BMBS Final Newnham

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BY: phil Morris

Published: 27th September, 2011

Newnham Park Finale of BMBS

With the BMBS having a break for July and August, the final round held last weekend was eagerly awaited, as it kind of closes the race season for most. Keeping motivated has been a challenge, especially after  a few health troubles and a few not quite so good results, its always tough to keep on going. But hey finally the last major race was upon us. I was currently in 4th place in the series behind Matt Dennis, Ed Moseley and George Rose. I wasn't going to be able to catch Matt and Ed, but I needed to beat George to pick up third.

We decided to make a little weekend break down in Plympton as the place brings back quite a few memories for the family!!! With the caravan all hitched up , off we set and arrived 4 o clock's Friday afternoon after on hell of a journey and 5 hours on the road. Once we had got sorted I headed out for a practice lap.

Newnham is always a favourite of mine, plenty of climbing and fast descending, but not overly technical.

After my practice I was quite surprised! The course still had plenty of climbing and fast descending, but this year the Horton's had put in 2 cracking new technical descent's!

The course was superb, in my opinion the best of the year!

Next up was the team relay which I was taking part in. We couldn't really be classed as an Xcracer team, as I was the only Xcracer team member in it, but we managed to recruit Lee Williams (Wiggle) Verity Appleyard and Lyn Lines(Gateway Cycles). There were 4 teams in total, which was a little disappointing as it's a really exciting little event which has a great atmosphere and is so fun to take part in, but would be awesome if more teams participated. Team 'Where's James?' finished in 4th place! (team member stuck in a jam on the M5!!)

Following the relay it was time for some grub, chill and bed.

As soon as the course opened I was out there in the morning for another practice as bits of the course were worrying me ever so slightly!! Especially if it was to rain as that could make the course a whole lot harder than it already was!! Niall, James and myself did a lap which settled a few of my concerns.

On return to the start, race one was starting. This was to be won outright by Annie Last, with a very convincing win.

 

Team Mate Mel taking 3rd in the Elite Womens series

 

Next up was the highlight of the weekend for team Morris!! Hail-Rae took part in the Go-Ride race, her first proper bike race, off road with no stabilisers!! Bless her she did exceptionally well considering she was taking part in an under 8's race and only just turning 4 herself! She loved it and has caught the racing bug!!! Now she wants more, more and more! ( perhaps until she has an off!!) Well done Flossie!!! Did daddy proud!

From there I went to help feed Niall and James. Leading the elite men was Liam Killeen followed by Lee Williams who was having a cracking ride. This was also how it finished.

Race 3 was upon us and I lined up next to Ed and off the start I managed to hit the first bit of single-track in 3rd behind Matt and Ed. On the first climb I managed to get up into 2nd, but as  expected I was left for dust on the first descent and I dropped back to 3rd. I chased hard and managed to get back to Ed again on the second climb and pass him again, but like before Ed is a descending demon and kicks my a** every time. A real education and a spectacle to watch! Probably the best descender at Newnham that weekend!

This was the last time I was to be ahead of Ed, he puts so much time into me on the descent's, I think im going to need some downhill skills to patch up my attempts. On the next lap I managed to keep in touch by gaining a bit on the climbs but losing masses on the downs. On lap 3 I lost contact and lap 4 I was had kind of given up chasing and eased off, as was not going to try and kill myself, because for one race my chest had actually not given me any gip!!

I finished 3rd behind Ed and Matt walked away with a well deserved win! And series victory. For me this was mission accomplished as this secured 3rd for me in the series.

To summarise, a great way to finish the season, Excellent course, Excellent company, beer and a dance!!

Cracking weekend, well done Maddie and Jay and all of Martyn's team.

Thanks to everyone who has supported in one way or other this season, especially Donna, Hail-Rae and Ryley who travel around the Country to support me.

Lastly a big thank you to my sponsors who without, I would not be racing in the same capacity!

Phil Morris riding for Xcracer.com

Gateway Cycles
Accelerade
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