Three Team JMC regulars took part in the MTB Marathon event in Ruthin, North Wales and while the sun shone and the hills were dry (but quite big), one of our team came to grief….

The event kicked off with a night-time, 25 mile event. Phil Simcock and Jason Miles were doing well until Phil crashed and earned himself a ride in a Land Rover. Several hours in A&E followed. Phil’s broken his shoulder and could be out of action for a few weeks. Get well soon Phil!

The following day’s event was a longer (and daylight) 75 kilometre event – Jason was joined by Andrew Burgess on the start line.

It was a tough day out – the first rider home completed the route in 4 or so hours, while some riders took a lot longer. Jason finished in 9th place, shortly followed by Budge.

Jason said after the event, “That was a brilliant day out with some amazing hills and top-drawer organisation. After a few years away from the marathon series, I’ll be returning to do more of them next year. We’re all pretty gutted for Phil though, here’s hoping he can recover in time for the 24 Hour Worlds in a few weeks”

“I really enjoyed the Ruthin MTB Marathon apart from the manic start with hundreds of riders swarming through the closed streets of Ruthin at the “neutralised” start – scariest riding I have done in a while.  It was almost a welcome relief to hit the first of a number of steep drawn-out climbs – 8000ft in 49 miles.  Despite a few problems with the bike (loose headset and a tilting seat) I was pleased to get round in 4hrs 45 and come fifth in the V50 category.  On a full-suspension bike and with a week of tapering I’m sure I could have done a little better. ” said Budge afterwards, wiping the dust from his eyes….