A total of 16 Sotonia youth riders braved the wet and windy conditions and rode up the M3 to Basingstoke. Whilst their school friends avoided the early autumn storms in front of the television or on tablets our riders tanked up on grit, determination, guts and perseverance.
If any riders are disappointed about their position then do not forget that the horrible rain and wind meant there were no tourists in the race. Only the regular and skilled Wessex CX riders turned up. A special mention here to Tes and Jo Bignell who showed even greater toughness by racing in summer short and top. Tes chased her friends Ella and Marit all the way and her reward was a 1st place in the U8 girls. George Connell showed everyone what he can do without a mechanical issue and just missed out on the podium in the U12 boys. In the U12 girls race it looks like Olivia and Izzy will be having a good battle all season. Emma and Charlie are finding their place in the U12 field where racing gets a bit more serious.
The placings of all Sotonia riders were:
U10 race 46 riders
U8 girls: Tes Bignell 1st (37), Tilly Wilks 2nd (40), Jaya Martingale 4th (42)
U10 girls: Skye Martingale 7th (30), Ella Ridgment 9th (33), Marit Davidse 10th (34)
U10 boys: Thomas Wilks 8th (12), Joseph Bignell 10th (14), Finlay Banks 17th (26), Samuel White 19th (32)
U12 race 37 riders
U12 girls: Olivia Allman 3rd (15), Izzy Hall 4th (16), Emma Harrison 8th (32)
U12 boys: George Connell 4th (4), Samuel Ridgment 10th (10), Charlie Shepherd 14th (18)