Lightwater Valley MTB results

Richardsons CC’s Michael Thompson cruised to victory in the Lightwater Laike race near Ripon on 8th November, winning the 11-14 year old Juveniles class by more than three minutes.

Mike was equally quick in the time trial, which took place before the afternoon’s mass start races. His time of 32:47 for a 7.3 mile lap was the 13th fastest overall, for riders of any age, and it helped Richardsons CC place third in the team event.

The day’s racing drew more than 200 mountain bikers from across the region and took place on muddy circuit that wound underneath the rollercoasters and through the woods and fields of the Lightwater Valley Theme Park.

Richardsons CC’s third placed team comprised Mike Thompson, Tom Stockill, Mark Grange and Mark Hancock. Both Mark G and Tom rode strong individual events: Tom was the fifth fastest in the time trial with 31:22, while Mark G was the fastest veteran (40+) rider with 32:26.

Tom’s hopes of retaining his title from last year in the Sports class, for riders aged 19-29, were dashed when his gear shifter broke in his race in the afternoon. Mark G fared better, making up places as the race progressed to finish fourth. Mark Hancock, meanwhile, came 15th in the Seniors Open race, for riders aged 30-39.

Richardsons CC’s other competitors included Dan Joyce and Mike Agar, who were both returning to racing after long layoffs and finished 76th and 84th respectively in the time trial. In the afternoon, Dan was 30th of 46 Veteran racers, while Mike abandoned in the Seniors Open race.

Malton Wheelers mountain biker Rob Powell managed 14th in the Seniors Open race despite having to stop to fix a puncture. Father and son Richard and Daniel Maw (no club) both rode good races. Richard Maw was 8th in the Veterans’ race, while Daniel Maw’s time of 39:52 in the morning time trial was fast enough for 79th place overall – beating many adults.