Plymouth MTB Champs Prove a Hit With All Riders

Plymouth having avoided much of the snow witnessed across the country had nonetheless not managed to avoid a soaking. With 35 riders in action the surface soon cut up leaving it to the technical skills of the more experienced riders to benefit.

In it's second year of running this race is aimed at all levels of rider. HMS Raleigh has a host of services to offer within it's extensive grounds this extends to the loan of race bikes which gives even complete novices the opportunity to really get stuck in to this re-emerging sport.

The formula is simple. You need a challenging course giving a combination of flat fast sections and technical ascents and descents. Thereafter you need some willing volunteers in the form of competitors and you're pretty much good to go. The race format was straightforward. Riders would race for 50 minutes (25 mins for ladies) thereafter 1 more lap would be completed with the rider completing the most laps being declared the winner.

The trick on the day was to stay upright and to ride as light as possible to stop the effect of the mud slowing you down to a virtual stop.

The mens race was well defended by last years champion and with a seemingly effortless ride from Surg Lt Al Lovell whilst the ladies race was won by LNN Quinn keeping it in the medical fraternity.

Full Results

Results were as follows:

a.  MEN (50 min + 1 lap)

8 LAPS

1st Surg Lt Lovell (HMS DRAKE)  1 hr 02 min 43 sec
2nd WO2 Way (HMS RALEIGH)  1 hr 15 min 24 sec

7 LAPS

3rd  Mr Ferguson (Guest)   1 hr 05 min 40 sec
4th Mr Curtis  (Guest)    1 hr 05 min 51 sec
5th POPT Lowe (HMS RALEIGH)  1 hr 08 min 05 sec
6th  WO2 Vine (HMS RALEIGH)  1 hr 10 min 05 sec

6 LAPS

7th LH Smith (HMS RALEIGH)   1 hr 02 min 48 sec
8th   Lt Cdr Dean (HMS RALEIGH)  1 hr 05 min 51 sec
9th POPT Jones (HMS DRAKE)  1 hr 06 min 40 sec

5 LAPS

10th CPO Roberts  (HMS RALEIGH)  1 hr 14 min 00 sec
11th AB Morley (HMS RALEIGH)  1 hr 14 min 33 sec

4 LAPS

12th  AB Roger (HMS RALEIGH)  1 hr 15 min 12 sec
13th AB Hardiman (HMS RALEIGH)  1 hr 15 min 43 sec
14th  AB Galpin (HMS RALEIGH)  38 min 04 sec

LADIES (25 min + 1 lap)

3 LAPS

1st  LNN Quinn (HMS DRAKE)   37 min 12 sec
2nd  PO McCartin (HMS RALEIGH)  38 min 17 sec
3rd  AET Leaske (HMS HERON)  38 min 20 sec

4th Surg Cdr Howe (HMS RALEIGH)  39 min 52 sec
5th  AET  States (HMS HERON)  41 min 54 sec 
6th  AB Jordan (HMS RALEIGH)  42 min 55 sec  
7th  Mrs Walters (Guest)    43 min 30 sec 
8th AB Jean (HMS RALEIGH)   44 min 50 sec
9th PO Evans (HMS DRAKE)   47 min 00 sec
10th LNN Marsh (HMS DRAKE)   47 min 40 sec
11th NA Saxton (RNAS Culdrose)  51 min 05 sec
12th AB Slater (HMS RALEIGH)  52 min 50 sec
13th = AB Gibson (HMS RALEIGH)  56 min 53 sec
13th = AB Cook (HMS RALEIGH)   56 min 53 sec
15th = AB Booker (HMS RALEIGH)  56 min 57 sec
15th = AB Drew (HMS RALEIGH)   56 min 57 sec
 
2 LAPS

17th  MA Taylor (RNAS Culdrose)  38 min 13 sec 
18th AB Bates (HMS DRAKE)   39 min 02 sec
19th  AB Lenard (HMS RALEIGH)   42 min 25 sec
20th  AB Jeans (HMS RALEIGH)  44 min 10 sec

1 LAP

21st  AB Jacob (HMS DRAKE)   33 min 40 sec

3. Prize winners:

Ladies   1st  LNN Quinn  HMS DRAKE
     2nd   PO McCartin  HMS RALEIGH   

Veteran Men  1st  WO2 Way  HMS RALEIGH
     2nd  Mr Curtis  Guest

Senior Men  1st   Surg Lt Lovell HMS DRAKE
2nd  Mr Ferguson  Guest 
     3rd  POPT Lowe  HMS RALEIGH
     4th  LH Smith  HMS RALEIGH
 
Trainee Ladies  1st  AB Jordon   HMS RALEIGH  

Trainee Men  1st  AB Morley  HMS RALEIGH

Regardless of final positions on the day all competitors were winners and the big winner was RN sport. Sincere thanks to the COMMANDING OFFICER HMS RALEIGH for hosting the event and we look forward to the autumn series of events planned at RALEIGH for later this year.

NAVYCYCLING DOING IT WHATEVER THE WEATHER