulled out.

Organisers Nadine Spearing and James Hampshire were left with no prizes for their Championship event after the last minute decision this week, and called on Andy Patterson and Jenn O'Connor of Patterson Training to help out.

Nadine, who is a Patterson Training client, finalised the new Powerbar deal with Jenn today (Friday).

Powerbar are sponsors of the Altura Patterson Training race team, and also sponsored Hit the North, a 12 hour race in Manchester three weeks ago, giving out free Performance Sports Drink to every competitor.

Says Jenn, "when Nadine called and said they needed help with prizes, I knew Powerbar would do everything they could. It's difficult to get product delivered at such short notice, but we have pulled together everything we can."

Each competitor will receive a free bottle of Powerbar Performance Sports Drink at sign-on, with Powerbar prize packs for the winners.
The Midland Champs is the third and final round in the hugely popular Midlands Series, and has nearly 300 pre-entries. Pre-entries are now closed, but entries will be accepted on the day. The event is at Sherwood Pines, which has been host to several National Series events. For more information please visit www.xcracer.com.

British National XC Champs - Masters Women

Race Report by Ruth Mordaunt

The British National Championships was just one of my goals this season, and although I had several objectives during the race, I ultimately wanted to win.

Leading up to the Nationals I had trained consistently with some tough sessions set by Andy. I felt strong and ready to race and was hoping this preparation was going to transfer to a result on the day. The event was set in the New Forest with the course designed in a clover leaf style so as to make it more exciting for the spectators in the central arena. The course was typical for the region; flowing single track through the forest. The course offered no big gradient but this was deceptive as although the hills were short they were steep, frequent and relentless, placing more emphasis on consistent effort over technical ability.

This year, the women’s Masters category had raised its standard, with huge improvements all around and especially from Emma Bradley. Also a strong contender was newcomer to mountain biking, Nina Davies who has represented Wales both at National and Commonwealth Games Road/TT racing and National Cross racing too. Furthermore, Theresa Jackson and Caroline Goward looked fighting fit with race experience on their side. We were all gunning for the National title and it was good to be finally on the start line for battle to commence.

It was me who shot off the start line on the motocross section, with Nina and Caroline following closely behind before entering the first section of single track. During this section I tried to settle into a rhythm, but then the first power kick grassy climb put me into the red. I continued to lead for the first half of lap one with Nina and Caroline tucked in just behind me and then Theresa and Emma only a few seconds chasing. It was close, and I knew I had to push on and adopt some race tactics to try and cause a break between us. However, Nina attacked first on the next short yet steep climb into the arena. We were both determined to make it first through the narrow closing but Nina just managed to squeeze past and overtake to gain a small gap. Obviously I did not want to lose sight of her so I was on the chase, but the power drag that proceeded through the woods just zapped the strength out of my legs and it was then I dropped back a little.

During the end of first lap and on one of the few parts of the course where you could grab a drink, Caroline attacked and overtook, leaving me in third position with Theresa and Emma motoring just behind. I remained calm, especially as I had been warned that other riders from earlier races in the day had blown due to not taking enough fluid and fuel on board. So at this point I made it a priority to refuel and successfully resumed a steady rhythm to power on back to Caroline. This seemed to work as it did not take too long to catch up with Caroline where I felt exceptionally strong and overtook her during the second lap. Now all I needed to do was to get to Nina and attack, but it was going to be tight as now she had gained a good 1 ½ minutes on me and I only had one lap to go. I continued to ride a strong final lap and made up some time but unfortunately I could not close the gap to Nina.

Nina rode to the finish line to take the Master Woman National Championship title and I came home not long after to take silver and with Caroline taking bronze. Well done to Nina Davies and to the Master Women category as a whole in raising the racing standard in this category this year. I am now looking forward to the next and fourth round of the British NPS in Staffordshire where the battle between us will be sure to recommence!

Full results and lap times can be found at www.timelaps.co.uk

The 2008 Masters Women podium (from left) Caroline Goward, Nina Davies and Ruth Mordaunt.

British National XC Champs & Hit The North

The Altura Patterson Training team was in two places at once this weekend, with Ruth and Simon racing for the Masters titles down at Crow Hill, while Andy and I braved the rain up in Bury for Hit The North.

At the Nationals, Ruth was first up on Sunday at 10:32, and put in a fantastic ride to take the silver medal. The title went to Nina Davies with a very strong ride, and Caroline Goward claimed the bronze medal. We'll have a race report from Ruth up soon.

Simon was not so lucky, and snapped his chain in the first of his four laps, and although he managed to repair it, the weakened chain continued to break and he had to retire from the race. Sam Gardner successfully defended his Masters title, with Matt Barrett taking silver and Luke Mosely taking bronze. On a brighter note, Si did win the wheelie competition the night before and received a tray of Fosters beer for his efforts!

Big congratulations to Jenny Copnall for her fifth, well-earned title. Congratulations also to Liam, Amy, Dave, Nina, Sam, Annie, Hamish and all the other Champs on their titles. Preparing for a high-pressure event like a National Championship is really tough, and those who come through with the jerseys deserve respect.

Meanwhile, Andy and I were up in Manchester, representing event sponsors Powerbar at Hit The North. This was a 12 hour race just off the M61 near Bolton, and it was a superb event. We ran a stall for Powerbar, as well as fielding a four-person team including myself and Andy, Mark Alker from Singletrack Mag and Karl Pearson from Powerbar. Powerbar put up a free refill service with their C2Max Sports Drink, and we kept the carbs flowing for all the mud-caked riders as they shuffled through.

Unfortunately the weather spoiled things a bit and turned the singletrack and bombhole sections of the course into a muddy quagmire, and there was a lot of running and carrying of bikes required in order to get through each lap. We spent as much time washing bikes and carting barrels of water as we did riding, although we had a lot of help from Mark's boys Tom (12) and Sam (9), who did a great job as our team support. Thanks guys!

Rain aside, the event was brilliant, and the organsers did a fantastic job. The after-party in the beer tent with a proper Northern DJ was a great idea (it had stopped raining by then), and the names on our number plates were a nice touch. Well done to all those who stuck it out to the end, hopefully next year we'll get sunshine and dusty trails!

Mark turned up on a carbon hardtail... so we made him warm up on the turbo to complete the image!

Salzkammergut 2008 Gallery

Photos courtesy http://www.sportograf.de/


The 2008 Salzkammergut Trophy in Bad Goisern started in rain and ended in sunshine, with mist rising through the valley.


Andy (top) and Jenn are still pretty clean as they crest the top of the first 1000m climb.


The descent back into Bad Goisern coated everyone in mud.


A moment of darkness in one of the cliff tunnels before popping out into the sunshine.


Some bridges were covered, whilst others weren't. These pics were taken as we turned left 90 degrees onto a long set of concrete steps.

Quintessentially Austrian scenery, as the rainclouds roll away.

The race traverses the mountainside along trails cut into the cliff face.

A media helicoptor tracks the race leaders, as the crowd waits for the winners to arrive.

The last section of the course snakes through the villages around Bad Goisern, on cycle paths and forest tracks, including a short run up a grassy bank by the river.

Jenn (top) is the first woman to cross the line in 5hrs 56mins 45secs. Andy (below) is not far behind in 6hrs 3mins 20secs.

Jenn with sponsor Uli Fahl of Tune, who builds Jenn's super light race wheels. Below is Jenn's prize, one of the famous Salzkammergut fossil trophies. The Salzkammergut valley was a prehistoric seabed, and these fossil rocks are unique to the region. Each category winner receives a trohpy made from one of these fabulous fossils.

South West Champs

Sunday 13th July
Newnham Park, Plymouth

Altura Patterson Training racer Simon Young is the newly-crowned South West Champ, taking both the Masters and overall titles yesterday at Newnham Park in Plymouth. We'll have a full report, as well as a gallery from the Salzkammergut, posted this week.