Mountain biking: Le Page picks up first win of winter series as the rain falls

Thursday 29 February 2024

Rapidly deteriorating conditions as the rain constantly fell helped sort the riders in the latest round of the winter mountain bike series.

The Underground Hospital Course offered up a mix of single-track racing, steep climbs, flowing descents and leg sapping fields.

Sodden conditions, where tyre choice was so important, suited Expert rider Mark Le Page who completed the 13 lap race in just over one hour and took his first win of the series sponsored by Ian Browns Cycle Shop. 

Ryan Langlois was second in the category with Adam Torode third.

Charlie Tourtel continued his good run of form as he took the win in the Advanced category and second overall in the race. 

Zach Smith, on a high from his recent win in the CX series, was second and third overall with Mark De La Mare keeping good pace throughout the race, taking third in the class.

Dan Thwaite registered another win in the Veterans class from Pete Miller and Olly Sarre. 

Frankie Middleton led the way in the ladies taking the win in the vets, with Jamy Petit-Fulgoni grinding out a first place in the Lady’s. Donna Smith made it four wins from four races in the Sport category. 

Mark Naftel was first in the Grande Vets ahead of Mark Smith, with James Duguid in third.

There were other category wins for Andy Godfrey in the Super Vets and Emile Le Compte in the Sport category. 

The junior race lasted around 40 mins.

It saw U16s Seth Davey record the class win.

In the U14s, Remi Le Compte notched up his fourth win of the season, from Harry Manning in second.

Jacob Piercey continues to be the one to catch as he also took his fourth straight win in the U12s. There were further wins for Hugo Johnson and Erin Piper in the U10s. 

The 5th round of the Winter XC series will be held on the 17 March.

On Sunday, action returns to the road with the Guernsey Velo Club's 10 Mile Time Trial from Cobo between 07:30 and 09:00.