SouthernXC 2014 Round 1 Report - Video

The Elite Men's field of 20 fought a long battle in the sunshine with constant changes of position but one consistent winner in Jason Boutell, a regular of the Midlands series. Jason built a commanding lead after a hard chasing Isaac Pucci punctured on the fourth lap. Ben Thomas caught Steve James for second, while Chris Minter scored a first ever victory over team mate Adrian Lansley for fourth place.

A record number of 11 Elite Female racers broke in the course in the early race. Louise Robinson and Catriona Ross stayed together for all four laps with Catriona proving the stronger on the final lap. Emily Benham, MTBO specialist, scored third over last year's series winner Emily Iredale who was recovering from a broken wrist.

Expert Men was won by Phillip Pearce in his first SouthernXC, while Amy Jo Handsford took the female race.

Mark Chadbourne and Nigel Brown moved up to Grand Vets and spoilt the party for Rob Jackson, Roland Tilley and Steve Jones. Carol Tilley battled round with broken ribs to take the Female Grand Vet win.

Liam Earl, last year's series runner-up, fought off David Creber and William Cheaney to win the Junior Male race. Holly MacMahon won the Junior Female category.

Paul Lloyd moved from mid-pack last year to take the Masters race on his new 29er, with last year's series winner Rob Purcell taking second.

Bruce Spilsbury came from nowhere and won the Sport Male race. 

Ian Petherbridge graduated from Grand Vet to win the Super Vet category.

Marc Chamberlain continued where he left off last year with a strong win in the Veteran Male race over former National Champion, Paul Hopkins. Special Mention for James Hodge of the Tuff Fitty Tri Club who raced for 2 hours and 21 minutes on the five laps - real determination!

Matthew Fratesi and Emily Wadsworth won the Youth races with Luke Mitchie and Megan James taking the Juvenile wins.

A great days racing for everyone and lots of happy people. Unfortunately we had two reports of bad language on the course and on the arena, and we'd like to remind everyone that there are children present and this is a public event. The commissaires will be reminding racers to watch their language in future races so we can all enjoy a pleasant day out. On a good note - hardly any litter on the course except lost water bottles bouncing off in the rough descents!