MARIGOT--E-bike teams clinched first and third place in the overall results of the 3 hours of Bellevue mountain bike race on Sunday, a result that was not unexpected given the motorized assistance they provide, and a sign that E-bikes continue to grow in popularity.
Power Riders team (Yann and Kevin) completed the most laps (19) of the course for an overall time of 3:09:00, and grabbed the fastest lap time of the day, 9:56. An E-bike clean sweep of the first three places was avoided by a super-fast ride from the Music Men duo (Mark Maidwell and Otis Paines) to win the Male category. They completed 18 laps in a time of 3:05:02.
Electric Men (Luc and Fred) was third E-bike team to finish in third place overall in 3:04:37 completing 18 laps. Third male team overall went to Team Reunited (Nico and Karl) with 17 laps. Ying and Yang (Dick Luttekes and Paco) rode a good race to snatch 16 laps for fourth male team overall.
Bone-dry conditions offered very fast but slippery riding on the trails and a little moisture from early rain provided a welcome amount of traction on some parts of the course.
It was good to see battle-hardened veterans Frits Bus and Michael Bacon teaming up after quite an absence on the mountain bike scene; the pair clocking up 15 laps in 3:00:53. Eric Bendahan from the Cirexpress Team took a spectacular dive over the handle bars on the drop into the gully, but seemed unhurt and was able to continue to complete the race with partner Christopher, finishing 15 laps.
First in the Mixed teams were G-Squad (Ronan and Sandra) completing 15 laps in exactly three hours. SX-Treme Love Team (Andy and Celine) were second with 15 laps in 3:12:19 and third Tri-Sport Tigers (Susy and Giampo), 14 laps in 3:05: 51. Andy and Celine just squeaked in one more lap before the bell went on the three-hour mark to overtake Tri Sport Tigers.
Ti Grout Vert (Andy and Manu) was the first placed Junior team (15 laps in 3:03:09) and second Junior team went to Les Ch’Ti Couillons (Elliot and Tristan) with 14 laps in 3:09:55.
Susy Piscione noted less participation of teams than usual for mountain bike categories and an increase in E-bikes, suggesting traditional mountain biking might be losing some of its appeal.
“It’s good in a way because E-bikes open up the events to people who would not normally be mountain bikers or doing races,” she commented. “So, E-bikes are growing at every event, and sadly for this one there were less women participating.”
She added that 400 euros was donated to the French-side based SXM Mountain Bike Association out of proceeds from the last Coors Light Xterra race to help maintain the trails. Volunteers are always welcome to help.
Sunday’s race was organized by Tri Sport and trophies donated by Point.com. Complete breakdown of results and lap times on Tri Sport’s website.
