XC Racer Blog Post
Great Series Finales
Share on Facebook Share on TwitterBY: Will Cooper
Published: 17th September, 2012
British XC Series Round 5 - Langdon Hills
The finals of the British National series took place over the bank holiday weekend and before the event started we had the bad news that both Ben and Alex would not be able to take part due to illness. Both riders were understandably disappointed but we still had a strong team line up and with Dave in contention for the overall title we were excited to be at our home race in Essex!
Dave and Rourke got off to a great start and led the field for the opening 4 laps showing the talent and form they both have at the moment towing a select group of 6 riders. On lap 5 series leader Oli Beckingsale put in a stinging attack through the feed zone and as our riders responded it was clear that the opening laps had taken their toll as they struggled to stay in contention.
Whilst Dave was busy battling at the front of the race, Rourkes bad luck in the British series continued as he once again had a mechanical issue and fought his way around over half a lap to the technical zone to get assistance before continuing to a 25th place after looking so strong at the front. Dave meanwhile consolidated and finished on the podium once again with a 4th place, also taking 3rd overall in the series! Paul rode a steady race to 28th position.
Our first win at the British series still eludes us but surely this will be here soon as we hope for a change in fortunes next season in this competition having twice led races by over a minute only to have mechanicals.
We finished the event with our traditional rider of the year trophy awarded to Dave who has shown great determination and consistency in his first season with the team.
UCI World Cup Round 7 - Val d'isere
Val d'isere in France was the host for the final of the World Cup series. It has been a long and eventful season as the team have taken part in every World Cup for the first time in their history.
This was the second World Cup held in France in 2012 and was an idyllic setting hidden deep in the mountains on a tough course with steep climbs and some technical descents not to mention the "cool" wall ride.
The team came into the race in great shape and as race day approached after a good week of course practice, Rourke seemed very relaxed as he took his place on the second row of the Under 23 start line.
It was clear from the gun that this would be a good day for our South African Champion as he immediately set himself into the top 10 and knocked out a superb rhythm on the slippery course. He continued to stay steady through the race eventually coming home in 16th position, his best European World Cup and a good sign as we close in on the World Championships.
With the weather yo-yoing between sun and rain and the course still slippery it was soon the turn of the Elite racers. Dave has continued to improve all season and with a great race the last time out in France we were confident of a good race. Once again, we were not to be let down as our British star turned in a great performance from a poor starting grid position to finish in 57th place, another top 60 result which will no doubt improve his grid position for the World Championships.
Finally it was the turn of our Junior rider, Alex Baker who has had a string of bad luck so far this season and unfortunately this was once again the case crashing out of the World Cup finals leaving the youngster heartbroken.
It was a solid World Cup for our team and a good conclusion to a great season for the team. We were delighted to have both Steven James and John Whittington as guests with the team at this world cup. With just a few races remaining in 2012 we now focus on building on a fantastic 2012 for an even better 2013.
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Will Cooper
Orange Monkey Pro Team Rider
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This blog post was written by a third party and their views do not necessarily reflect the views of XCRacer.com
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