16th May 2010On Sunday Ian Petherbridge, Alex Taylor and I (Matt Knight) made the trip to Frith Hill for the final round of the Gorrick Saddle Skedaddle Spring Series. Going into the race Ian was top of the Grand Vet rankings and looking to close out what could be a maiden series victory.
The course lived up to Gorrick's excellent course building reputation with plenty of fast technical single track.
Ian was up first and despite puncturing and having heavy legs on the pre ride made a cracking start taking the lead straight away. However, he couldn’t shake the following posse and struggled on the short sharp hills which normally pose no problems, crossing the line in a disappointing 6th place. Reflecting afterwards Ian was annoyed having beaten all his rivals in a strong category throughout the series.
Due to a no show from His closest rival 6th place proved enough for Ian to be confirmed as series champion! Congratulations!
Alex and I started at one. After the usual hell-for-leather start I was in the top 10 with Alex in the midfield. During the first half of the race I managed to pick off the riders at the front and was in the lead going into the final lap. However, I slowed during the final lap and was caught by the second place rider. Having been out sprinted by our own Alex Davey at the Goodwood Spring Challenge I was determined not to let it happen again. With about a mile to go I put the hammer down on the penultimate hill and managed to build a 13 second gap by the line.
Alex had probably his best race in Southdowns colours. Having been caught on the second lap by a group of three riders he latched onto the back and regrouped. During the final lap he found the strength to pass them and push on. It was great to see him buzzing at the finish.
All in all a great event for Southdowns and congratulations again to Ian
Results.
Well done guys, especially to Ian on a great series win.
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