The opening round of the Premier Series headed up (or down) the M1 to Sherwood Pines. The well liked venue provided a stage for some incredibly fast and super close racing, with many of the UK's fastest riders in attendance.
It wasn't just the cream of the crop in attendance though, nearly 800 riders arrived for the weekends racing. As well as top racing, all riders and spectators were treated to top entertainment pre and post racing in the packed arena. Magura were showing of their latest products, there were glimpses of the of new Evans own-brand MTB and the first showing of the feature length documentary 'Off Road to Athens', a film following eight cyclists on their attempt to win a place in the 2004 US Olympic team.
Back to the racing, and the format for the weekend is simple. XC racing on Saturday and the Trek 6-4-2 enduro race on the Sunday, which for the rest of the year matures into the Marathon Series. The seven mile course, typified by narrow singletrack and an undulating terrain, was sun-drenched as riders arrived on Saturday morning, but by the end of racing the heavens opened and conditions didn't improve for the rest of the weekend.
Saturday - NPS
Conditions didn't dampen the racing much, the usual suspects dominated the podium. In the men's elite race on Saturday just a couple of minutes covered the first dozen riders home, with Oli Beckingsale taking the win. It was considerably easier for Jenny Copnall, taking the win from Kate Potter by over four minutes. Full results below.
Elite Men
| 1 | Oli Beckingsale | 02:04:13 | Giant |
| 1 | Ian Wilkinson | +00:58 | SIS/Trek |
| 1 | Dave Collins | +01:04 | Scott UK |
Elite Men
| 1 | Jenny Copnall | 01:54:13 | Subaru/Gary Fisher |
| 1 | Kate Potter | +04:09 | Team Specialized |
| 1 | Jenn O'Connor | +04:11 | Team Specialized |
More results at www.timelaps.co.uk
Sunday - Trek 6-4-2
Sunday, and the turn of the endurance riders. The previously dry course turned damp and muddy, though lap times were still fast. Ryan Henry won the 6 hr men's solo, Tracy Miles the 6 hr women's solo, Nick Craig opting for the 4 hr solo class and taking the win, with Kate Potter in her usual place, 1st in the 4 hr women's solo. Again, the results in all their glory and for your scrutiny at www.timelaps.co.uk.
