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Exodus Spring Series Round 1 Results & Review

by Paul Howard, 28 Jan 07. Results [  ] Photos [ 1» 2» ]

It may well be January and a bit chilly but the attendance astounded all the event team today, although with the pre-entries nearing the 200 mark that gave an indication it could be a busy day. In total approximately 530 riders signed on to race. I hope you all had a good experience and whether first time racer or regular found the course to your liking, both fun and challenging in equal measure. The results and lap times are available via the Results hyperlink above.

This is only the second time Tunnel Hill has been used so if you raced in the Autumn you will have noticed a lot of new singletrack. Many thanks to all the people that helped me spend many a wet or frosty winters day raking, digging and sawing. It's very satisfying watching everyone ride your own handcrafted trails and of course for me to race too. But can I give just one tip? The descent (called Déjà Vu) that swoops down a long ditch about 1 1/2 miles after the start is best ridden by carrying your speed from one side to the other up the banks including the Root of Doom that appeared. If you need to brake just feather them lightly, speed is the key. This could become as infamous as the Corkscrew at Crowthorne!

Our official race photographer Guy Swarbrick was lurking here too and he walked the whole course so may well have captured you in digital glory. His photographs are now available (via a hyperlink below the article title). Download sample images or purchase high resolution ones for display on your desktop. Regular contributor Mike Keynes from 1st Gear Cycles now has his images online (see links above).

The Spring Series is once again sponsored by Exodus Travel who will be providing some great prizes in random prize draws at future rounds. All the category sponsors (local bike shops and companies) have been finalised and the full prize listing will be published soon. Remember you must score in a minimum of three rounds to qualify in the series and be eligible for a series prize. The system rewards regular attenders and consistent scorers. The points listing from Round 1 is now live. Points now go down to 10th place. At each race the top 10% of finishers per category are awarded trophies. They will be personally engraved and can be collected at the next race from the Gorrick Commentary Caravan.

A note of caution for riders warming up. Please do not ride any of the course in reverse, especially the starting straights. There are plenty of unused fireroads at every venue to complete your warm up sprints. Thank you.

Competitors who pay and enter online using MBSA will be asked to print out their e-mailed receipt to bring to the race. Although you only have to collect your Race Number Board from Entry Express we ask that you do this so that if numbers go missing we can easily identify you and have proof of purchase.

Round 2 is only 3 weeks away on the 18th February at Surrey Hill. There's been a lot of trail work going on here too so expect to find something completely different.

If you have any questions or comments regarding today's race or any event please e-mail info@gorrick.com.