Gorrick Spring Series Rd 5, Frith Hill

On Sunday Frith Hill, Deepcut played host to the final round of this years Gorrick Saddle Skedaddle Spring Series. The conditions were bright, breezey and perfect for bike racing.

Everyone was hoping that the previous weeks rain had not stuck around on the course and were not disappointed. Out on the practice lap we found the course to be dry, fast and surprisingly short (only 4 miles). As with most Gorrick courses it was very technical offered little respite but everyone loved it!

South Downs involvement started in the Masters with Steve, Marc, Simon and I joined on the line by Ben Connor on his bling new S-Works 29er. Steve was in with a remote chance of taking the series win if results went his way. The track was a bit soft in places which caused a few crashes. Marc managed to twist his bars and unfortunately Mac hit a tree which forced him to retire with a damaged knee. At the line Steve finished in second place securing second overall in the series. Marc was 7th and I was close behind in 8th. Unfortuantely, Ben punctured on the first lap and after going back to his car to fix didn't get a result which is a shame as thats two races on the spin he's had bad luck. However, I'm looking forward to hearing how the big wheeler handled on the twisty course.

Ian was next off and in his own words had a nice uneventful race! A small off cost him about 20 seconds but came in to finish 4th in the Grand Vets.

Emma did have an eventful race...Afer having a competitive start with the lead constantly changing during the first lap a big stack on the second left her a little dazed. Showing her grit she charged on to take third only seven seconds adrift of second.

The late off was the battle of the Alexes, a finely poised contest with a higher placed finish each. Alex T had a big group of family there to spur him on but it looked like Alex D was going to steal the show until a wrong turn on the final lap cost him vital seconds and one very important place. Well done too to Stephen Turner for a solid race.

All in all a good day for SDB scoring two podiums and a hat full of top tens. A big thanks to Tim for his support and driving, Steve Atkinson for the loan of his van, Sharon for photos and support and Cliodhna, Sarah and Olivia for their support.