The unique Rhayader event started in excellent style on the Friday with the championship riders going head to head in pairs to complete two laps of the extreme style prologue. The prologue included such obstacles as tyre sections, log piles, a very tricky rock garden and much more. The crowds gathered and the atmosphere started to build as championship riders set off. Jonny Walker and Billy Bolt where also included in the line-up making this weekend their first entry at an ACU British round. Showing off their love for the extreme obstacles Jonny dominated the prologue taking the win ahead of Brad Freeman and Danny McCanney.
With the prologue finished it was time for the evening entertainment to begin in the massive circus style marque situated at the heart of the event at Cwmthig Hill, which would prove to be the main HQ for the weekend. An excellent local band Lucky Pierre played live whilst everyone relaxed and spoke about the next two days ahead.
Day 1 saw the riders set off at Cwmthig Hill, riders were met at the start line by Keith Tampin Chairman of Powys County Council who spoke about the amazing atmosphere the event had brought to the area and was looking forward to seeing how the event went first hand. The sun was out but with the morning mist test 1 proved to be rather tricky for the championship riders who were the first to hit the grass hills of the MX test. Jonny Walker started the morning by pulling the fastest time on test 1 before setting off into the stunning countryside of Rhayader.
Riders then travelled the 18 miles up and over to the next test which was Saintswell Enduro Test. This test was set in a small valley, starting again with MX style grass track down under a tunnel bridge towards a section of logs and tyres before heading up into the forest. The forest was extremely fast going, dodging between trees before leading to a stretch of fire road where riders could really open up their bikes heading towards the top of the forest when the track turned and brought them back down through the sands soft woodland back to the start finish.
Beta Factory Rider Steve Holcombe had his bike singing through the trees and described the day as being “very slippery but he felt really good on the bike” and secured the win on day. Brad Freeman finished 2
nd overall on day 1 with Danny McCanney in 3
rd but these two battled it out throughout the day coming very close on times through the tests. Even after a 4 year gap since Jonny Walker had last entered a British Enduro Championship he still came a comfortable 4
th overall on day 1 keeping the current championship leaders on their toes.
Day 2 proved to be a real game changer with the weather, red hot sunshine followed by heavy short downpours. The 53 mile track was run in reverse to give the riders a fresh challenge for the day.
Test 1 become a real challenge for all riders making it near impossible to climb the hilly grass MX track before hitting the main MX track which had now become very soft sticky mud, excellent for all spectators but tough going for riders.
Test 2 was cut short for Sportman riders as the log and tyre sections became too demanding for lesser riders but the championship riders still plowed through.
This event has passed all expectations and from start to finish has been a flawless weekend for both riders and spectators.