Two words can describe LEC/Gear4’s latest race of the 2021 Hare and Hounds series . . . Dust and Heat. (And lots of both) Those two elements played a big part in the days proceedings in the Lincolnshire countryside.
Report by Martin Southwick – Images courtesy of Graeme Taylor
The woodland sections weren’t so bad but certainly early on, whilst riders were still grouped together, the dust coming up out of some of the fields produced conditions that proved nigh on impossible for any rider hunting down a rival. That’s if the aforementioned rival could be seen at all! Other than the dust, the high temperatures also proved to be a sticking point for some riders. A few competitors dropped by the wayside as the three-hour race progressed, due to the thermometer rising into the mid 80’s. Taking place over a six-mile course in the fields and plantation areas around Ashby Puerorum, over 140 riders took to the start line in this, the third race of this years proceedings.
In taking advantage of a first lap “Big one” that wiped out a few of the top riders early on in the Experts class, David Rushton added to his second-place ride back in April by going one better this time as he stormed to victory in the Top class. Whilst the next six riders were all on twelve laps when the chequered flag was lowered, Davids win saw him being the only rider in any class to attain thirteen laps with his comfortable win. Whilst some of Davids rivals had marginally faster single laps than himself, that all-important extra circumnavigation is what brings maximum points. It now sees him move up into third spot in the year’s standings. Alex Christopher came home in second spot, ninety seconds or so in front of another third place for the year for Connor Bolsover. Both these lads have moved up the 2021 Expert “ladder” but as it’s early in the season, it’s impossible to make any predictions as yet!
The three leaders in the 2021 Clubman championship were the three guys over the line after a very warm three hours, but not quite in that order. Toby Hales won on the day and has now moved into second place in class, whilst Gregory Sims, who was second on the day moves a little further away from his rivals and still leads the years standings. Toby’s winning margin was a mere 40 seconds over Gregory. Matthew Woolridge cements a third place in the table with his “Bronze medal” spot on the day. The top six lads in class were all on eleven laps at the close of play.
In the Sportsman 2T class another lad (Ryan Overton) went one better than his previous result. Ryan has actually improved in every race this year with a third, a second and now this victory. That run of results sees him on the top of the leader board in class. Jake Norton who was second on the day is also in that position for the year. Making up the top three was Troy Seabrook. The top six in class were all on 10 laps.
In the other Sportsman class, (the Four bangers), Bradley Tapper has popped straight into second place for 2021 with his win on Sunday with class leader David Richman only managing fifth this time out. Second place on the day was Jack Neaves and third was Jordan Salmon. Davids lead for this year isn’t small but it’s early days yet. Once again, the top five riders achieved ten laps.
In the Over 40’s, Jonathan Pearson claimed top spot and was the only guy in class to get twelve laps to his name. Three riders were all a lap behind with Michael Harris in second and Dean Kent third. Michael is now class leader but only one point in front of fifth-place lad on the day, Darren Thorpe. One of the biggest classes has a rider showing the biggest dominance in any of the groups.
In the ever-popular Over 50’s section, Alan Vissian has now had a perfect three out of three victories. Alan’s hat trick of wins sees him well established at the top of the leader board. Cementing his spot in second place was runner up on the day Ian Shepherd, with Mark Peckitt in third; also third in the title challenge.
Another rider dominating his class, this time the Over 60’s, is Kevin Bartle Sr. Kevins win on Sunday sees him stretch further away in his title bid. Anthony Williamson was second on the day, with John Cotteril in third. Well done to all the Beginners on the day. Possibly not the easiest conditions for anyone competing in for the first time.
Riders are reminded that there is a practice day coming up this weekend at Dembleby Heath (Sunday) and that the next race is also there on the 4th of July. Club members . .https://www.facebook.com/groups/LincolnshireEnduroClub
Non club members . .https://lincolnshireenduro.wixsite.com/lec2016
Results
