SINGLE SPEEDS SET THE PACE AGAIN AT ROUND 3
25/06/2009

Gareth Jones (VC Moulin) maintained dominance by 29er single-speeds of the Leisure Wheels Summit Series by winning outright and taking Masters category honours at round three on Wednesday, 24th June.

Gareth also set a new lap record on the newly altered course with a blistering 14m 11s lap, despite making his first visit to Lotts Wood this year. Paul Howard (Mountain Trax) put the disappointment of two DNFs behind him to come second in Masters and score some much needed points. Third place for Dean Taylor (VC Moulin) though may prove very valuable as it hoists the Jones rider up to second in the standings just one point behind absent series leader Steve Webb (Singular Cycles).

Now riding for Specialized, Daran Blackwell was second overall and comfortable winner of Veterans, however Adrian Parry’s second place means they are tied on points at the top of the table. A double puncture for Mike Smith (On 2 Wheels/Summit) cost him a podium finish as he had to run over a mile to come ninth and grab two points.

Rob Gates (Berks on Bikes) won his second consecutive Sport race to go into the lead of the series, taking full advantage of the absent Chris White and Adam Chandler. Mark Wilmot (Team Quest) was second. Damien Corrigon (Pedal On) was the unopposed winner of Male Elite & Experts.

Third place meant Ceri Donovan (West Drayton MBC/Beyond MTB/Specialized) held onto her points lead in Female Fun but closest rival and team mate Emma Rembalski has now clawed to within two points at the top of the points table by virtue of her second place. Claire Hickey made a category-winning debut into the Summit Series on her first visit to Lotts Wood.

Strong Youth Turn-out

Ben Sumner (Mountain High) won the Under 16s race with some stunning lap times ahead of series leader Alex Bond (Leisure Wheels) as the third round again saw good numbers of young riders at Lotts Wood.

Joe Broadhead (Berks on Bikes) made it three wins in a row in the Under 14s as did Jacob North (Summit) in the Under 12s.

The penultimate round of the Leisure Wheels Summit Series takes place on Wednesday, 15th July. Pre-entry via the racing page is essential.