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Post date: May 09, 2016 12:34:26 PM
(By Pete Rimmer - 8th May 2016)
Last week the club was once again well represented in the National Mountain Bike Points Series event by Pete Rimmer and Richie Lenihan. The progress of the two lads is recorded here in this report by Pete.
The second round of the 2016 Mountain Bike National Point Series (NPS) was in Djouce Woods in the Wicklow Mountains on Sunday 1st May. Richie Lenihen and myself made our way there to do battle once again. Djouce woods is the location where the 14 times National Mountain Bike and Cyclo Cross champion, Robin Seymour, developed his awesome skills and it's an exceptional challenge for any mountain biker. There are lots of off-camber rooted sections, the nemesis of just about every mountain bike racer.
The day started with disaster for me when about half way round my practice lap I got a puncture! I immediately made my way back to the van and sorted out my wheel but there was no time left to practice so, I had to start the Senior 3 race with my recce consisting of just half the lap. As a result I started the race easy to get my legs going and to make sure I got acquainted with the terrain. Then, with a good feeling in my legs I went for broke after the first really steep climb while others recovered and I powered past about 10 riders, putting myself into the top 20 in the race.
I was pleased with my progress in the race until, on the second lap, I was shot out the front door when I misjudged a drop-off and went flying over the handlebars. To my surprise the crowd showed their appreciation cheering my crash!!! Thankfully I was able to remount and I managed to cross the line in 15th position.
In the Senior 2 race, Richie had adopted similar tactics and eased himself into the mayhem picking off three or four riders on each lap. His skill and expertise saw him finish in 6th place which was an excellent result on a very demanding circuit.
Roll on round three!
Richie Lenihan and Pete Rimmer before the MTB race in Wicklow.
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