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All content © Bob MuIIins | ||
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THE CF RACING TOUGH ONE HUNDRED EXTREME ENDUR0 JUNE 25/26th 2016 TYN TWYLL, NR WREXHAM, NORTH WALES. When Steve Ireland announced the new Tough One Hundred Extreme Enduro would be replacing the World famous Tough One it would never have been thought that the new event could be even near to the old one in it's first attempt, Well folks, It was and went down a storm with the riders and spectators alike witnessing a track that saw 6500 miles covered in the Sunday race alone.
Set in a beautiful mountainous valley, and offering a brutal 10 mile lap, the scene was set for a new extreme enduro to add itself into the WOR schedule of these extreme enduro races that they cook up such as The Sucker Punch, The Tough One, Dogs of WOR, Tolb and stand alone extreme specials. A Two day event, covering over 160 miles and offering 7.5 hours riding was the format and from the word go on the Saturday night Qualifier, a race that was tough enough itself and ran for 2.5hrs just to determine the riders start positions for the main race on the Sunday, the atmosphere around the very busy paddock area was superb. A true national event that had riders from all over the UK, Ireland, IOM, Scotland and Wales taking part, There were so many different accents around the place and all in great spirits, it was just what the Extreme Enduro scene was looking for. WOR don't mess around when it comes to making special events and a prize pot of £2000 and the stunning CF Racing rider bibs, The TV crews, Drone cameras and the colourful banners all added to the big event feel. The weather was dry and dull up until the 4hr mark then the heavens opened and made the last hour out there for the brave slower riders a much tougher event than it was. WOR's planning was second to none as a super steep, bracken downhill was removed from the race before the start as the forecast rain would have made it very scary indeed so a re route and two new stony gulley's were set in replacement and made for a great course design.
Charlie Frost on his KTM 250 2t was the man that owned the weekend. The likeable Bath based Youngster was in sublime form and took a double win by topping the qualifier and the Main bruiser T100 in spectacular fashion. Frost was looking calm, smooth, fit, strong and more importantly very fast as he negotiated all of the vast challenges that the gnarly terrain could throw at him. Charlie completed the set 10 laps in 3hrs and 37 minutes and fully deserved the £500 prize money that awaited him. Runner Up and taking £300 for his efforts was one of Cornwall's finest, Keelan Hancock. Husky mounted Hancock was in top form too as he rode skilfully and mostly feet up to get within 41 seconds of Frosty. These two did even better when you think the Worlds best Extreme Enduro rider, Graham Jarvis was tracking them down like a cruise missile locked on its target. Grimbo had agreed with WOR to start from the back with a 15 minute penalty and see if he could chase down the Hounds and make it to the front of the pack . In lap two alone Graham went from 81st to 22nd place and in 3 laps had passed 97 riders with a show of unbelievable smoothness and total bike control. No wonder he made Erzberg look like a walk in the park the other month as the unassuming Rockstar Energy Factory Husqvarna rider carved his way to the 3rd spot on the Podium. Jarvis eventually got within 5 minutes of the top two and graciously shook hands and celebrated with Frost and Hancock at the finish arch. The crowd got what they wanted too with their fix of watching Jarvis do it live. Brilliant entertainment for all as they watched the top guys taking on massive hill climbs and enormous rocky gulley's, technical, demanding woodlands and the very fast and flowing MX section.
Juan Knight on his new GAS GAS 300 was in his usual fantastic riding mode and made light work of all that was thrown at him. Juan is one of the best riders to put a leg over a enduro bike and his choice of lines around the place were nothing short of mesmerising. Taking the top Expert Veteran spot and 3rd expert place securing him £200 prize money will make the long journey back to the IOM alot easier for the big fella. Knight was nearly an Hour ahead of the Runner up in Expert Vets, Darren Hughes. Hughes himself digging deep and putting in a superb 10 lap credit and Gold standard finish. These two where the only Expert Vets to finish.
Sam Skyrme was unstoppable in the Clubman class and stormed to a brilliant win and in fact a top ten placing overall with the magic 10 laps and a Gold finish. He was 20 minutes clear of his mate and Runner Up, Scott Hoskins. Hoskins was riding superb too as he took Gold with 10 laps also. The £500 for Sam and the £300 for Scott really put big smiles on the South Wales boys faces that's for sure. Third Clubman spot and another 10 lap gold finish went to Will Bridger whom had made the long trip up from Taunton to compete.
Dawson Marriott is a young man from Notts that has a very bright future ahead of him. Riding his KTM 2t with everything he's got he secured the winning spot overall in the Sportsman class with 9 incredible laps and a silver placed finish to his credit. He also managed a fantastic 25th place overall. A massive pat on the back to that young man for tackling the conditions and track as he did. Runner Up sportsman was Ross Mathie on an 8 lap Bronze finish making his very long trek from way up in Scotland worth the massive effort. 3rd place in class went to Matthew Mills, again on 8 laps and a Bronze.
Matt Miginty rode 5hrs and 36 minutes and completed 7 laps to take a well earned Novice class victory with Mark Oakley and Tom Brazier in 2nd and 3rd place respectively. A massive well done to all the riders in all the classes but especially the Novice group where every rider showed grit and guts. WOR's new rider of the day award was a simple decision for the clerk of the course to make. Tom Knight, son of Juan and Nephew of David is one hardy little bloke and he was the only rider on a 85cc machine. Powering his way to 8 laps and a bronze finish with all the skill, determination and passion as his famous dad and uncle would. He fully deserved his award. And so Steve Ireland and his Loyal hard working, merry men and women at WOR Events have done it again, a new event, new format, with a big name to live up to, did just that. The Tough One Hundred extreme is here to stay and take the mantle of the old event into the future. The old T1 is an Iconic classic, The new one has fallen into that category as this first running proved. WOR as always would like to say a massive thank you to all staff, medics, caterers, Sponsors, Land Owners, spectators and helpers for making these events happen with the biggest thank you going to the wonderful riders that sign up and support the races and trust in the WOR machine and ensure the events happen. The Tough 100, all the riders and especially Charlie Frost was simply
superb.
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Gary Morely is made of Tough Stuff and he secured the win in the Clubman
Vets and the 3rd fastest Clubman to take the £200 final prize fund
allowance. Morley finished on 10 laps and a gold with an almost 5hr ride
time. Runner up and a bronze finisher was Steve Parry on 8 laps. Worth
noting both Morely and Parry are over 50 riders and put in a superb effort.
Adrian Evans was 3rd Club Vet with 8 laps and a Bronze standard finish to
boot.
Keith Maude was the top rider in the Sportsman Vets group and the only
one in class to complete 9 laps and a Silver finish. Maude is a determined
character and he simply dug as deep as he could to make his 5hrs and 34
minutes of ride time all be worthwhile as finishing was his aim. Maude
topped Runner Up Andrew Mills by 2 laps come the end of this epic race.
These two riders where the only ones to finish in this class.
