It couldnt have rained any harder for the Junior Hardrock Challenge on the Saturday but the weather didn’t put any of the young Wheelers off. First to race was Adam Hughes in the 10/11 year old individual race. Adam set off on his run and did well to complete it in about 10th place and after a quick shoe change, took off on his bike and rode an excellent leg, to finish in 1st position, in a very fast time.

In the 12/16 race we had Jenna, Ryan and Ross competing in the individual challenge and Richard, Morgan, Ben and Rhys in the pair’s event. The course was about a 2 mile run followed by about a 5 mile cycle. First runner back was Richard’s and he set off on his bike, with a lead of about 1.5 minutes. Ryan was the first individual back in 5th place overall and had a good 2 minutes to make up on the leader after his shoe change. Ross was next Wheeler back and was soon on his way chasing the leaders. Rhys and Morgans runners ran well to get them on their way and Jenna put on a good effort in the run and looked good as she set off on her cycle.

With the rain pelting down it was a huge surprise to see Ryan coming round the last corner in first position with a lead of some 17 seconds from Richard. Ross made up a lot of time too and finished the individual challenge in 3rd place overall. The pair of Morgan and Ben also finished in 3rd position. Jenna had a great cycle ride and finished in 8th place overall and was delighted to find out she was actually the overall winner of the 12/13 age group. Rhys rode well to finish the pairs competition in 9th position, 2 seconds behind Jenna.

All in all it was a great day, once again for the young Wheelers, gaining 1st places in 3 of the 4 categories along with 2 3rd places and a 9th. Winners were presented with trophies and goody bags from MPG Cycles and all finishers received a medal. It was good to see lots of smiling faces despite the miserable weather.