Over 400 riders travelled to a very sunny Peebles to take part in the POC King and Queen of the Hill enduro at TweedLove – but it was local talent that reigned supreme.
Gary Forrest took the men’s title, winning all five stages and with an obvious point to prove after a disappointing debut in the Enduro World Series in Italy the week before. So it was probably pretty satisfying for the Ibis UK rider to take nearly a minute out of EWS Director Chris Ball, who had to settle for second place. And Crawford Carrick Anderson celebrated his 43rd birthday with third place.
In the women’s race Emma Guy took the honours, with just three seconds separating her and last year’s Queen Katy Winton. Third place went to Lesley Ingram, who was pleased to podium after puncturing early in the day.
The route featured 1350 metres of climbing and some of the best downhill sections ever created in the valley. Although it made for some tough riding conditions and a few mechanicals, the general consensus amongst the riders was the level was just right, with most making it home within the five hour time limit.
After the race Gary said: “This race meant more to me than the Enduro World Series, even when I was in Italy last week I was thinking about King of the Hill. I’m really happy to have won on my home trails, it means a lot. And what about Crawfy and Chris – not bad for old boys eh?”
Full results from yesterday can be found here.
Tweedlove 2013- POC King & Queen of the Hill from Calum Darling on Vimeo.
Words & photos: TweedLove
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