Pedalon SouthernXC 2013 Series - Round 3 Race Report

Fantastic conditions greeted riders at Round 3 of the pedalon SouthernXC series at Wasing on Sunday.  Everyone was enjoying the course so much that the racing afternoon was extended to provide maximum time in the sun. Lots of new features have been included using logs to add difficulty to the course.  The racing was fast and close despite lap times increasing as racers felt the rising heat.



The Elite Male race saw the return of some 'old' faces to the series - Jody Crawforth, Steve James and Ben Sumner joining the regular crew.  Ben Sumner (Beeline) had a great start leading the race on the first lap before retiring on the second lap.  Steve James (Hargroves) opened a gap on the second lap and rode at the front for the remaining four laps.  Chris Minter (pedalon) showed a return to form as he battled with Jody Crawforth and Ade Lansley in the chase group.   But on the fourth lap the chasers were overtaken by the leading expert rider Isaac Pucci (AWCycles), who then proceeded to overtake Steve on the fifth lap - an amazing ride from Isaac given he started 3 minutes behind the Elites!

The Elite Female race proved equally exciting as Spanish Elite rider, Merce Pacios fought hard to maintain a 15 second gap to chasing Emily Iredale (Cycleworks).

    

Current Masters series leader, Rob Purcell (Neon-Velo), was given a hard race by returning racer Warren Jesse in a sprint finish.

The Sport race saw a new crew arrive to take the honours from the regulars.  Tom Dunn (Hot Pursuit) took the win in a close race with Edward Rose and Rich Hobbs.

Roland Tilley closed in on the Grand Vets Series leader, Rob Jackson, with another win.  Lewis King (Beeline) stormed the Vets race to get within three points of series leader Mark Chamberlain.

Sam Stean, home from duties with the Olympic Development Programme, had another convincing win in the Junior Male race, as Will Taylor consolidated his series lead with a solid second place.  Gretel Warner continued to dominate the Junior Female race.

Derek Wilson and Dean Camier from Motorhouse Racing continued strong performances in the Open Male Race but were separated by Chris Lillywhite this time.

In the Youth races, Hannah English won again and Christopher Rothwell took revenge on Southern Champ, Matthew Fratesi.

Round 4 is in two weeks on 14th July at new venue Lower Froyle Quarry.  

More details at www.southernxc.net

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