Pedalon Southern XC Rd 3 Race Preview

Round 3 of the pedalon SouthernXC series returns to the Wasing Estate near Reading on the 30th June 2013. 

Venue for last year's National XC Championships the course provides fast close racing and technical challenges for all abilities. Olympian Liam Killeen said last year after taking the National Champs title, "I really enjoy riding this course.  I've raced here a few times for the Nationals. It's a flat course but it's always fun and always a good workout. It takes a lot of pedalling and you really have to be technically on the ball as well."

The Series competition hots up this round with riders trying to ensure they get the maximum scores from four rounds from five.  

Ben Thomas and Sally Bigham, current Elite series leaders, are both absent at the World Marathon Championships in Austria.  Mike Cotty (Cannondale) and George Budd (Salsa) could get a good lead in the men's category.  Emily Iredale (Specialized) and Louise Robinson (xcracer.com, Four4th Lights) will battle for the women's lead.

In the Expert category, local Isaac Pucci (AWCycles) dominated the last round but the series battle is very tight at this round with Richard Phillips-Scholfield, Michael Guilford and Scott McCarron all within 10 points of each other.  

Grand Vets, Rob Jackson (BeyondMTB) and Steve Jones (AWCycles) will be trying to show that Roland Tilley's championship win at the last round was a one off.

Rob Purcell (Neon-Velo) is likely to continue his dominance of the Masters category but there is a long list of riders battling for second place.

Motorhouse Racing CC are dominating the Open category this year and Dean Camier will return to try to beat team mate Derek Wilson after missing the last round.

In the Sport category Adam Buckland (Banjo Cycles) and Nick Herlihy are vying for the top spot with Heidi Gould (CC Weymouth) comfortably ahead in the female category.

The most hotly contested category, Vets, sees Paul Hopkins (Merida) trying to avenge the loss of his Southern Champs title to Marc Chamberlain at the last round.

Gretel Warner (WXC Racing) and Liam Earl (Sutton CC) are dominating the Junior category this year.

In the Team Competition, Guernsey Velo dominated the last round but local team Palmer Park Velo should be able to claw back the lead with home advantage.

There has been a huge leap in participation at the races this year which has been really encouraging for MTB racing in the South. New riders are always welcome and there are categories for all ages from under 9 to over 60!

Further details and on-line entry at www.southernxc.net. Pre-entry closes on Wednesday 26th June but entry on the day is available in all categories.

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