The final round of the UK Fast Eddy Cross-Country Championship as usual was at Hawkstone Park, Shropshire. The build-up to event cited some competition for David Knight in the Shape of Finnish Factory Gas Gas riders Petri Pohjamo and Jani Laaksonen. There was also to be motocross riders present, namely Ryan Voase, Neil Flockart, Gary Davies and a few others. Despite of the hype that surrounded these riders their challenge didn't amount to much as David once again led from start to finish. He had lapped all but one by half time and a lap later lapped 2nd as well.
After the race Jani who finished 2nd said "unbelievable" when I asked him what he thought of Davids speed. One of the helpers to David's Italian Belgarda team was in England on holiday and came to the race to spectate. He reckons that another member of the Italian team, Matts Andreasson, would have given David a run for his money and he is going to ask Matts to come to Hawkstone next year.
Behind David in 1st and Jani in 2nd, Ryan Voase finished as top motocrosser in 3rd. Ed Jones was top 125 in 4th finishing 40 secs in front of me in 5th. Rowan Jones was top 4-stroke in 6th.
I was well chuffed with my ride but not with my result. I didn't fade towards the end like I usually do. I had a good nights sleep and plenty of pasta at home in Chester which made a big difference.
Unfortunately I I had a few problems with starting my bike. Some sand had got in the kick-starter and it kept sticking in so I couldn't kick start the bike. This was fine until the fuel stops. Try bump-starting your bike in sand. Its not so easy! After my second stop I was feeling good though and ready for a final charge until I dropped the bike in a deep sandy corner and had to push my bike half way down the straight to start it! I should have beat Ed Jones but didn't. Gutted. Fortunately I just pipped Ed in the championship to finish joint 4th with Richard Hay.