Snapper Chick @ 2XC 2012 Evening Race 2

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BY: Janet Burroughes

Published: 31st May, 2012

Always a tricky decision whether to attend after work races.  You know, that mad rush and the inescapable feeling you've forgotten something really important (bike?, front wheel?, cycle helmet? - no need to name names you know who you are!).  However, with the sun shining and the South Dartmoor round of the 2XC 2012 series little over half an hour drive away it would have been rude not to. 

The first race started in warm sunshine, perfect for photography, though perhaps a little warm for racing…

The course initially climbed across dry, bumpy, hard packed fields.  Ideal for keeping your bike clean, if not quite so good for keeping the false teeth in place!  This didn't stop the turnout for Race 2 being dominated by Vet riders.  Jay Horton, riding for Certini, took a convincing race win.  Proving his riding can still more than keep up with his infamous race commentary!   The main downhill snaked through the woodland, with off camber sections and tricky roots.  Something of a Horton speciality.  Fitting that Maddie made it a family, and Certini, clean sweep.  She led the women by (literally) miles, and placed well overall.  Maddie did say afterwards that a lack of racing meant she wasn't used to 'the trees rushing towards her so fast'.  Given that the trees tend to stay firmly placed, often in the way, when I'm racing I'd like to ask Maddie which energy gel she was using!  The trouble is she'd only say I should go faster.  Fair and deserved comment, but probably safer if I stick to taking pictures…

 

The full set of Snapper Chick's pictures from this race can be found at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/60591819@N07/sets/72157629983209198/

 

Well done to all who made the effort to race after work and thanks to the organisers for a great event.

Snapper Chick