Paul Oldham and Annie Simpson both doubled up as Hope Factory Racing began the defence of their Rapha Super Cross title in a convincing manner over the weekend.
Team captain Oldham led home the men at Broughton Hall, Skipton, on Saturday and crossed first again the following day in Philips Park, Manchester, while Simpson was the first woman home on both days.
Winners of the title for the previous two years, Hope had three riders in the top ten on Saturday – Oldham, Dan Booth and Dave Collins – while under-23 rider Mike Thompson joined them at the sharp end on Sunday.
Oldham finished some eight seconds clear of Rouleur’s Nick Craig as the series kicked off in North Yorkshire, while ‘home’ rider Rob Jebb finished a further three seconds back.
There were also encouraging signs for Hargroves – runners-up to Hope in the last two years – as under-23 winner Steve James and Jody Crawforth crossed fourth and fifth respectively.
Rising teenage star Nick Barnes – son of former British rider Steve – finished 11th for Raleigh, having joined the team as part of their grassroots sponsorship for this season.
The following day Crawforth, James and Oldham led the way, engaged in a fascinating three-way battle with the Hope Factory man struggling to remove his two rivals.
When their resolve eventually cracked in the final stages, Oldham led his team to victory in Manchester.
Alongside the elite races, there was a full day of racing across all categories from five-year-olds to veterans before the fun race, featuring its tequila shortcut and wall of foam, closed both days.
As ever, cowbells, frites and plenty of Belgian beer kept the crowd in good voice in both Skipton – where 500 riders turned out – and at Manchester’s Super Cross debut in Philips Park.
The series now moves to Alexandra Palace on Sunday October 27 for the grand finale, where the seemingly unstoppable Hope Factory will bid to record their third consecutive overall victory.
For spectator information visit http://www.rapha.cc/uk-super-cross-2013.
Rapha Super Cross 2013 round one: Broughton Hall, Skipton – result
Men
1 Paul Oldham – Hope Factory Racing in 48’27”
2 Nick Craig – Rouleur +57”
3 Rob Jebb – Yorkshire CCA +1’00”
4 Steve James – Hargroves Cycles +1’23”
5 Jody Crawforth – Hargroves Cycles +2’04”
Women
1) Annie Simpson – Hope Factory Racing -1 lap
Round two: Philips Park, Manchester – result
Men
1 Paul Oldham – Hope Factory Racing in 50’00”
2 Jody Crawforth – Hargroves Cycles +20”
3 Steve James – Hargroves Cycles +34”
4 Dave Collins – Hope Factory Racing +2’23”
5 Mike Thompson – Hope Factory Racing +2’29”
Women
1) Annie Simpson – Hope Factory Racing
