SWCX Rnd 5 - Newnham Top

Another great weekend of racing in the Newnham Top field saw Sarah and Lisa carry on their campaign and Will return to racing after three months away at sea.

Each year brings a tweak to ‘The Bank’ section; this year the traverse had been extended but ultimately the same choice of stay high or drop in the the valley remained. Staying high makes it a proper traverse, it’s a bit slower but means you join the bank half way up and have a chance of riding out. Dropping into the valley is faster, and probably safer, but means you have to try and climb the whole bank - a tough ask.

The main part of the course is fast with some really fun, linked corners and banks to climb onto and off. There is a long gradual climb back to the start from the top of the bank; I’m not sure if this is actually a drag, or if it just feels like it after struggling up the bank. You just have to settle in and get your heart rate back under control.

Lisa said ‘the course designers need a big pat on the back for including so many fun things today especially the fast cambered descent which I took complete advantage of! I caught and passed so many riders on that particular section which helped me cement another 1st place in cat and 8th overall. The ascents were just a grovel and something to endure’.

Sarah was having a good race and came in 3rd in her Cat. Will, in his first race of the season started on the back row and fought through for a few laps before a hold cold got the better of him and he dropped off the pace - hopefully that clears before the National Trophy race next weekend.