Matt Simmonds took a win in Round 1 of the Caersws Cup on a muddy course and in challenging conditions.

The Elite race was full of upset and caught a couple of riders out. During his first run, Scott Beaumont fell on entry to the muddy field and managed to slide down the entire length of the hill.

On the second run Matt Simmonds was leading by 4 seconds over Ralph Jones who went home to wash his bike ready for his 2nd run.

Rob Smith managed to make up 5 seconds on his first run to put into 2nd pace overall with only Ralph Jones left with a chance to beat Simmons. Ralph was looking good until, within in touching distance of the finish, he clipped the inside post, went off the track through the tapes and landed at the feet of the Extreme Medics! Simmons came in with 1.7-second advantage to take the win and fastest time of the day.

Matt Simmonds took home the £100 cash bonus from P Yates Cycles for the fastest time of the day.

More prizes were up for grabs – The Astrix Havoc Frame was won by Neil Ingram and was presented by Chris Papworth from Riding High Uk. Neil said “I was just about to buy a new frame and this could not have come at a better time. Can’t wait now for the next round of the series and to race on his new frame.”

There is a frame to be won at every round of the series. At each event, one lucky race number will be drawn at random and the winner will take home one of the latest Downhill frames from Astrix Europe.

The Mojo Sponsored Fox 40s are up grabs to anyone who finishes in 40th place over on total times after the four rounds but so far looking like it could be anyone’s for the taking.

The four event series continues with round 2 on May 9/10th. Rounds Three and four are on July 11/12th and August 22/23rd respectively.

The series website is www.caerswscup.co.uk

schain reaction intense downhill mountain bike rider Matt Simmonds took a win in Round 1 of the Caersws Cup on a muddy course and in challenging conditions.