XCC Race Report: British XC National Series Round 5 Cannock Chase
The final round of the British National Short Track Series took place this Saturday at Cannock Chase Trails, with riders facing a short but sweet course that really was made for fast, intense racing where not only race winners got to take to the top podium, but we found out who was going to be crowned overall series winners. A relatively smooth course compared to previous rounds lured some riders into a false sense of security. As the pace increased some riders found themselves caught out by the speed and needing to reign it back. The track really summed up what short track should be: fast, intense and competitive.
The Juveniles and Youths kicked off the weekend's proceedings with the riders keen to make the most of the summer sun. With multiple battles going on throughout the pack, the podium positions were up for grabs by anyone. Alex Hart and Max Standen formed an early breakaway, with the decider made in the final corner of the track. Both riders hit the corner well, but it was Alex Hart who used the remaining energy in his tank to power through a sprint finish and took the win by just 0.4 seconds, ahead of Max Standen in second. Gus Lawson and Arthur Limb battled it out for the remaining podium position with Gus Lawson taking third in the Male Juvenile and Youth Race. In the Female race Daisy Wilkinson took a strong win ahead of Tulsi Bakrania in second and Lara Dix in third.
Next up was the Veteran's race. An early breakaway formed with Paul Oldham, Nick Craig and John Hopkinson all making their bid for the top podium. But it was Paul Oldham who made it five for five, taking both the race win and the overall series win in the veteran's short track race. Nick Craig took home second followed by John Hopkinson in third. In the female veteran's race, Cheri Mills took a dominating win by just under 30 seconds ahead of Natalie Smith in second and Karen Heppenstall in third.
To round off the day the senior race took place. With elite riders either away in Val Di Sole for the World Series or saving themselves for the XCO on Sunday this really was anyone's to claim. A tight pack lead the way for several of the laps with Ben Askey, Rhys Hidrio and Joe Griffiths each making their claim on the top podium. Ben Askey was crowned victorious taking the win in the male senior race, ahead of Rhys Hidrio in second and Joe Griffiths in third. In the Female senior race, Anna Kay took an early lead and showed her strength going on to take the win, followed by Anna McGorum in second and Grace Inglis in third.
The excitement continues on Sunday with the final XCO races of the season and we find out who will be crowned XCO champion overall.
There was a brilliant turnout today at the Cannock Chase trails for the Short Track races with riders keen to see the season out in style
And they're off!
Tulsi Bakrania had a fantastic race taking home second in the Short Track at Cannock today, but taking home Youth and Juvenile Female Overall win for the Short Track season
Where riders would normally send it over the jump, there was no time for this in the intense, compact short track race format
Go to be sure to catch your riders!
Eva Fox saved some energy for the final lap of the 9-lap race, powering down for a rapid lap and securing fourth in the female youth just missing out on a podium by 0.1 seconds
Tinted glasses were a must with the ever-changing summer conditions . . . and they look cool
As they powered round the final corner it was a sprint to the line for Alex Hart and Max Standen
But Alex had just enough in the tank left to take his first win the Short Track Series this year
The Veteran Short Track gridding seemed much more relaxed than previous races today, with riders chatting and smiling right up until the whistle
An early break-away formed in the Veteran's race with Paul Oldham, Nick Craig and John Hopkinson battling it out over the laps
Power arms to pump into the bomb-hole
The relief of one lap to go
Richard Freshwater still had enough energy to wheelie it across the line in style
Hope's Paul Oldham made it 5 for 5 wins in the Short Track series
Some final deep breaths and mindfulness on the start line, getting in that racing mentality
Always time for a pre-race fist bump
Last-minute pep talks for Anna Kay
The first lap is always the trickiest with bar-to-bar action around the many twists and turns in the short track course
With the intensity of the racing, there's always a chance riders get a bit too close for comfort, thankfully everyone was able to walk away
The short track course was short and intense, providing plenty of opportunity to put the pedal strokes in and get the advantage
Anna Kay showed her power taking the win in the female elite
Smiles for miles
Ben Askey and Rhys Hidrio were neck and neck, with Ben using all his reserves for his final lap on his way to winning the men's senior race
No time to relax and enjoy the sunshine with riders right on your wheel
Anna McGorum taking a quick look back as she sensed the lead male senior riders hot on her tail
Arthur Limb and Gus Lawson battled it out over their 10 laps to claim the final podium position, ultimately Gus pipped Arthur to round off the podium by just 0.8 seconds
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ArleneVaughn33
(Jul 4, 2023 at 5:38)
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