Connor Hudson and Katherine Byng secured back-to-back wins in the fifth and sixth rounds of the National 4X Series at Shredhill in Gloucestershire.
One of Britain's finest tracks and a cornerstone of the British scene, the fast, flowing track created a spectacle for riders and spectators alike. With fun jumps, high berms and split lines on the track, the racing was incredibly fast.
Saturday - Round 5
In the elite open, Connor Hudson was on a mission all day. Battling through his motos and taking three wins, he looked in fine form for the final. Up against Ian Forsyth, Jack Hudson and Duncan Ferris, Hudson had a tough fight in the final. The gate dropped and Hudson made a strong start, leading into turn one. The three riders behind battled in turn one, and allowing Hudson to bolt. His brother, Jack, slipped into second, with Forsyth challenging. Into the huge hairpin turn, Forsyth made his move into second place. Hudson stormed to the win, with Forsyth second, Jack Hudson third and veteran rider Ferris fourth.
In senior women’s, 4X queen Katherine Byng was simply unstoppable all day, taking a commanding win and extending her overall series lead. Jessica Taylor rode strong to finish second.
The rippers 7-9 class had the crowd screaming all weekend as 7-year-old Doryty WIlliams - sister to Izak and Felyx - made her 4X debut. World BMX star Harry Donald took the win in the 10-12 rippers and it was great to see former 4X series organiser Chris Roberts racing, finishing second in the grand veterans.
Sunday - Round 6
Connor Hudson continued to show his strength into Sunday, once again being the one to watch in the elite open races. In the final, he took gate one, with Ian Forsyth in second, Ben Jones in third and Duncan Ferris in fourth. The gate dropped and it was Hudson who took the holeshot leading into turn one. All four made it through and set off down the motorway section. Hudson pulled his lead out convincingly but the fight for second was tight all the way down the track. Crossing the finish line, it was Hudson taking the win to round off a perfect weekend, with Forsyth in second, Ferris in third and Jones in fourth.
Katherin Byng stormed to her second victory of the weekend, with Jessica Taylor taking second.
At the finish line Hudson said:
“I am so stoked. It has been a perfect weekend taking the win both days. I’m so happy. The track has been amazing all weekend so a big thank you to the Shredhill team. Thanks to British 4X for putting on an amazing race series. I can’t wait for Falmouth now on August 10/11th.”
A huge thanks to the series sponsor Schwalbe who help to make it all possible.
Thank you to all the venues, riders, medics, commentators, officials, commissaires, marshals, family and friends who attend every race. You make 4X the amazing sport that it is and long may it continue.
The biggest cheers of the weekend came from the 7-9 rippers, Charlie Dowsing took the win from Jack Kitching and Harvey Roberts.
Harry Donald dominated the 10 - 12 rippers all weekend, securing the win from Evan Davey and Layton Harding.
