British MTB Series Round 5 - Plymouth, UK

It seems like such a long time ago since the team announced that it was to become a UCI registered team in 2011 but finally after months of travelling the world, racing at the highest level, we were back at the season ending race in Plymouth for one last effort before a well deserved rest.

What a treat we were in for! The organisers had put on a course that was to rival any World Cup course we had experienced in 2011. Some good climbing but some real technical parts that made the riders think.

The weather had been kind but previous rain had left the course very greasy in places and gave the guys lots to think about in practice as they worked on their lines.

Unfortunately we were one rider light after Rourke made his way back to South Africa to compete in a series of races before ending his season but as news filtered through of a bad crash that left him with a torn ligament in his shoulder our thoughts went out to him.

Race day and the team were hyped and ready for big push to end the season on a high. The elite race started at a frantic pace that caused a huge pile up on the start straight. This benefited Paul who scooted around the outside and found himself in the top 10 until just a few hundred yards down the road his chain knotted taking him to last place and leaving a lot of work to do to catch back up.

Meanwhile Chris had a fast start and was running high but ran out of steam on lap 3 and eventually retiring from the race. Ben was storming around the track in the top 20 and picking off riders for fun and has the race entered its final stages he made his way towards the top 15 eventually finishing in 16th place.

In the Junior race, Alex was riding hard and sitting at the front of the race in a great position, eventually finishing 4th and taking 3rd overall in the series our youngest rider has really shown his colours this year in his first season in the category.

It was a slightly mixed day result wise but the team were happy, both of themselves but of the achievements that have been made throughout the course of the season.

All that was left was a Team Relay where “The Boss” took centre stage for a blast around the short course with both Alex, Chris and guest rider Imogen Buick. The four monkeys finished in a credible 3rd place! It was then on to the Team Presentation followed by a barbecue or as the South Africans call it “a Braai”!

It was the perfect way to end the season after a journey that has taken us all across Europe together. Who knows what lies ahead in 2012?