BEC opener cut short, a disappointment for McConnell
The opening round of the British Enduro Championship held at Brandon in Norfolk was cut short on the weekend due to wet weather conditions. Although Scotsman Euan McConnell secured good Special Test times with his best result of sixth overall and third in class, his final result suffered after he lost time on the checks.
During the one-day event, the Championship class riders rode four Special Timed tests and a maximum of four-and-a-half hours in total to achieve their overall Round One results. McConnell had paced himself during the first three laps and was hoping to catch up over the final two laps.
"Sunday was wet as expected,” explained D3 Racing KTM rider Euan McConnell. “I had been speaking to local Championship class rider Chris Hockey earlier in the week and he said it was really wet then. The forecast was for more rain leading up the event.
“I was a little disappointed to see that the times were relaxed from the year before, however, at that time I was not aware just how wet the course was or that it had been changed with additional mileage.
“The test was really greasy, as it used the same track as previous years and the ground was poached with the constant use. I was riding number 23, so on the first lap the test was neither flat or bermed up and caution was required.
“I had a steady first test and made sure I took time to eat some food afterwards and at the check. It was clear that the conditions were greasy, but there were few soft parts as the forest is very sandy and well drained. I took my time for a change, choosing to conserve my energy for the later laps.
“On lap two, I arrived at the test to find all the Championship class riders backed up and I wasn't sure why. I quickly wiped my goggles and tried to enter the test, but then there was a mad rush for everybody to ride the test. I had to wait my turn. I rode a good test, finishing 6th overall. It could of been faster but for catching and passing another rider.
“I hadn't realised how long we had been waiting at the test and rode the rest of the check fairly steadily, again trying to conserve energy. I stopped to lift Gethin Price's bike off him as he was trapped between it and a tree and couldn't get out. At the check I could hardly believe it when my crew told me to ride through and fuel at the far side. I had lost a minute and by the time I got going I was behind a gaggle of Championship riders all trying to ride their fastest. By the time I got passed them I had been 'filled in' and could hardly see. Perhaps this was my just desserts for roosting Kev [Murray] and Gordy [Clarke] off the start line!
“Again, I couldn't believe it when I arrived a further two minutes down. At least I was still feeling good when it really got tight. But no, the event had been cut short and we wouldn't be riding any more of the course. I was completely deflated. Sure, the course was wet but nothing was impassable and there was hardly any standing water. In fact, it would be difficult to get stuck if you tried. I couldn't get it out of my head that it was finished.
“There were two more tests to ride, but I knew I was three minutes down when I should have been clean and there was no way I was catching three minutes on two tests. I was gutted. After an eight-hour drive to the event. I felt that there is more endurance required to drive to the event than there is to ride it!
“None of this of course, detracts from the huge amount of work involved in setting up a British Championship enduro so I would like to pay thanks to the club for laying on the event, particularly the event staff who had to brave the elements on the day. Thanks to everyone involved.”
Tuesday, 2 March 2010