Birmingham Winter Series, Round 4
5 Hawks were in action under the lights in Birmingham this weekend. Johnny Two Bikes was doing Half A Job, and had decided to focus solely on his Cruiser. Megan was racing payback in the Superclass Female. Charlie joined Johnny Half A Job in the Junior Cruiser 16 and Under class, while Kyran was representing on his Cruiser in the Supercruiser 17+ class. Finally, Benjamin was in the Expert Male 13-14.
Racing started at 3, and so some was done before the lights came on. JHAJ and Kyran made a bright start, each getting a solid 2nd place in their respective first Moto.
JHAJ and Kyran delivered again in their second Motos, getting a 1st and 2nd respectively. Not to be outdone, Megan joined them by beating some impressive riders to come home 2nd in hers.
In the fading light, the third Motos saw a strong display from the Hawks. JHAJ secured another 1st, while Kyran and Benjamin (who had seemingly woken up and remembered what he was there to do) managed a 3rd each, and Megan and Charlie each brought home a 4th.
And so, as the lights had warmed up, and the skies had blackened, Finals were set to take place. Megan, who for me was definitely Hawks’ Rider Of The Day, had made the Main in the Superclass Female class. That Main would see Megan line up against a formidable selection of riders, quite a few of whom are currently in the British Cycling Junior Academy.
Charlie and JHAJ each made the Main in the Junior Cruiser 16 And Under class, and Kyran made the Main in the Supercruiser 17+ class. Benjamin had made a C Final.
Charlie and JHAJ were up first, in Final 2. It was JHAJ’s race - he came out the gate first, and delivered the win by engaging in some really close racing. I don’t think I’ve ever seen JHAJ so animated afterwards - really good to see him enjoying his racing and savouring a deserved win. Charlie couldn’t quite convert the run of 4th places he’d had all day, and came home 5th.
Kyran, surrounded by some much bigger riders, put in a great display and came home 5th.
Benjamin was up next. By the time he exited the first berm he’d come from 2nd/3rd to 1st, and then held that position to the end, having to see off a couple of challenges along the way, including some proper elbow to elbow stuff in the last berm. @olly_t on Instagram got a good video of that race.
And so finally to Megan; Megan had 8th pick on the gate but when it dropped was in 3rd place, and off to a great start. The first berm got busy, and Megan held her line and position well to retain the 3rd place. As she approached the second berm, Megan held the 4th place rider off her shoulder and unfortunately, as they came down the third straight that rider was able to come past Megan, just as they entered the last berm. Never one to quit, Megan fought hard all the way down the last straight to come home in a super impressive 4th place.
Yep - impressive stuff. When asked for her autograph afterwards, Megan admitted that she hadn’t worked out her signature yet. I implored her to hurry up, so that I can get a signature before she becomes any more famous :)
Super racing from everyone, and good to see Hawks out representing in Birmingham. Thanks to James Phillips and the Mongoose Team for letting us stand under their gazebo.
The next and final round of the Birmingham Winter Series is on the 4th of March. It is listed on the British Cycling BMX Events page and is open for entries, https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/274544/Birmingham-Winter-Series-R5 see you there?
