Race report update from Vitus rider Jack Finch

Vitus-supported rider Jack Finch is racing in various British events this season, and Jack’s first race report roundup brings us action from round five of the Southern XC, the third round of the British MTB Series and round three of the Fowlmead Summer Sizzler. 

Vitus-supported rider Jack Finch is racing in various British events this season, and Jack’s first race report roundup brings us action from round five of the Southern XC, the third round of the British MTB Series and round three of the Fowlmead Summer Sizzler.

Southern XC, round 5
I had a good warm up, got to the line and they made us sit on the line for about 10 minutes. Even though we were standing around for ages I got a good start – second into the first bit of singletrack. Unfortunately the rider in first place fell off in front of me causing me to stop and be over taken by two other riders. After that I was slowly bringing the front two back, and by the start of the second lap I had caught the second place rider. I sat in second place for the rest of that lap until I punctured – I just hit a big root and my tyre seemed to explode, which was the end of my race.

British MTB Series, round 3
The course was good with a 15-minute climb and a five minute descent. I got a really bad start to the race, dropping down from about second row to last so I knew I had to make up time on the hill where I was strongest. I made my way back up to about 12th by the end of the climb which is where I stayed all race. I was constantly battling with other riders on the downhill sections of the course but I made up for it on the uphill. It was also extremely hot and by the end of the last lap I was just so glad to have finished.

Fowlmead Summer Sizzler, round 3
For once they made a good course at Fowlmead. The weather was not great – it had been raining all day and unfortunately for our race it was also blowing a gale. I was gridded second and was feeling good about the race. The race started and I was second into the first bit of singletrack. I sat in second for about half of the first lap but I was struggling in the wind so I dropped back to fourth and I was battling for third place, but the other rider was too strong for me in the wind so I dropped off his wheel and ended up finishing in fourth place.