Report by: Ben Colley

Pictures by: Rob Crayton

Ben Colley

We're all about development at RRP, so when we heard that developing RRP rider Ben Colley decided to race the National Mountainbike Series in Plymouth we were impressed with his commitment, read below to see how he got on.....................

After some good results for me this year I have been considering the national mtb series for next year. I got my British cycling license in July so I could race at the end of this year to test the water. The only race I was able to attend was all the way down in Newnham near Plymouth. So I entered in the open class mainly because it was the last race of the day and I knew I could make it in time
A mammoth drive down on the Saturday morning I arrived in time to see Elites and experts race. Wow those guys are fast and they make it look so easy. After that race I headed out for practice lap. The course was great lots of single track sections similar to the chase but also some big drop sections with roots and big holes to negotiate.

I managed to get on the second row for the start. BANG off we went for the first 200mtrs then we turned right into the first climb the leader had opened up a massive lead by the top but I was pushing well and was in fourth, I held my position around the first single track but I was faster than the guy in front just no space to pass. We headed along the first fire road and I gained 2 places putting me second by this time the leader had vanished never to be seen again.

The next section was my weakest part of the course the massive holes and routes had me crash as we caught a lot of the masters class walking. I gave a shout to one guy “ it’s a bike race get on it !” as he was walking on the fast line up a small incline and we all bunched up behind. I had another small off in the roots and was passed by the 2 guys I had passed earlier.

Over the rest of the first lap I managed to pass 3rd on the big climb and hold position but he was coming with me and I could see him at every switch back.

Lap 2 I just kept it steady and held my place until I had a massive crash in the Rooty bomb hole much to the crowds entertainment. Back on the bike knee really hurting but somehow still in 3rd. I recovered for the rest of lap but the climbs where hard on my knee.

Lap 3 still in 3rd across the line I gritted my teeth for the first climb and single track and opened up a lead of about 200 mtrs into the roots again this time got off and ran across it. back on the bike and into the mid section I had a look back on could not the guy behind me. I was good for the rest of the lap managed the big climb at a good pace then it was in to the last couple of single tracks for the run in and I had finished 3rd.

I had done it, my first ever podium ! I waited a minuet or so for 4th to finish then hobbled off my bike back to the car.

I stuck around for the podium but it was a bit of a comedown as everyone had gone home.

Looking at the lap times I have 6 months to lose 5 min’s a lap for a good finish in the sport class, I really enjoyed the event and will be entering the whole series next year in sport . Looks like it going to a hard winters training for me.