XC Racer Blog Post

Mixed Emotions from opening BMBS at Sherwood Pines

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BY: Will Cooper

Published: 5th April, 2011


After a heavy start to the 2011 season Team OMC headed to Sherwood Pines for the first round of the British Mountain Bike Series, with what was arguably the largest men's elite field to start a British national race.  Now regular for the opening round of the series, Sherwood offers a flat out, no rest course filled with undulating technical sections.


The team were using their brand new arena/pit set up, provided by ZipVit Sport this weekend. After an early start both manager & mechanics, the riders arrived at the Orange Monkey-Cannondale pits which by now looked stunning.

After a brief team meeting, the riders headed out for a couple of practice laps, to assess the course & pick lines. All the riders agreed that it was a fast rolling enjoyable course, but in race conditions will be super tough.

With what felt like a very early start, after the loss of an hour of sleep, the crew headed back to the race venue to get set up on race day. Once the riders arrived, after finishing their oats, it was action stations before the race.

Whilst the riders hit their warm-up and the wail of the four turbo trainers reached a crescendo, the pit area became crowded with onlookers, eager to get a look at the Cannondale super bikes in action and the smart new Orange Monkey - Cannondale kit.

Having such a large men's Elite field to contend with, it would be all about the start &, sticking to his word, Paul played to his strengths & accelerated down the outside to make up positions. After Lap one both Chris & Paul were well inside the top 30 & Ben looked comfortable around 50th in his first domestic Elite race.


Alex was in a very strong & talented field of Junior riders, avoiding any crashes off the start line, he soon found himself in a strong group. By lap 4 in the Elite race, Paul's fast start had come back to hit him hard. By this point, Ben had worked his way up to one group away from Paul. Chris was managing to hold off MTB legend Nick Craig and had attached himself firmly to the wheel of Stijn Van Boxstael - a Belgium rider. Alex, on the start of his final lap, was still sitting strong in his group & managed to drop two riders to finish 10th, a good result for his first domestic Junior race after coming up from youth. 

By the final lap of the Elite men's race the Swede with speed Emil Lindgren had managed to form an uncatchable gap to take the victory in style. Chris was the first Team OMC rider to finish, coming in 32nd a solid result. Ben was next in, finishing a creditable 47th position from 67th on the grid. After an amazing start Paul came in 54th position.

It was a great team weekend & a strong start to the domestic season. Next week will see Chris off to Portugal to compete in another UCI Cat 1 race. Paul, Ben & Alex competing  in the UK.






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Will Cooper

Orange Monkey Pro Team Rider

www.myorangemonkey.com

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