BEC 2008 Natterjack
Enduro
Report by Iain Piddock
The Event:
Held on MOD land near Bordon in Hampshire, the event consists of two loops, one either side of the main A3.
Riders commented on a number of things;
25 year old 'waist deep' whoops on the south side hour long loop, the magnificently prepared mx test in the sand bowl and the first class organisation.
This years event also had a 7-8 min cross country test in its usual place at the start/finish and an ISDE style 'up and over' ramp at the start where the riders were announced.
After some early morning mist, temperatures rose rapidly to a scorching 70 degrees both days!!
With the event clashing with a WEC round in Italy, no points were up for grabs in the Championship class
Richard Hay
Richard continues to show commitment to the BEC by making the long trip south to the Natterjack.
Out on his 144 for the first time and fresh off a winning performance at the recent Dawn 2 Dusk, Richard thoroughly enjoyed the Hampshire sand on his return to E2 posting some very quick special test times on the way. Second place finishes on both days in E2 were his reward for the long journey.
Richard, who turns 40 later this year, has expressed an intent to have a go at European Enduro Championships next year! Expect a strong showing in the Veterans class from the Team DEC man if this turns out to be the case.
Derek Little
Derek took a small lead in the Expert E1 2t class into the final event then proved he could handle the pressure by roosting to class wins on both days!!
Derek won the E1 2t class, was third overall in the Experts and is the 2008 British Expert E1 2t Champion. Congratulations and well done to the DEC KTM rider.
Murray Thompson
Murray looked both smooth and fast all weekend posting fastest time after fastest time in the Vets class.
In his first year in the class, Murray was in the thick of the battle for the championship and going into the final event trailed leader Derrick Edmonson by 6 points.
He needed to win both days and hope that his rival would finish third or worse!
Day one went exactly to plan and the defecit was cut to two points!
However, on day two Edmonson upped his pace and took the win he needed to secure the championship.
Considering the problems he has encountered this year, including badly broken fingers and other seriously incapacitating issues!, Murray can quite rightly be proud of the season he has put together and had he not come up against an individual who, at one stage in his career, was regarded as the fastest Enduro rider on the planet, the championship would surley have been his.
Graeme Naismith
Normally at home in the sand, Graeme struggled all weekend to find the required speed.
Finishing 7th on day one and with some bike adjustments improving to 4th on day two he tied up 3rd overall in the Vets championship.
Iain Piddock