An ‘Australian invasion’ was the term used by British Cycling to refer to the arrival of former TORQ Australia supported athletes, now riding for Trek World Racing. Rebecca Henderson and Dan McConnell took to the start line of round 4 of the British XC series at Margam; these additions to the field saw the level of racing go up a notch, with both athletes half way through their best seasons to date, having both won the opening round of the World Cup XC series.
Renowned for its brutal climbs and technical, un-surfaced, loose and rocky descents, the course at Margam didn’t disappoint. The clear skies and hot temperatures on the day saw riders suffering in the heat, with many dousing themselves in water on the start just to try and cool down before the race. The winner at Margam is always a rider who can climb well and decend even faster. In the men’s race, after just over 1:30, Dan was the first rider home, a good 40 seconds clear of the rest of the field. First TORQ rider home was ever consistent Chris Andrews in 22nd with Lee Westwood and Neal Crampton finishing 29th and 30th respectively.
In the women’s race, Bec took a clear lead from the start and finished nearly 5 minutes ahead of 2nd place. Jessie Roberts was the first TORQ rider home, thriving in the hot conditions, and, on a course with a large degree of climbing, she finsihed just off the podium in 6th. Jessie was shortly followed by Joanne in 11th and Gen in 14th;some great results from all the team!
As well as our own TORQ riders, there were some standout performances from some TORQ fuelled athletes including Nick Craig, who finished 7th in the elite men’s race. Jonny Pugh of the TORQ Fuelled Cycle-Tec Team took another clear win in the masters’ category and Scott Contessa rider, Caroline Goward, also took the win in the masters’ female category.
The team now moves into an exciting period of racing, with the National MTB Championships, the last round of the British XC series, along with our main team events for the year; Bontrager 24/12 and TORQ In Your Sleep. Look out for the reports over the coming weeks.
Thanks to Rob Barker for the images.
As always, a big thank you to all the team sponsors, without them we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.
www.whytebikes.com – Frames & Wheels
www.shimano.com – Drivetrain & Brakes
www.chapeaucycling.co.uk – Team Clothing
www.amphibia-sport.com – Custom Kit Bags
www.limarhelmets.com – Helmets
www.max-mediagroup.co.uk – Team PR
www.schwalbe.com – Tyres
www.lezyne.com – Pumps, Tools & Bottle Cages
www.srsuntour-cycling.com – SR Suntour Suspension Forks
www.exposurelights.com – Advanced Lighting
www.juicelubes.co.uk – Lubrication
www.lakecycling.com – Shoes
www.jagwireusa.com – Cables & Housing
www.joolzedymond.com – Photography
Follow the TORQ Performance MTB team’s progress on their Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/TORQ-Performance-Mountain-Bike-Team/110217305676815
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