Young siblings take the lead in mountain bike race

Wednesday 27 February 2019

Two young siblings have smashed through a range of terrains on their bikes to take first place in a mountain biking competition.

Sienna and Marley Raimondo rode to success in the under 8s race and under 10s race on "home turf" at Les Quennevais in the seventh race of the HSBC Winter Mountain Bike Series.

The Jersey Cycling Association Youth Academy recruits were among 47, aged four to 16, taking part in the 17 February challenge. 

The dry and fast course gave the riders a variety of terrain to enjoy, from sand, to trails through pine trees to a short sharp climb, and some wooden ramps thrown in for good measure - there was something for all skill levels.

Both Sienna and her brother rose up to the occasion. In the under 8s race, it was all about the girls, and Sienna took first overall. She was closely followed by Thea Thompson just a second-and-a-half behind, whose sister Lacie came in fifth.

Charlie Coombes-Goodfellow came third overall and was the first boy to cross the line, taking his first win. Cayden Bell came in fourth, nine seconds behind Charlie.

In the under 10s race, Marley Raimondo took advantage of his trademark sprint start to get nicely ahead up and onto the single track whilst the trailing riders fought for position and were caught in a bottle neck at the bottom of the hill. 

He completed his three laps nine minutes quicker than the rider in ninth place, with his fastest lap being 40 seconds quicker than second placed Hugo Nowacki.

Amber Mauger took honours in the girls' race and fifth overall, continuing a spectacular season as she remains undefeated.

Pictured: Vicky Grant and Corey Wood both won in the Under 6 category.

Seven riders took to the starting line in the Under 6 category. Corey Wood took yet another win this season, closely followed by Thomas Spacie who couldn’t quite make up the gap but took a respectable second place. Hot on his heels was girls' race winner and third overall, Vicky Grant, who beat championship leader Thea Bell.

The combined under 12 and 14 age category saw 15 competitors take to the start line. The long technical course meant that the field spread out quickly into groups of two or three riders.

Filip Nowacki, Max Mahony and Jacob Mauger and were the lead riders from the onset, reflecting their championship standings. Nowacki played the tactical game and stayed on Mahony’s wheel until the last lap before pulling away to take the win.

The under 12 girls had three competitors and Emily Le Gros took a comfortable win and fifth overall place.

In the under 14 boys race, newcomer Kalle Kalliff took the win ahead of Tom Nisbet, who together with Ollie Huelin this week chose a more "relaxed and social pace" over their four laps.

The next race in the series will take place at Jubilee Hill at 13:00 on 8 March.