By Isle of Wight Observer
Ewan Cook and youth riders, Finley Manser-Grundy and Sonny Shuttleworth, were in action at Matterley Basin, Winchester, on Sunday in round one of the Southern XC Series.
In the under-ten category, Finley started from the front row in a field of 38 riders; he made a strong start on a course featuring dry, twisty descents through wooded terrain, with plenty of roots and flat corners.
He held fifth place into the top corner before losing his front wheel on a tricky descent and taking a tumble. By the final lap he had worked his way back up to sixth and, in the last 400m (440 yds), he took two riders on the inside line to finish fourth.
Dad, Jack, said: “Although Finley still has another year in this age category, and he was up against older or bigger riders, his performance was a true testament to his determination.”
In the under-12 race, Sonny made a strong start on the short but demanding course and soon found himself among a highly competitive field, with riders setting a relentless pace on the climbs.
Mum, Vanessa, said: “Sonny thoroughly enjoyed the race and is already looking ahead to round two. While cross-country is not his primary discipline, it provides valuable training for both fitness and race mind-set – skills that will carry into his downhill season, which begins next weekend in the Forest of Dean.”
Ewan was gridded second on the front row for the seven-lap elite race, and had taken the lead by the top of the opening climb. He stayed in a three-rider group for the first three laps before a gap opened on the fourth lap. Despite his efforts to close it down, he crossed the line in second place. He said: “I’m super pleased with my result in my first ever elite race. It’s such a huge jump from junior class, but I’m really excited for the rest of the season.”