For the first time ever in Lincolnshire Enduro Club’s eight-year tenure into the off-road race world, the club’s maiden race of the year wasn’t marred by either storm force winds, horrendous downpours or “Beast from the East’s” that have been seen in the past.
Report by Martin Southwick – Images courtesy of Graeme Taylor
Conditions this time were very much Spring like and perfect for the start of the 2023 Back Office Pro-sponsored campaign. The small amount of rain over the previous few days did nothing to dampen down the 4.5 mile course or the enthusiasm of the 125 riders that sat on the start line. The 4.5 mile track at Ashby Puerorum has taken some abuse over the past but sterling work has been done over the winter months to rehash the area. It paid dividends; the track ran perfectly.
In the Expert class, it was what you may call the usual suspects leading the pack to victory. Whilst the top two riders were a lap in front of everyone else (15), it was pretty close between eventual winner Jack Rowland and runner up David Rushton. Piloting his ET James sponsored Gasgas, Jack’s winning margin was just fifty seconds after three hours of racing. Apart from just one lap, both riders times were within a few seconds of his rival every time. (The biggest margin was on lap ten in Jack’s favour but still only forty seconds !). Jack also came away with the fastest lap of the day on the “full circuit” with David going quickest on the initial opening/shorter lap. With impeccable timing, third placed lad Callum Hughes went over the line on exactly the three hour mark, albeit a lap down on the leading two.
Looking at the timing sheets, Callum was very close to letting that third place pass him by though. Forth place lad Josh Knight was just two seconds adrift and reeling Callum in as the race culminated.
The closest finish in the days proceedings was in the over 40’s class where after 180 minutes of racing, just twelve seconds separated the victor on the day Lee Hattersley, from Alex Owen in second place. A lap down and in third spot was James Andrew. Whilst Lee and Alex were the only lads to finish on 14 laps, they were also the only ones in the class to sneak under the 14 minute barrier for the “full” lap. Whilst that group may have been close, there was clear victories in the other “Gentleman” classes however.
Neil Tapper was a clear winner in the over 50’s division, a full lap ahead of runner up Ian Shepherd. Jason Teale was on the same amount of laps as Ian when the chequered flag was waved, but two minutes adrift and in third spot. Mark Peckitt was also well in front as the race ended in the over 60’s group, once again a full lap ahead of his nearest rival, Chris Woodward.
The biggest class of the day was in the 2T Sportsman division. The first four guys attained the same amount of laps (12) but the winning margin was nigh on two minutes for the eventual winner Simon Cadman. Christian Humphrey took the podiums second step, with Matthew Valentine came home third. Kieran Moore was chasing hard in fourth spot though, just thirty seconds behind that.
Another clear victory came in the Clubman class. With 14 laps, Lucas Travers was another rider a full lap ahead of his nearest adversary George Pearce. Pushing hard and only 30 seconds behind George was Hayden Stansfield. Another few laps may have seen Hayden move up a spot though. His last few laps were all quicker than all of his nearest rivals.
Back to the other Sportsman group, this time the 4 strokes .. Archie Juszczak won the days spoils with 12 laps under his belt. Thomas Feely and Alex Pearson were second and third respectfully, with another close run finish; Alex sealed the ‘Silver’ placing by just 25 seconds.
The Trail/Classic class was won by Shaun Avison on 12 laps with Steve Kemp a lap down on 11.
Once again, there was a healthy number of folks in the Beginners class, 7 in fact. There are no championship points handed out in this group but winner on the day was Russell Smith with 10 laps, followed by Matt Thorley and then David Hoskins.. both on 9 laps.
Riders are reminded that the next round is on the 16th April and at Willingham, near Market Rasen.
Details are here for non members . .https://lincolnshireenduro.wixsite.com/lec2016……and for members . . https://www.facebook.com/groups/LincolnshireEnduroClub
Results
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