The Bill Higson Memorial Race, also round 4 of the 23/24 Wessex Season was hosted at a staple of the Wessex calendar, Prospect Park. The traditional CX conditions were on show, making an already tough course, very technical and physically demanding. The slippery mud through tight corners, and steep banks made for exciting racing throughout the day.
Male category:
Under 8s: In the youngest male category, the U8’s displayed remarkable talent and enthusiasm. After a fierce race, it was Oscar Jones who claimed victory, with Han Lu and Harry Wagstaff securing second and third place, respectively.
The U10 Boys showcased impressive technique and speed. The competition was fierce, but it was Edward Nicholls who stood atop the podium, with Freddie Trosh in second place and Stanley Cox in third.
In the Under 12 Race, a thrilling battle was delivered. It was a close race to the finish line, with Jamie Kerry crossing first, followed by Jacob Wadlow in second and William Terry in third.
The Under 14s displayed incredible endurance and skill. In a neck-and-neck race, it was Harry Cooper who crossed the finish line first, followed by Thomas Wilks in second and Daniel Branford in third.
In the under 16s Open, a very close and competitive race was on the cards, but Jack Morgan proved strongest to take victory, ahead of Cypher Tindell, and Tom Allen.
In the Junior Open category, an electrifying race was delivered. It was a nail-biting finish, with Mack Mellish taking the top spot, followed closely by Ben Coppola in second and Dan Phillips securing third.
In the Vet 40-49 category, the competition was fierce among the men, Paul Lloyd emerged as the champion, followed closely by Andrew Gardiner in second and David Spencer securing third.
The Vet 50-59 riders put on a spectacular display of talent and determination. It was a thrilling race, with Mike Simpson crossing first, followed by Anthony Turner in second and Jamie Norfolk in third.
The vet 60+ men were up next, in an exciting race, Tim Costello took the win, ahead of John Alderman, and Stephen Jones, in third.
In the senior men, Mathew Coulson rode a spectacular race to take a well earned victory, followed by Adrian Lansley in second, and in third, Oscar Hoult.
Female category:
Under 8s: The youngest female riders, under 8’s, demonstrated remarkable skill and determination. In a highly competitive field, it was Martha Kiddel who emerged victorious, followed by Theodora Hall in second place and Emily Littlewood in third.
The Under 10’s exhibited impressive agility and speed. Kaira De Mesa took the top spot, with Ella Lamb securing second place and Amélie Lewis finishing third.
The under 12’s put on a spectacular show of talent. It was a nail-biting race to the finish, with Isabell Mar Molinero crossing first, followed by Florence Cooper in second and Evie Cox in third.
The under 14 always lives up to the limelight, with exciting racing, but this week it was Eva Mar Molinero who stood on the top step, followed closely by Sophie Jacobs, and Isla watson.
Under 16: The oldest youth category, and the winner was, Isla Pattinson, followed by Isabella Hall, and Isla Hoult.
The Junior Women provided excellent, exciting racing, through the ever changing course. Anna Patterson came out on top, with Amelia Staunton in second place, and Rebecca Gascogne took third.
Senior Females: Lindy Brazier-Larkin showed excellent skill and endurance too take the victory in the senior female race. Anna Boniface took second, and Carly Ibbitson rolled in third.
Vet 40-49 Female: Kate Robson rode an impressive race to win her category, followed by Gemma Wilks, and Rachel Clay.
Vet 50-59 and 60+ Female: Caroline Goward took the win in the 50-59 female, followed by Alison Ford, and Katie West. In the 60+, Julie Hughes took victory.
Overall, very impressive racing by all, on a brilliantly designed and well built course, than you to all involved, for such a smooth event. See you all at round 5 in Southampton hosted by Sotonia, or maybe at the National Trophy this Weekend!
Provisional results:
Photos: Pitchside Paul