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Video: East Region BMX Round 5

Words and Video By Mark Carroll
Posted February 21 2011

Round 5 of the East Region BMX Winter Series saw 68 riders competing on the national-standard track at Sloughbottom Park, Norwich on February 13.

The event staged by Norwich BMX Flyers club attracted competitors from all clubs around the region including Braintree, Royston, Ipswich, Peterborough and Norwich to name a few. Big-named riders such as world class Alan Hill staged an exciting show of bike handling skills for the hundred-strong crowd, taking first place in the male 17+ category.

Set on an open slope in the grounds of Sloughborough Park, a persistent side wind kept riders battling to stay upright on some of the jumps of this physically demanding and technical track as they grappled for position. Female riders Mollie Foster of Peteborough Phantoms and Morgan Dorrell of Norwich Flyers battled it out neck and neck all day in the run up to the finals with Mollie just managing to pip Morgan to first place.

Milton Keynes rider Jack Leahy took first place in the male under 7 while Royston Rockets riders James King, Myles Fisher and Ethan Vernon all took first places respectively in the 8-9,10-11 and 12-13 year male rider groups.

In the male 17+ group first placed Alan Hill was dominant from start to finish. Alan entertained the crowds with his mastery of the track and ability to make perfectly composed jumps on the many hills and turns. Libby Smith of Redditch Premiers BMX club took first place in the female 14-16 year olds and the Cruiser 17+ first place went to Braintree BMX rider Jason Bridge.