Go Race, North Wales Series, 2011
Round 8, Nant BH (Final), November 5th
Photos: Roger Mapleson
Nant BH Outdoor Centre was the venue for the final round of the Series and with numerous awards still to be decided we looked forward to some competitive racing from the 51 riders.
Race 1, U16 & U14
Joe Harrison (U16 boys) needed maximum points to stand any chance of claiming the runners up spot in the overall boys award which he did in fine style from Robat Davies, this being Robat’s first race this season. Likewise, Geena Fraser (U16 girls) needed to do the same to win the overall girls award and although Hannah Bird chased hard, Geena ran out the winner.
One of the expected ‘battles of the day’ was going to be in the U14 boys between Joe Barnwell and Josh Nelson. Josh needed to beat Joe in the race to level the points going into the time trial. After a close race where there was nothing between them, Joe finally pulled away on the last climb to win the race, he now only needed one point from the time trial to secure runners spot in the class, Davey Brookes having already clinched the title at the previous race at Llandegla.
Elen Bird (U14 girls) proved too strong for Niamh Peers to take maximum points, Niamh only had to finish to win the class.
Race 2, U12
Peter Stewart (U12 boys) had already won the class but was still in with a chance for a position in the overall awards and with three other lads chasing the remaining class awards it was going to be a tense race. Jack Nash led from the start and maintained this lead to win from Simon Price in second, Nick Clark in third and Peter Stewart in fourth. This gave Jack a lead of just one point over Simon going into the time trial.
In the U12 girls, Megan Woodward had already secured the class but needed maximum points to win the overall girls award but Lucy Nelson powered her way around the course for the win beating half a dozen of the lads in the process.
Race 3, U10
Tim Freeman (U10 boys), having won both the class and overall boys awards, finished the season in fine style with a comfortable win from Owen Mapleson. Ossian Webber needed a good result to claim third in the class and his third place in the race proved enough to demote Will Harding to fourth.
In the U10 girls, both Josie Nelson and Nicole Clarke were chasing the class win and Josie was also in the running for the runners up spot in the overall girls award. Catrin Williams was lying in second place in the class before the race but having already scored in six rounds it was going to be difficult for her to add many more points to her total. Josie won the race and the class from Nicole with Catrin in third.
Race 4, U8
In the U8 boys, Ben Bright needed second place to win the class but maximum points in the race and the time trial would mean that he would be third in the overall boys award. Ben won the race from Greg Hopkins with Ioan Oldfield in third. Ioan still has two more seasons in the under 8’s, I think he will take some beating in the future.
Time trial
Joe H and Geena won their respective TT’s to secure their overall awards. Joe B needed just one point from the TT, so just to make sure, he took maximum points by beating Josh by 8 seconds. Jack’s winning time meant that he was runners up in his class from Simon. Nicole beat Josie by 1 second but Josie’s 9 points gained was enough to finish as runner up in the overall awards and finally, Ben won his TT to take third in the overall awards.
With all today’s race results and the Series class and overall positions to work out before the awards ceremony, I needed ‘a bit of peace and quiet’ to do this so it’s many thanks to Carolyn, Sarah and Ellie for organising a trail quest. Riders and parents formed 10 teams to go out and explore Gwydyr Forest and then back to enjoy bangers and burgers from Andrew’s and Clare’s BBQ’s followed by a huge variety of cakes. Thanks to the cooks and to all the ‘mums’ who supplied the cakes, I think there was enough for 10 each!!!, I certainly had my share!!.
And so to the awards presentations. The race certificates were presented and then the prizes for the numbers draw. Every competitor on the day returned their race number which went into the draw to win a variety of prizes. Many thanks to Martin Burton of 1868 Racing from Llanrwst www.1868racing.co.uk for donating over 40 of the prizes, to Cotswold Outdoors Betws y Coed www.cotswoldoutdoor.com and to Steve Beech at Beics Brenin www.beicsbrenin.co.uk for their support. Through the generosity of these companies, every competitor went home with a prize.
Next up was the class awards followed by the overall awards, the overall award winners receiving a Blackburn pump courtesy of Beics Brenin.
The final award was the ‘Star’ award and was presented to Mal Taylor for his effort and enthusiasm that he puts into every race and the inspiration he gives to younger and less experienced riders. Mal also received a cycling top courtesy of Cotswold Outdoors. Well done Mal.
Thanks to everyone for attending and to those who helped with the signing on, lap scoring, marshalling and for clearing the course and the classroom at the end of a long but fantastic day. Thanks to Roger Mapleson for taking all the photos for the web and to Nigel for his videos. And finally a BIG thank you to Pauline Stewart for all her hard work throughout the Series.
Race Results here>>>
Series Results here>>>
Welsh Cycling would like to thank the following for their co-operation and the use of their venues:
Alyn Waters Country Park, Forestry Commission Wales, Nant BH Outdoor Centre, Parc Glynllifon, Tree Tops High Ropes and UPM Tilhill.
And finally, thanks to all the competitors whose attendance has made this Series such a success.
I look forward to seeing you all in 2012
Go Race, North Wales Series, 2011
Round 7, Llandegla, October 15th
Photos: Roger Mapleson
A fantastic autumn day of ‘wall to wall’ sunshine greeted the 49 competitors for the penultimate round of the Series at Llandegla. With the first 800m of the course being either flat or down hill, the sting in the tail was the last 170m uphill climb on the forest road to the finishing line. With limited passing places through the trees there was some spirited overtaking and sprint finishes on the final climb.
Race 1, U16 & U14
Joe Harrison had already won his class but still needed maximum points to stay in contention for the overall award which he succeeded in doing with a convincing win from newcomers George Lewis in second and Ryan Mitchell in third.
Geena Fraser dominated the U16 girls from an ‘off form’ Hannah Bird in second and Abbie Price in third. This being Abbie’s first race, she found the climb very hard and pulled out after her fourth lap, a good effort all the same.
In the U14 boys, Davey Brookes only needed one point to win the class so his third place in the race was more than enough. Joe Barnwell and Josh Nelson are both fighting for the runners up spot in the class and produced the ‘battle of the day’. Joe led from the start with Josh in fourth place after lap one, by the start of the last lap Josh had moved up to second and at the sprint finish he managed to pass Joe and win by the closest of margins (I thought I was going to have to call for an action replay!) With only four points separating these two it should make for some close racing at the final round at Nant in three weeks time.
U14 girl Elen Bird managed to pass Niamh Peers and pull out a lead on the third lap to take the win and keep the pressure on Niamh in the Series.
Race 2, U12
With Peter Stewart having already won the class, Jack Nash, Simon Price and Nick Clark are all chasing the other two awards. After a very close race, they finished Jack, Simon and Nick so it’s all down to the last race to decide the places.
An ‘on form’ Lucy Nelson won the girls race by a big margin, beating most of the boys in the process, and has now moved into second place in the class. Megan Woodward finished second, she’s still chasing points for the overall award.
Race 3, U10
With the class win already in the bag, Tim Freeman still needed a good result to stay in contention for the overall award. Tim led from the start and had a convincing win from Owen Mapleson in second and Ossian Webber in third. Four lads will now be chasing the runners up award at Nant.
Josie Nelson had a good race to win the girls class from Nicole Clarke in second and Catrin Williams in third. Catrin having a ‘bad’ day, a fall just after the start left her with too much to do to catch up so she’s hoping for a better result at Nant. Four girls will be fighting it out for the three class awards at the last race.
Race 4, U8
Greg Hopkins and Ben Bright continued their battle for the class win. Greg won the race from Ioan Oldfield, who has now secured third spot in the Series, with Ben finishing third. Now it’s all down to the last race to decide the winner.
Nia Barnwell had no competition in this race and has now won her class.
Time trial
The time trial produced a few surprises, with a good number of competitors wanting to gain maximum points for the Series there were some very fast and close times recorded. JN beat JB by one second (U14 boys), NC beat SP by one second and JN by four seconds (U12 boys) to gain some valuable points, NC beat JN by four seconds (U10 girls) and BB beat GH by a massive 26 seconds (U8 boys)
A migration back to the café for the results and presentations followed.
Many thanks to UPM Tilhill for their co-operation and for the use of their venue and to Ian, Jim and all the staff at One Planet Adventure for making us so welcome and donating the prizes.
Thanks to everyone for attending and to those who helped with the signing on, lap scoring, marshalling and for clearing the course at the end and to Roger Mapleson for taking all the photos for the web.
Next and last race in the Series is at Nant BH on November 5th when we will present the awards. Thanks to local businesses, every competitor on the day will receive a prize in the draw as long as they give in their race number at the end on the racing.
We’re planning a BBQ and a family Trail Quest to keep you amused while I work out all the results for the day and the Series and with 37 trophies, 30 certificates and possibly 50+ draw prizes to present it could be a late finish
Hope to see you all at Nant
Go Race, North Wales Series, 2011
Round 6, Coe y Brenin 2, Sept 25th
Dreigiau Coed y Brenin Dragons hosted the latest round of this XC series at the Maesgwm Centre, Coed y Brenin. Although this is probably the eighth race that has been run there over recent years, the Dragons managed to find some new tracks to challenge the 49 riders using natural terrain through the trees as well as the normal surfaced paths. This format worked well and was well received by all taking part.
Race 1, U16 & U14
Low numbers in the U16's meant that Joe Harrison had an easy class victory although he had a great race against Davey Brookes, U14 winner, Joe eventually beating Davey to the line. The U14 Boys attracted 13 competitors which made for some competitive racing. Gethin Williams made a rare appearance to finish second from a ‘tired' Joe Barnwell in third and newcomer Daniel Fisher in fourth. Elen Bird, U14 Girls, finished the race by pushing her bike for most of the last lap after snapping the gear hanger which was quickly fixed by the lads at Beics Brenin in time for the time trial
Race 2, U12
Jack Nash was on top form for this race taking the win from Peter Stewart. Peter's second place gives him the U12 Boys Class win for the Series and he now has his sights on the Overall Award. Simon Price put in another good performance in third to maintain his second place in the Class. Megan Woodward returned to her winning ways and has now won the U12 Girls Class.
Race 3, U10
Tim Freeman continued to dominate the U10 Boys and his win seals victory for him in the Class Series. Will Harding had a great ride to finish second in the race and move up to fourth in the Class. Ossian Webber was third from Owen Mapleson in fourth. Owen has now moved up to third in the Class. Nicole Clarke and Catrin Williams battled it out throughout the race with Nicole eventually taking first spot from Catrin. Only nine points separate the top four girls in the Class so I think this will go down to the last race to decide the winner.
Race 4, U8
After his ‘crash' at Parc Glynllifon, Greg Hopkins returned to win the race from Ben Bright, these two will be fighting it out to the last race for the Class win. Newcomer Anna Harris won the girls race from Nia Barnwell.
Time trial
41 competitors lined up at the start of the time trial to complete one lap against the clock. Running in race finishing order, there were no real surprises in the results other than very competitive times from the U12 Boys, four of them recording times separated by only four seconds.
All that remained was to congregate in the café and work out the results.
Race 6: 25/09/11, Coed y Brenin, LL40 2HR - results>>> - overall>>>
Thanks to Steve Beech from Beics Brenin for donating the prizes and presenting the awards, the staff of Forestry Commission Wales for their co-operation and the use of their facilities and to Dreigiau Coed y Brenin Dragons for their hard work in setting up the course and enabling the event to run so smoothly.
Next race is at Llandegla on October 15th. With lots of awards still to be decided, I hope to see you all there
Thanks to everyone
Mike Tong
Go Race, North Wales Series, 2011
Round 5, Parc Glynllifon, Aug 20th
Parc Glynllifon, a new venue for the Series, proved popular with the 34 competitors who made the long journey west to compete on a fine morning. With a large number of the regulars away on holiday it was a good opportunity to gain some points for the Series.
Hosted by the newly formed Clwb Beicio Mynydd Eryri, the members built a challenging course which included a jump, a pole bridge and a river crossing, the latter catching out quite a few of the competitors, all within the 600m course.
Race 1, U16 & U14
With most of the U16 and U14 competitors away, it was left to Joe Harrison to take maximum points in the U16 Boys, Davey Brookes won the U14 Boys from Dafydd Edwards and Niamh Peers claimed top spot in the U14 Girls
Race 2, U12
Peter Stewart got away well from the start line and built up a commanding lead to win the race. Jack Nash held second place until a fall on lap two saw Simon Price overtake him but Jack chased hard and was able to regain his place by the end of lap three and push Simon back to third. In the girls race, Megan Woodward lost her unbeaten run of four straight wins when she came second to newcomer Lucy Nelson, I'm sure Megan will be looking for revenge at Coed y Brenin, she needs one more good result to take top spot in the Series.
Race 3, U10
With 15 entrants for this race it looked likely to be the most competitive of the day.
Series leader Tim Freeman gained the lead on the first lap and with a host of others fighting it out for the other places he was able to build on this and win the race. A real battle ensued for the other places with competitors swapping places on every lap. Ossian Webber finally came through from fifth place to take second spot closely followed by Owen Mapleson in third and Ifan Oldfield in fourth. After fighting hard in the opening laps both Deri Peers and Ezra Taylor dropped off the pace to finish fifth and sixth respectively.
In the girls race, Josie Nelson fell on the first lap to allow Nicole Clarke to take the lead but a determined ride by Josie saw her finish in first place from Nicole with Eve Brookes in third.
Race 4, U8
Four lads lined up for the U8 race and with Gregory Hopkins crashing out on the second lap whilst in the lead it was left to Ben Bright to take the win from newcomer Olly Williams in second and Ioan Oldfield in third.
The XC race was followed by a single lap time trial that enabled competitors to gain some extra points for The Series. With the field starting in race position order there were no real surprises in the results other than Ossian W who stormed around the course to record a time 10 seconds quicker than Tim F in the U10 Boys to deny him of maximum points.
Race 5: 20/08/11, Parc Glynllifon - results>>> - overall>>>
All that was left was to ‘fill up' the café, just as the rain started to fall, and present the certificates.
Many thanks to CBM Eryri for putting on such a great course and marshalling the event and to the staff at Parc Glynllifon and the cafe for allowing us to use their facilities. We look forward to returning next year.
I look forward to seeing you all at the next race at Coed y Brenin on September 25th.
Thanks to everyone
Race Gallery:
Go Race, North Wales Series, 2011
Round 1, Nant BH, April 16th
Posted: 28/04/11
The competitors who contested the first race of The Series were greeted with warm, sunny, dry conditions (could this really be Nant BH?!!). With some of the regular racers competing at Dalby and a few on holiday the event still attracted 41 entrants.
Race 1, U16 & U14
Gari Fon returned to the racing scene and fought a close race with newcomer Joe Harrison with the lead constantly changing. Gari's strength on the last climb provided him with a win with Joe a close second. Last years champion, Jamie Lowe, finished third after experiencing problems with his seat post throughout the race
Geena Fraser was the only U16 girl but used the race as a training run in preparation for the forthcoming Welsh Champs
Davey Brookes won the U14 boys being well up with the U16's.
Lottie Cooper ran out a clear winner in the U14 girls
Race 2, U12
Peter Stewart got off to a flyer from the start quickly building a big lead that he maintained throughout the race. Juno Sanders finished second with Simon Price third. Both Juno and Simon having moved up from last year's U10 category.
The two Megans (Roberts and Woodward) fought a good race in U12G with Megan W just holding on for a win .
Race 3, U10 & U8
A much improved Deri Peers (I think he's been training over the winter) led from the start to leave Tim Freeman and Ezra Taylor to battle for the runners up spot. Tim managing to hold off Ezra at the finish line to claim second place. William Harding, who's just moved up from the U8's, finished a creditable fourth in his first U10 race.
Last years U10 Champion Catrin Williams powered to a convincing win in the girls race from Eve Brookes in second. Two newcomers to racing in the U8B (both aged 6) saw Gregory Hopkins take the win from Owen Smith.
In the U8G, last years Champion Nia Barnwell was unopposed to continue her winning ways.
The XC race was followed by a single lap time trial that enabled competitors to gain some extra points for The Series. One second seperated Gari F and Joe H in the U16B, Simon P beat Peter S by two seconds in the U12B and Tim F pipped Deri P by one second in the U10B.
I would like to thank all the competitors for supporting the race and all the parents for their help in running the event on the day.
I look forward to seeing you all at the next race at Coed y Brenin on May 22nd.
Thanks to everyone
Full Results: more>>>
Go Race MTB, North Wales Series 2011
Posted: 11/03/11
The Go-race MTB Series for North Wales is back. The series aimed at Under 16 riders down to Under 8's is the perfect way to get yourself into the MTB racing scene.
The Series will consist of 8 mountain bike cross country races
Race 1: 16/04/11, Nant BH, Llanrwst, LL27 0JB - results>>>
Race 2: 22/05/11, Coed y Brenin, LL40 2HR - results>>>
Race 3: 18/06/11, Alyn Waters, Llay, LL11 4AG
Race 4: 17/07/11, Tree Tops High Ropes, Betws y Coed. LL24 0HA
Race 5: 20/08/11, Parc Glynllifon - results>>> - overall>>>
Race 6: 25/09/11, Coed y Brenin, LL40 2HR - results>>> - overall>>>
Race 7: 15/10/11, Llandegla, LL11 3AA
Race 8: 05/11/11, Nant BH, Llanrwst, LL27 0JB
followed by the presentation of the Series Awards
NB: Venues and dates may be subject to change
Signing on is from 9.00 am with the first race at 10.30 am,
racing should be completed by 2.00 pm.
Entry fee per race: £3.00 for BC Members,
£5.00 for non BC Members.
You can join British Cycling on the day if you wish.
Classes for under 16's down to the under 8's with separate classes
for boys and girls. Classes will be determined by the age of the
competitor on the 1st January 2011, eg: if you were 9 years old on
the 1st Jan 2011 then you will race in the under 10's throughout the
Series.
The race day will consist of a multi lap cross country race and then a
single lap time trial. Points scored from both events will go to your
overall tally for the day and towards your series standings.
Points will be awarded as follows:
Your 6 best race day results counting towards your overall series
scores (for both class and overall awards). In the event of a tie your
7th and 8th scores will be used to decide the winner.
Certificates will be awarded to the class winners at each race day
and trophies for the Series class winners and overall winners. The
presentation of the trophies will take place after the final race.
For more information contact: Mike Tong 01690 710514 or
e-mail: mike.tong@welshcycling.co.uk
Cyfres Go Race Gogledd Cymru, 2011
Mae yna 8 o ddyddiau rasio yn y gyfres eleni
Diwrnod 1: 16/04/11, Nant Bwlchyrhaearn, Llanrwst LL27 0JB
Diwrnod 2: 22/05/11, Coed y Brenin LL40 2HR
Diwrnod 3: 18/06/11, Alyn Waters, Llai, Wrecsam LL11 4AG
Diwrnod 4: 17/07/11, Tree Tops, Betws y Coed LL24 0HA
Diwrnod 5: 20/08/11, I'w gadarnhau
Diwrnod 6: 25/09/11, Coed y Brenin LL40 2HR
Diwrnod 7: 15/10/11, Llandegla LL11 3AA
Diwrnod 8: 05/11/11, Nant Bwlchyrhaearn, Llanrwst LL27 0JB
( i'w ddilyn gan seremoni wobrwyo enillwyr y Gyfres)
DS: Fe all dyddiad a lleoliad y dyddiau rasio newid
Mae cofrestru'n dechrau am 9.00 y bore a bydd y ras gyntaf am 10.30. Fe ddylai rasus pob diwrnod fod wedi eu gorffen erbyn 2.00 y prynhawn.
Y tâl cystadlu: £3.00 i bawb sy'n aelod o British Cycling, £5.00 os nad ydych chi'n aelod. Mae croeso i chi ymuno ar y diwrnod.
Dosbarthiadau ar wahan i fechgyn a merched, ac i bob oedran i lawr o dan-16 i dan-8. Mae eich dosbarth yn dibynnu ar eich oed ar y 1af o Ionawr 2011 - e.e. os oeddech chi'n 9 oed ar y 1af o Ionawr 2011 yna mi fyddwch chi'n rasio yn y dosbarth dan-10 ym mhob un ras yn y Gyfres.
Ar y diwrnod mi fyddwch chi'n rasio sawl lap o ras draws gwlad ac yna'n gwneud ras amser un lap. Mae'r pwyntiau y byddwch chi'n eu hennill yn y ddwy ras yn cyfrif at eich cyfanswm am y diwrnod a'ch lle terfynol yn y Gyfres.
Bydd y pwyntiau'n cael eu dosbarthu fel hyn:
Lle yn y ras Pwyntiau'r Ras TG Pwyntiau'r Ras Amser
Bydd eich lle terfynol yn y Gyfres (yn eich dosbarth ac yn gyffredinol) yn cael ei benderfynu ar sail eich 6 canlyniad gorau. Os oes yna ddau neu fwy ohonoch chi'n gyfartal yna, er mwyn cael enillydd, bydd eich pwyntiau yn eich 7fed ac 8fed diwrnod rasio'n cael eu cyfrif hefyd.
Bydd yna dystysgrifau ar gyfer enillwyr pob dosbarth ar ddiwedd pob diwrnod o rasio a thlysau ar ddiwedd y Gyfres i enillwyr dosbarth a phencampwyr y Gyfres gyfan.
Am fwy o wybodaeth cysylltwch â: Mike Tong
01690 710514 neu e-bost: mike.tong@welshcycling.co.uk
