David Knight once again dominated the 5th round of the 2002 Fast Eddy Cross-Country Race Series. The event was held at Tong Hall near Bradford and used the same course as last year. A short shower between the clubman and Pro race made the already slippery ground almost like ice to ride on.
David got the holeshot from a middle of the gate start. Rob Wrayford back from injury got a good start but in typical 'Rabbit' style held it on a bit too long and took out Edward and Robert Jones amongst others.
I managed to sneek round the inside of the carnage and to my suprise found myself in 2nd place behind David. Chris Tett was left on the line as he struggled to start his bike. He was to have a storming ride on the big TE570 to come through to 8th at the flag after passing Stevie Roper on the last lap.
A first lap crash as I foolishly tried to keep with David dropped me to 4th at the end of the 1st lap behind Juan in 2nd and Wayne Braybrook in 3rd. Wayne, out on a two-stroke for the first time this year was on a mission and passed Juan before the pit-stop. Juan exited the pits in front and Wayne had to pass him again to take second at the flag. It was good to hear someone other than David had beat Juan. Pity it wasn't me! Wayne's good form on the stroker bodes well for the ISDE as that will be the bike he is riding in Czecho.
I was struggling with the slippery conditions and came under pressure from Rob Sartin and Woody Hole at about one hour. However I seemed to up a gear and pulled away again. I thought I had the measure of them both until Rob Sartin continued my education in how to ride a bike when he passed me with about 40 mins to go. We battled for a few laps and at one point I passed him back but he was riding with his usual effortless style and I was 'legs everywhere'. I binned it before exiting the stream and got caught beneath the bike. By the time I remounted Rob was gone and I was knackered, finishing in 5th.
Daryl Bolter won the expert 125 and I think the overall on his Rangers/Huskysport WR125. He would have finished 12th in the Pro class!
Gizz Edmunds won the clubman 125 and the championship with one round to go. He will move up to Expert and ride a 200 at Hawkstone Park.