Welcome to the home of CNP - Orbea Racing

Welcome to the home of CNP - Orbea Racing

Throughout the 2012 season this site will provide up to date information, including which events we are competing in, race reports, riders blogs and any other team news

Tuesday 17 May 2011

Regional Championships

Last weekend was England and Wales regional championships.

In the Southern champs CNP-Orbea rider John Whittington rode strongly in a highly competive field to finish 6th 30sec off a podium place.

In the Midlands champs reigning midlands Junior champion Matt Sumpton decided not to race having been selected for the next two world cups he took the weekend off in preparation.

In the Northern champs Oli Holmes took the last step of the podium in 3rd. (he finish 4th in the race but winner was ineligible for champs.)

Not eligible for the champs but competing at the same event as Oli Cameron Balfour finished 3rd in the youth race. Roy Hunt decided not to race in the Grand vets but test himself against younger opposition finishing 4th in the expert race.

Darren Alexander was competing at a big two day Trailquest event at Grizedale results to follow.

Monday 2 May 2011

John's account of His second victory of the season!

South-West Rd 2 Newnham Park

Yesterday I raced round 2 of the South-West ‘Circus of Dirt’ series down in Newnham Park. Newnham Park was one of my favourite courses, although recent incarnations have shaken that somewhat. The course yesterday however was the cream of the Newnham crop. At 9km, the world was Jay and Maddie Horton’s oyster and they created a loop which went out the back of the grounds, exploring tracks I had never seen. Plenty of singletrack, techy climbs, fireroad climbs, river crossings, it had it all.
My start tactic come together perfectly. Starting down a fireroad into a headwind, I choose not to really sprint and let others lead it out. Coming to the first singletrack I could play a new card in my armoury, getting in first knowing I could ride it smoother and putting hurt into my rivals trying to hold my wheel. It worked perfectly and by the first climb I already had a gap and to my surprise, a considerable one at the first lap of 3mins over a 24min lap. The rest of the race went well, although relatively long, to finish around 2hr10 and 11mins on second place. After my win at the last round I am on for the series so hopefully the next two rounds can be as successful.