// Race Report: Pippingford Manor Park
Round Two in Pippingford Park Manor did not disappoint. A great course that had a bit of everything from technical sections in the woods, uphill cambers and dusty flat straights.
The U8 andU10’s race saw Daniel, Tejus and Elias (who was making his U8 regional debut). All raced exceptionally well and certainly used those club-taught skills of dismount, run & remount. Elias made the podium taking 🥉 in the U8’s. Daniel and Tejus finishing eighth and ninth respectively in a tough U10 field.
Next up was the U12 race featuring another debutant, Edie, and seasoned CX racer Riley. Edie shook off the nerves and put together a great race that improved as the laps went on — her lap times were also very consistent. Finishing fifth in her first race with many of the boys behind her. Riley had an excellent race overall taking 🥉. Gridded fifth, Riley went into the first corner in sixth. This meant time was lost on the first lap working his way back into third…. Unfortunately the damage was done. Riley compelted the remaining five laps matching the same times as the leaders but could not close the 10s gap. Great effort though.
Last but not least, Rytis stepped up to regional level and raced on the full (adult) course in the U16 race. A tough course with leg sapping long grass, hurdles and steep banks made for a tough race. The LEC never give up attitude carried Rytis all of the way to the finish even after gear and chain problems threatened to put an end to the race. Finishing eighth in age group and twenty fourth of thirty in the combined field, Rytis certainly did the squad proud.
Feedback from the sidelines… *GEARS*! Try to get across to the riders that gears are their friends and if used correctly will not only make them faster but also make them enjoy the riding more.
