61 riders raced in the first Rampage Night Race last night. 35 of those hadn't raced a Rampage this year - where were all the regulars - scared off by the ghosts? No riders were lost and the number of dnfs was very small considering the darkness. If you've never raced at night then it's a fantastic new experience battling others in the dark and because these races are short you haven't got the logistical challenges of recharging lights - try it next year!
West Drayton MBC/Beyond turned up in force at the night race and showed their practice at the Night of the Knobbly Tread was worthwhile. They took two category wins and got most team points on the night.
Oxford University CC also turned up for the first time and actually created a queue at registration!
Pedal On and Banjo Cycles continued their battle for the team title, with Pedal On beating them on the night but not enough to take the series. They will have to settle for the best fancy dressed rider - Adrian Parry - who won a cycle computer courtesy of Cateye.
Emily Iredale completed a clean sweep of wins in the Elite female races but was given a tough battle by Expert Female Agata Tamulewicz who pipped Emily on the line. Agata had won at the Knobbly Tread race and was obviously used to night racing. Scott Chappell took his first ever Elite Male win with lap times which weren't far off the best daytime laps. Paul Millem won the Master Male category.
Regular Rampagers Paul Brennan and Rob Jackson took the Expert and Grand Vet wins - they are probably able to ride the course blindfolded they've done so many laps over the years.
David Pusey continued his great year in Open with another win. Samantha Rosser arrived from Oxford University CC to win the Open Female race - in costume and we never saw her face even on the podium! Morgan Jones won the Sport Male race in style for sponsors Banjo Cycles.