A round of applause to all 120 riders who turned up at the SETRA "Mark Andrews" Hare n Hounds at Tidworth nr Andover in the freezing conditions.
The start was at 10am and it was minus 3 and the course SETRA had designed did no favours to anyone and was not for the meek, with some great but very tricky climbs that were even tricky for the very experienced riders, there was plenty of frozen water about as well that once broken was very ice cold water, then there were the cavernous ruts that the Army tanks make which kept riders very much on there toes, however the ones that were not concentrating found themselves many a time parted from their machines, many riders came in after 1 lap just to try and get some feeling back into their fingers, it was a real test of man, machine, guts and that much needed ingredient "The will to finish".
The star of the day was David Biles who won the overall and Expert class with 10 laps on the big 530 KTM, he did not have it all his own way as 2nd and 3rd place Adam Kerr 450 KTM and John Lister 450 KTM respectively were also on 10 laps and it really was a sprint finish, well done David, sadly 2 of the pre favourites Freddie Broadway and rejuvenated Robert Taylor both retired early.
Clubman A was a one man show with only winner Aaron Fudge on his 300 KTM managing 9 laps and a determined ride it was with many a time Aaron looking out of control, 2nd and 3rd Andy Fifield 250 KTM and Reg Sheppard 250 KTM respectively had their very battle going on with Andy just clinching 2nd over Reg with both managing 8 laps.
Clubman B was a three man battle with all on 8 laps and the only 3 riders in clubman B to do 8 laps but top honours went to Husaberg rider Glenn Morgan on his 450 beast, a very close 2nd and 3rd went to Ian Clarke 450 Husaberg and Graham Lovell 450 KTM respectively, but all 3 were in with the shout for victory, a very good ride for Glenn.
Sportsman class was dominated by Dave Phillips 250 KTM with a fantastic 8 laps with another Husaberg battle for 2nd and 3rd with Teamsnappers very own Rich Troth 390 Husaberg just edging Rodney Crowden 450 husaberg for 2nd place, both Rich and Rodney were only Sportsman to complete 7 laps.
The MX class was won by Michael Caufield with 6 laps on his 250 Honda, 2nd was Nick Eagle 250 Honda with 4 laps and 3rd with 3 laps completed John Doddy 250 KTM.
A very hard event and well done to all who competed.
All photos from todays event
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Report written by Teamsnapper
Photo attatched is winner David Biles