Hardwick Hall hosts a busy weekend of action

Arthur Green on his way to winning the junior mens race at Hardwick Hall.

Twenty four hours of rain prior to the event meant that the course quickly became a muddy battle against the elements, and saw a shake up in terms of regular race positions between riders as those who favoured wet conditions were able to put their skills into action.

In the senior men’s race, Fossa Racing’s former Matlock rider Lee Shunburne, who had ridden steadily through the field, rode into second position in the last quarter of a lap.

The junior men’s race was won in decisive fashion by Matlock CC’s Arthur Green, who made light work of the mud to ride into the top five of the men’s race overall.

The women’s race saw Marianne Heffron (Zepnat) and Louise Wainwright (Matlock CC) second and third respectively in the veterans category.

The veteran men’s race saw Darley Dale-based Zepnat’s Daniel Alexander claim the win. Matlock CC’s Chris Green finished seventh.

The boys’ U16 race saw Matlock rider Cameron Orr (Sherwood Pines) come home in second while Matlock CC’s John Webster finished tenth.

Another Matlock rider racing for Sherwood Pines, Tim Elsmore-Martin, was third in the U14 boys race, with Matlock CC’s Nick Edwards finishing 13th.

The youth girls races saw Nottingham Clarion’s Poppy Wildman take the overall (and U14) win, ahead of fellow U14 Ellie Smith (Fossa Racing).

Sarah Briggs (Matlock CC) took third U14 girl and her club mate Amelie Wayte was fourth.

Matlock CC’s Harry Large was third in the U12 boys race, whilst the girls’ U12 race saw Libby Smith clinch victory.

Despite the adverse conditions, nearly 50 U9s proved they had the necessary grit and determination to compete, with Ben Mellor (Matlock CC) taking another victory, this time from clubmate Oscar Atkinson. Matlock CC again showed their strength in this category with Tom Woolf finishing sixth and Charlie Ross seventh.

Sunday saw the Inter Area Team Championships held at Hardwick Hall and a number of Matlock riders represented the East Midlands region.

Ellie Smith (Fossa), Amelie Wayte and Sarah Briggs were in the youth girls section and their team finished first to win the gold medal. Cameron Orr (Sherwood Pines) rode an excellent race in the Youth Boys race with their team also taking the gold medal.

Zepnat’s Tim Gould was part of the East Midlands senior team which won the bronze medal.

In the U12s race, Matlock CC’s Sam Gould took the victory while Ben Mellor, one of the youngest in the race, also overcame the tough conditions to finish fifth.