At the Motocross International des Nations Classique in Ahun, France, a 25-strong team of riders from Wales took the victory, competing against 16 other teams from 14 nations.
Race Report by Georgina Davies – Images by Ray Daniel
It was previously only a dream for so many, but an opportunity was created by Sean Smith, team manager from Pembroke, to create an unbiasedly selected team to compete on the International MX stage in France.
What started as an expected team of 5, suddenly grabbed the interest of very many riders, and the numbers grew to its current strength. The team was supported by 24 very committed sponsors, led by Mitsui Components Europe Ltd.
After a long and arduous journey to central France, day 1, August 16th, saw a day of technical inspection and administrative requirements, followed by a team track walk and inspection of the terrain. The ex Grand prix circuit had been superbly prepared by Club AMC Ahun, although on first inspection the track proved a rather daunting challenge. The riders were ‘shaken’ but not ‘ stirred’. Team talk and discussion created some practical solutions for the challenge of the track.
Day 2, race day, began with the qualification and timed practice laps for all riders, in each of the respective 9 race classes, based on the age category of their classic bikes. It was immediately apparent that Wales were in a highly competitive mood , reflected in some pretty fast lap times, Team Wales holding the top 3 track times.
The atmosphere was electric from the large contingent of Welsh supporters who had made the journey. The racing was spectacular, although we did suffer 14 DNFs ( did not finish ) due to technical problems and a serious crash sustained by one of the team’s top riders, Andrew Gillett ( Bridgend ), who finished his qualifying lap 16 seconds ahead of the next fastest rider. Sadly, he was taken out by another rider in his second race class resulting in an injury, putting him out of the competition. The team fought on, and by the end of day one, they were lying in second place.
During the afternoon session, there was a parade of nations on the track, with each country proudly sporting its flags and team jerseys. It was a jubilant experience, and everyone felt proud.
During the afternoon session, there was a parade of nations on the track, with each country proudly sporting its flags and team jerseys. It was a jubilant experience with everyone feeling proud.
Day 3 saw an action packed day of competition , highlighted by a race compared by many to the 90’s epic race between Everts and Tortelli, two of the MX ‘greats’ . This involved Carl Jones ( Ammanford ) and multiple Le Touquet race winner Rudy Vergriette ( France ) going head to head in a nail biting, wheel to wheel battle.
Reports from each race class.
Class Pre 65-70
Kevin Pettit ( Treorchy ) Although daunted by the circuit at first, Kevin put in 3 solid rides on his CZ Sidepipe and finished 5th in his class.
Rob Morgan ( Slebech ) Rob put in the performance of a lifetime and finished in a creditable 7th position.
Barrie Townend ( Baschurch ) Barry, riding the oldest machine in the competition did not let this stand in his way and ploughed on to achieve 8th in his class.
Class 1971-1975
Dan Evans ( Llanelli ) Dan, multiple pre 74 Classic champion showed concern at the start of the event for his Colin Hill sponsored 74 Honda. However he took the honours in his class and also became the top points scorer for Team Wales
Class 1976-1979
Tom Herring ( Glynneath )
Tom didn’t have the best start when the crankshaft on his Honda came loose in the timed practice, so due to the withdrawal of Andrew Gillett he took on the job of riding ‘The Tank’ sponsored by Sean Smith, swiftly prepared by a number of team members to get it ready for Tom. Tom piloted the bike to a very creditable 6th overall and became Team Wales’ 5th highest points scorer.
Class 1980-83 Group A
Nigel Davies ( Carmarthen ) rode a determined race, often doing battle with fellow team member Dylan Davies. He wrestled his big four stroke Husqvarna around the ten laps of the track, riding for approximately 15 minutes, which was a very tiring prospect for every rider. He finished with an excellent 8th place overall.
Dylan Davies ( Newcastle Emlyn ), a Paris-Dakar rider and long stay competitor in Welsh Motocross fought continually in the mid field battles, often bar to bar with Nigel and was rewarded with a 13th position overall.
Group B
Gareth Noble ( Cardigan ) with just a few races under his belt this season, absolutely stormed through the field in his class, and was holding a top 3 position for the majority of his races being rewarded with a 9th overall position for the final score.
Chris Prosser ( Pontyberem ), feeling quite challenged by the rather daunting circuit, took the bull by the horns and rode a respectable race, despite
intermittent engine problems, leading to a creditable 31st position overall.
Adam Housley ( Swansea ), having had rather a challenging journey to the track, breaking down on a French bank holiday, focussed his full attention on the track with some solid riding, achieving a 21st position overall.
Class 1984-89 Group A
Mckaulee Malin ( Carmarthen ) Otherwise known as Macka ‘last lap’ Malin was the Welsh secret weapon , not only an off-track star but also a very creditable rider. Macka put in a determined performance and achieved 1st in his class and 2nd in the highest team points scorer.
Carl Jones ( Ammanford ) Well what can be said is that Carl certainly turned some heads with his thrilling performances , taking 2 race wins, a fastest lap score, but unfortunately mechanical issues kept him off the podium, but he made his mark.
Dan Griffiths ( Narberth ) Dan rode an excellent competition, and if he had not been hampered by a puncture in race two, he would have easily finished in the top 6. He eventually took an overall 11th place.
Group B
Frankie Feetham ( Narberth ). Frankie at just 18, was the youngest rider in the team and had to face stiff competition from some top riders in his group. The plucky rider was undaunted by this and put in a superb performance, picking up a 7th place overall.
Class-1990-95
Kip Herring ( Glynneath ) , returning from retirement, a well known Welsh MX and enduro star, put in a very special performance, screaming his 125cc to third place overall, giving everyone a masterclass of MX riding in doing so.
Stephen Redfern (Llanelli ). To sum it up, Stephen was voted by many, as the Team Wales Rider of the event, this young man clearly giving it 110% in every race, on board Steven Holmes’ 91 Honda CR 125. Undaunted by some of the serious competition on the track, Stephen piloted his way to a superb 4th place overall ( and also Team Wales’ 4th highest points scorer )
Steven Holmes (Swansea) . A former British Youth Champion and a big driving force behind the Team Wales project, gave everything over the 2 days both on and off the track, with his team advice. He achieved a very creditable 7th overall.
Derek Roberts ( Carmarthen ). Former British four-stroke champion and professional motocross rider was a key assist to the team, sharing advice amongst his team mates and mentoring 21 year old Mckaulee Malin . Derek put in a hard earned performance for his 11th overall position.
Daniel Davies ( Cross Hands) Despite a collapsed suspension in his last race, Dan fought hard on the track and enjoyed some competitive battles in his first two races, accumulating enough points for 25th position.
Class 1996-99
Carl Jones ( Ammanford ). Although being a dominant force in this class with some spectacular riding, Carl suffered mechanical gremlins over the weekend, hampering his progression, although he did take one win and a second place. However he certainly put a mark on the French event and will be a name that will be remembered. He finished in a respectable 7th position overall.
Neil Thomas ( Swansea ). Another driving force behind Team Wales and although limited by his 125 machine, he pushed on, also taking to the track in the Super nations final, with a very fine ride. He pushed on to be a top 6, 125 finisher and an overall position of 13th. He also made the ‘boss’ cry.
Callum GP Watson ( Ammanford ) . Another of our younger riders, at just 21, gave everything out on the track and would have been a top 5 finisher if it had not been for a horrific crash, due to a stuck throttle. Luckily after some thorough treatment and assessment by the track doctor he was able to limp away with serious bruising. He did, however, make it to the team presentation, supporting himself on a crutch made from a trackside post, a declaration of his strength and dedication, very characteristic of an MX rider. He finished in an overall 15th position and continued with his pre-race humour despite his discomfort.
Matthew Prosser ( Pontyberem ). A longtime friend and supporter of Welsh motocross pushed his 125 machine hard to collect 24th overall, earning valuable points for the team.
Gary Jones ( Neath ). Gary must have been in touch with the FFM ( French Federation), as there were only two races per day. But after losing his gear shift in race 1, he worked his way up the field to take 32nd position.
Kerry Prosser ( Pontyberem ) Kerry had a very challenging weekend after losing his rear suspension. However, like all our team members he battled through to take a 36th position.
Hospitality in the team tent
Team Wales also had a selection of Welsh products in their hospitality tent which were shared with team members from other nations , supported by Welsh manufacturers Penderyn Whiskey and Cinnamon Grove Distillery, as well as copious amounts of Welsh cakes and Bara Brith supplied by the riders for everyone to enjoy.
The presentation
At the end of the 2nd day of racing, all teams gathered to hear the results read in reverse order. It was tense, but as the result for the first place was read out , announcing team Wales as the winners, there were a lot of cheers and tears. The team took to the podium with great celebrations from both team and fans, the champagne was uncorked leading up to an evening of great camaraderie.
Thanks
Thank you to Georgina Davies for the admin and social media work, Sue Jones, for turning her camper van into the team medical centre, all our sponsors, endorsers, riders, fans and of course Patrick Paintendre and the organisers at Club AMC Ahun.
To our team mate Kevin Rees , sadly out with injury, we thank you for your support and commitment to everything ‘Team Wales’ and wish you an ongoing good recovery.
From Sean Smith ( team manager )
“ To my riders, families and supporters, you were true ambassadors of our nation. To our sponsors, helpers, photographers, and all other contributors, I bow before you in appreciation of your support and for making it all possible.”
Merci mes amis et nous serons lâ pour défendre en 2025
Final Positions
1.WALES 277 POINTS
2. SHOWTIME 261 POINTS
3. ITALY 226 POINTS
4. FRANCE 225 POINTS
5. LORRAINE 209 POINTS
6. POPEYE 207 POINTS
7. SWITZERLAND 142 POINTS
8. CORSICA 132 POINTS
9. SPAIN 98 POINTS
10. GELGIUM 60 POINTS
11. NETHERLANDS 42 POINTS
12. IRELAND 37 POINTS
13. NORMANDIE 32 POINTS
14. ENGLAND 30 POINTS
15. CANTAL 30 POINTS
16. USA 20 POINTS
17. BRITTANY 10 POINTS
