Get in the ‘grove at the BSEC
By TMX Archives on 25th Mar 11
The Husqvarna British Sprint Enduro Championship continues this weekend (March 19/20) as rounds three and four of the series head to the grassy slopes of Llangrove, near Monmouth.
Emerging from the mud and ruts at the opening two rounds of the series, reigning BSEC champion David Knight sits at the top the Elite standings. However, unexpectedly, he shares that lead with his closest challenger Tom Sagar as both riders left the opening round in Mid Wales with a win and a second apiece to tie on points.
Knight admitted that he wasn't quite performing to his normal standards as he dealt with the pressures of setting up a new bike in conditions that changed constantly.
Sagar, however, revelled in the conditions, breaking through for a test win on Saturday before going on to grab the overall victory on Sunday. If anyone doubted Sagar's speed, the manner in which he destroyed his competition on Sunday should quickly silence them.
Brimming with confidence, the Fast Eddy Racing rider will arrive in Monmouth eager for continued success. Knowing now what it takes to wrestle a win away from Knight the big question is, can Sagar continue to push Knight for another victory?
This weekend will be a tense affair for Knight. He's looking to dominate proceedings. Anything less and he'll encourage others to believe that they too can challenge him for victory.
Finishing third at the series opener was KORR 's Greg Evans. Evans never really got into the mix but pastures new in Monmouth offer the jovial Welshman the perfect opportunity to make his presence felt.
However with Daryl Bolter, Si Wakely, Paul Edmondson, Ollie Moyce and others all aiming to get themselves in on the action, securing a top five result will be anything but easy.
At the opener, Australian Ben Burrell stamped his authority on the Under-19 class. Pencilled for as a one-off wild-card ride, Burrell has grown fond of the UK and will return once again. He was fast in sloppy conditions, which wasn't what he is accustomed to, but set times to match the top Elite riders.
On the greener Monmouth pastures it's likely we'll see more of what Burrell is capable of.
Pre-season favourite Joe Jones set his title challenge off to a healthy start by following the Aussie home in second on both days. Jones was the only rider in class to come close to Burrell over the opening weekend and, if he can build on that momentum, he may just be able to go one better and claim an important, confidence boosting, win. Expect podium finishers Jamie McCanney and Steve Holcombe, as well as Joe Deakin, Jordan Scott and Frazer Norrie, to not be too far away.
The series openers delivered double delight for Daniel McCanney as he claimed two straight wins in the Under 23 class. Though pushed all the way, McCanney had his name on the top of the scoreboard when it mattered. By his own standards Alex Rockwell had a mixed opener. Just missing out on besting McCanney for Saturday's top honours, he slipped further down the leader board to fourth on Sunday.
However, judging by his performance at the recent Muntjac, Rockwell seems to have put that disappointment behind him. Either of the two manxmen could be the rider to beat in the Under 23 class.
Stuart Edmonds was another standout wildcard performer in Wales, finishing third on Saturday and then almost winning the Under 23 class on Sunday.
He is unable to return due to motocross commitments , which will serve as relief to his rivals. That won't last long, as his replacement is his team mate, Australian Josh Green, who missed the opening round due to visa issues and a recent shoulder injury.
By missing Wales, Green drops his two worst championship scores and now must remain inch perfect for the rest of the series. Considered a preseason championship favourite, the testing Monmouth circuit will quickly show whether he is fit enough to fight it out.