TORQ Performance riders took to the start line ready for action at the Gorrick spring series Round 4 at weekend. The course saw some of the finest trails that weaved and swooped their way up and down Porridge Pot Hill. After a dry week of weather, the race was set to be fast, exciting and a great opportunity to see which riders are on form for this weekend British XC Series round one at Sherwood Pines. This included Ben Thomas, Josh Ibbett, Lydia Gould and Matt Hart flying the flag for the TORQ Performance Cycling Team.
Photo: www.joolzedymond.com
After an aggressive start in the elite men’s race, Ben managed to lead into the first section of fire road, which (luckily for him) meant he missed the impending doom of crunching carbon fiber, as a group of riders lost it in the first drop off. Ben kept the pace high making a small break away with Jody Crawforth, closely followed by a group of three riders. After a string of fast attacks from both Jody and Ben, a slip on a short power climb gave Jody the break he needed. Ben, still struggling from a broken finger 6 week ago pushed on to catch up the lost ground but it was not to be, as he suffered a puncture on a rooted section and lost all chance of the win. Settling with second place Ben cruised the last few minutes saving his self for next weekend’s contest.
TORQ’s solo 24-hour specialist, Josh Ibbett also took to the start line in the elite men’s race, but with some heavy training over the last few weeks in preparation for key events later this year, he decided to pull out on lap 3 and recover ready for the main event next weekend.
Photo: www.joolzedymond.com
I (Matt Hart) was also in action after 15 years of retirement, using the race as vital prep for the 12 hr solo MTB championship on the 7th of May. Having spent the last two weeks in Spain, fitting in a massive 60 hours of training, I felt surprisingly quick for an endurance bloke! After a fast battle with some big names in the Super Masters race, I finished 7th, just 2 minutes and 40 seconds down on the winner, former National Champion Paul Lazemby. I just didn’t have the snap of speed required, but I think I might have performed better if the race went on for another few laps! All in a good cause though?
With a great opener to the season we will have more racer reports to follow soon. Team line up this weekend includes round one of the British XC series – keep an eye out for us.
A big thank you to our 2011 sponsors:
www.konaworld.com – Frames
www.shimano.com – Drivetrain & Brakes
www.limarhelmets.com – Helmets
www.ritcheylogic.com – Handlebars, Stems, Saddles, Seatposts & Grips
www.max-mediagroup.co.uk – Team PR
www.schwalbe.com – Tyres
www.champ-sys.com – Performance Cycle Clothing
www.mojo.co.uk – Fox Suspension Forks
www.exposurelights.com – Advanced Lighting
www.juicelubes.co.uk – Lubrication
www.lakecycling.com – Shoes
www.jagwireusa.com – Cables & Housing
www.crankbrothers.com – Pedals, Multi tools & pumps
www.rapidracerproducts.com – Neoguards.
www.cleecycles.com – KCNC Chains, Skewers & Bottom Brackets
www.superstarcomponents.com – Hubs, Seat Clamps & Headsets
www.sapim.be – Spokes
www.handcraftedwheels.co.uk – Hand Built Wheels
www.fibrax.com – Brake Hardware
www.joolzedymond.com – Photography
www.cycleops.com – Power Measurement, Turbo Training & Bike Racks
www.notubes.com – Tyre Sealant & Rims.
www.nomad-direct.co.uk – Nomad Cordless Pressure Washing
www.finelytunedride.co.uk – Bike Maintenance & Servicing
Follow the TORQ Performance MTB team’s progress on their facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/TORQ-Performance-Mountain-Bike-Team/110217305676815
