Sunshine and double points title decider.
After a very wet summer a much shortened and rather soggy National Series finally ended in Tredegar, Wales.
With it being such a short season few riders had the chance to pull out a clear series lead so this was the title decider in more than a few categories. Just to make things even more exciting the BCF were offering double points for this round!
Here’s how our Norwich rider’s faired.
15/16’s/16-29 cruisers.
Jake Cheetham was riding with even more smoothness and power than usual(he makes it look SO easy!)winning motos and making it through to the finals of both of his classes with ease. Taking 4th place in a very tough 15/16 class and a 2nd in cruiser. Rumour has it that Jake’s going to train over the winter. Look out world!
25+ Ladies.
Abi Hill came to the race with a points lead that in usual circumstances would have already guaranteed her the title but with this round being double points she still had some work to do. Her season long rival Nicola Spiers kept the pressure up but Abi showed us all why she’s ranked World #5 and came home with the win and the title.
30-39 Cruisers.
Despite suffering with a very sore wrist Alan Hill managed to fight the pain and race on. He made the final with his usual ease and despite the injury, victory seemed assured. His Redline team mate and series leader Ian Sharpe had other ideas though. Hilly lead the race until the very last turn were “Sharpy” made a successful passing move. On another day you could securely bet your house on Hilly talking him back on the last straight rhythm section, but with the wrist injury it wasn’t to be, and Sharpy won the day and the title.
30+ Masters.
Steve Williams made the track look easy and smoothed his way to the A final. Jay Mills who has had a stellar year was less fortunate. A small mistake by Jay going into the second berm let Daddy White through, who promptly rode Jay off the track and into the B final.
The A final was a classic. Series leader Jessop’s determination and power against William’s style and skills, was awesome to watch. Going into the first turn it was neck and neck between both them, and Mike Pardon. Jessop took a slight lead coming out of the turn with Willams following close behind. We all waited anxiously for the ultra tight last straight rhythm section and true to form Jessup stiffed it and Williams closed. It wasn’t enough though and Jessup took the win and the title.
Junior Women.
Although a nervy start in the motos, Norwich’s Rebecca Vaughan came good as usual in the final. Rebecca proves that you don’t have to be “Junior” to be fast, ended the day with a well fought fourth place.
Junior Men.
Seemingly unaffected by his hard slam at Mansfield the previous weekend, Josh put the Cheetham smooothness into effect and came home with a solid fourth place in junior men.
Elite.
With Ben Forwood electing to stay at home Alan Hill was our only elite rider, considering his injury and riding two classes, Alan rode astoundingly and managed to win the Elite B final.
Commentators.
Adie Warden V Uncle Buck!
It was a close run thing with possibly the two biggest mouths (apart from Flemdog obviously) in BMX going at it on the mic all day on Sunday. U.B. came close with his jibbing of the Elite classes poor riding through the pro section but it was Norwich’s own Aidy Warden who’s “first you build the track and then you stack” comment about the facilities creator Jason Carpenter that won the day 
Norwich Riders Final Series Standings.
Abi Hill 25+ Ladies – 1st.
Rebecca Vaughan Junior Female – 6th
Jake Cheetham Male 15/16′S 11th, Cruiser 16-29 – 2nd.
Josh Cheetahm Junior Male – 4th.
Steve Williams 30+ Masters – 3rd.
Jay Mills 30+ Masters – 6th.
Alan Hill 30-39 cruisers – 2nd, Elite – 8th.
Norwich Flyer’s ended the year in 6th place in the club standings. A little disappointing considering our 2nd place last year but with two of our top riders out for the season ( Addie Warden with injury and Joey Gough away racing in Europe) we didn’t do too badly at all.
Things are looking good for next season though. With Jake training over the winter and Josh in the upper bracket of the Junior Male class, Addie back from injury and myself entering the 40+ class should hopefully swell our points. Number one club next year? Don’t bet against it!
Good Luck Joey!
