The dry, overcast weather attracted a surprising number of regular and new riders, with 41 at the start line for nine laps of what has grown into a semi-technical course.
Thanks to James Paterson and the welcome return of Mark Le Sueur and Richard Tanguy, the pace was blistering for the first three laps, and thrills, spills and punctures were abundant throughout, due to some very tricky sand and bunker sections.
Heavy crashes by Robin Ovenden, Bruce Dingle and Kieron Mills left them all chasing hard to close the gap and a puncture for Mark Le Sueur left him no choice but to retire.By lap six Robin Ovenden had clawed his way back from sixth to first position, and he took a decisive victory over James Paterson and Kieron Mills with young Richard Tanguy putting in an outstanding ride to finish fourth overall.Jim Connolly put in a solid ride to secure his first win in the sports class while being chased consistently by Chris Stone and Steve Greig.The schoolboys class looked as though it would be a fierce contest between Ryan and Rhys Hidrio, but Scott Dingle put in a truly amazing ride to win by a half a lap and he finished ninth overall.The veteran class produced a close battle between Colin Malzard, Mick Ollivier, Ian Cabot and Dave Bihet.
Malzard’s secret training finally paid off with victory! Lone female Janet Gallichan rode well to finish the race.
The next race of the Winter Series takes place on 30 November at Belles Fleurs Nursery, Grouville.
Competitors should be ready to race at 9.30 am.
