The ACU British Timecard Enduro Championship Concluded at the Natterjack Enduro this weekend, it promised to be good and it was exactly that.
Danny McCanney had already signed off the overall 2018 British Championship at the previous round in Wales, having taken eight of the nine rounds contested. The Manxman was injured in Italy so was not able to prove his dominance on the UK scene at this last outing.
The weekend was well organised by the REME at an iconic location with its superb sand bowl test which included whoops, jumps and great berms and also a great enduro test through the woods with steep inclines, descents, log jumps and sneaky little hazards dotted throughout along with plenty of tree stumps.
The weather stayed dry but the course was still very challenging meaning all the riders had to have the stamina to deal with two long days of staying in the saddle.
The Championship Class was won both days by the stylish Steve Holcombe; he never disappoints and was a great talent to watch. Hot on his heels was Jack Edmonson closely followed by Alex Snow with only 2 seconds in it on day one and even less on day 2. A stand out ride for the championship class had to go to Hamish Macdonald, competing over here from New Zealand achieved a respectable 6th overall and 3rd in E2.
Mathew Bayliss normally a Motocross rider and not used to the endurance needed at these type of events should also be recognised for his 13th and 11th place across the two days in the championship class but put in some very respectable test times, among some of the worlds enduro riders.
Nieve Holmes and Rosie Rowett battled fiercely, but with Nieve nursing a broken finger and trying her best but it was not enough to beat Rosie Rowett on this occasion and she wins both days and takes home the Ladies Championship.
In the Experts, Luke Flack again rode brilliantly both days to steal the win over Aaron Gordon and Max Ditchfield. Ben Murphy was back in action this weekend after being out with an injury; he came back to finish 6th overall and 2nd in class.
Clubman class always a large entry with good riders was fought over and the winner for this year was the talented Lewis Ranger after fighting all year with Harry Houghton, Harry made one mistake on the Saturday morning causing him the championship win. Lewis Ranger I am sure he will move across the experts next year and continue to prove himself.
As anticipated, good solid rides from leaders Andrew Edwards (Over 40’s) and Paul Davies (Over 50’s) ensured they took the overall win for the series.
Overall this was an excellent event showcasing Enduro as it should be, hard and technical in places , with lots of great spectating opportunities for all the supporters
The BEC now starts its winter break with many riders competing in Europe and local events keeping them bike fit and ready for the season in 2019.
Report & Photos: Tristan Young