The 2019/20 Bike Vault/Merida Dirt Crits series is at the halfway point with a clear leader in the Dirtmasters category, and an old hand asserting his claim for back to back titles in Seniors. The most pleasing aspect of the season to date has been the strength (in both numbers and enthusiasm) amongst our younger riders with close to thirty riders competing in most rounds. As a result there have been a few issues with rider management out on the track, but the skill level and trail confidence is increasing simultaneously. The second half of the series promises to be very exciting.
In Dirtmasters young Ned Lock has shown great form and reliable consistency to establish a significant break on the rest of the field. He currently leads the series by more than 20 points over second placed Angus Melville. Note however that Angus has only competed in four rounds compared to Ned’s five round tally so the gap is not actually that significant as Angus has been consistently scoring 20 plus points per round. This could turn into a very close contest as the season progresses.
Following Ned and Angus we have a bunch of riders that have accumulated seventy points or more and fill positions from third to seventh on the leaderboard. This includes the highest placed female rider, Maggie Drydon, currently holding down fourth place on 75 points, also from just four rounds.
Remember that the final series tally is based on each rider’s best seven results, including a maximum of one Individual Time Trial, so there could be some significant adjustments to the leaderboard as the series reaches its conclusion.
In our Seniors division entries have been lower than in previous years, while a number of the Dirtmasters have been backing up by riding in Seniors events. Defending champion Rob Hole is still riding his trusty Kona to good effect and has established a six point lead over Grant Barnett as we head into the second half of the series. Tim Godfrey has recorded some consistent rides and holds down third place from just four rounds. There is still plenty of scope for any of the other riders to climb the leaderboard, or even for some new riders to make their mark in the second half of the series.
Round 6 will be the second of our Individual Time Trials to reset handicaps for the remainder of the season. The series re-commences on Thursday 30 January so get your race preparations in place now.