Mud Sweat and Gears 2016

Golden Malcolm MacFarlane in Top Finish

Codham Hall Equestrian Centre at Beazely End near Halstead provided a superb venue for the final round of 6 of this season’s G8 Winter  MTB series on Sunday 13th March. In marked contrast to the rain and mud of recent weeks, riders faced up to a sunny and largely dry packed course which whilst relatively short at 2.40 miles still packed a punch.

An open and fast flowing first section including a water splash gave way to a novel hard packed area of BMX style sections which lead directly to a final third of steeply wooded banks and climbs, all clearly displaying the hall marks of MotoCross for which the course is mainly used.

Being the business end of the series, West Suffolk Wheelers & Triathlon Club riders were keenly contesting two podium places. Malcolm MacFarlane put in another trademark effort in the 4 hour Grand Vet category, and a superb display of well-paced enduro racing saw him finish 3^rd on the day, enough for 1^st position overall in the series’ standing. A gold medal was a fitting reward for Malcolm’s tenacity and grit throughout the series.

Meanwhile Chris Hinitt, racing in the 2 hour Male Open category and in his first year of racing, finished 9^th on the day which guaranteed him a hard earned bronze medal and 3^rd overall placing for the series.

The third member of the trio, an off colour Darren Baker, withdrew after 4 laps in the 2 hour Grand Vet race although his efforts still saw him finish 15^th in the overall standings.

MSG Hintlesham

When it rains, it gets muddy-and a combination of heavy rain and deep mud forced organisers of the opening round of this season’s Mud Sweat & Gears MTB race at Hintlesham on Sunday 6th March to introduce a shortened, and, so as to ensure rider concentration, a more technical course. Undaunted, 6 Wheelers made the effort with the evergreen Paul Watson matching conditions with a fine 6^th (5 laps/1:34:37) in the Grand Vet Male category.

Outstanding club rider of the day was undoubtedly Paul Hanks in his debut race outing for the club. Riding in the Sport Male category, Paul powered around the course for 3^rd also completing 5 laps but in a superb 1:28:17.

Junior riders Robin Lines (8^th in Juvenile Male with 3 laps/1:32:22) and cyclo  cross specialist Oliver Griggs (10^th U12 boy, 4/0:17:24) rode well although in the Open Category conditions got the better of Chris Hinitt (40^th; 2/0:58:58)  and Richard Holland Jones (62^nd; 1/0:38:00).