Wilddog wins at EWXC!

Not really a RR, but many of you would like to know how our WDs, Etienne2T and Tuareg, did today.  They were riding in the Novice and Social classes respectively at the final round of the EWXC.  

Zone 7 put on a great show!  Big up to them for very much improved organisation.  Catering, demarcation and facilities were enormously improved.  There was a bigger crowd this time, too.  The track was laid out with the (improved) obstacles right in front of the spectator access so one could get close to the action.  In all a really good day's outing.

Etienne took the lead in the first lap and was running away with it when he had a fall, banging his knee.  He was about to regain the lead when his clutch cable snapped.  He rode on for about a lap but it was too difficult and dangerous to continue and he withdrew.  With a hastily procured Blaster clutch cable and many cable-ties the clutch was made to sort-of-work again and he was good to go for the second heat.  

This one started disastrously for him.  His sore knee gave way in the Le Mans start and he fell flat on his face.  He got away about stone last and set about reeling in the field.  He did this with great ease and soon was lying second.  Another fall completely rearranged the levers, almost disabling the clutch but he pressed on and WON the race!!!  At the track we all thought he'd come second, but in fact he'd lapped the whole field.  This gave him second overall for the day.   An absolutely brilliant effort for a first attempt at extreme enduro.  Well done, Etienne!  Well done, too, to his family who turned out in support and helped so willingly to get his bike running again.

Tuareg was having a great ride in the social event when he had a relatively minor off, and broke his wrist.  He had to go and have it sorted, but returned later to collect his bike.  Bad luck, Tuareg.  I hope you heal well and fast.

The top competitor in the pro and seniors class needed fuel during the second race.  He stayed on the bike while they were filling it.  A passing competitor's bike backfired and set fire to the fuel.  In the fright of the moment he got sprayed with burning fuel and was somewhat burned.  The ambulance was on hand to take him away.  I really hope he's OK.

Some pics:

The leader of the pack, Etienne2T, number C517.
















Milddog and Leftless talk to Tuareg before his race.  Other WDs present included, the_wes, N[]vA, I&horse, Martin DR650 and  Malcolm.


After his race


Etienne was flying in the second heat






And he's still got time to smile for the camera!



HERE'S THE WINNER!!!!!!   :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

The race was over and he was happy!  Well done!  :thumleft: :thumleft: :thumleft: :thumleft: :thumleft: