Report: 2014 BSEC Canada Heights rounds one and two

The 2014 ACU British Sprint Eduro Championship series got off to a flying start at Canada Heights with Husqvarna’s Pela Renet securing a double win.

The dry weather greeting the 120-strong rider entry set the scene for a weekend of exciting racing at the circuit. The Elite class was dominated by Renet, who stole the show by grabbing the win each day in round one and two. Perfect preparation for his assault on the Enduro 2 World Championship.

The Frenchman was challenged hard by Beta pilot Danny McCanney, with the pair enjoying two battles for both wins. In round one, Renet set the fastest time in seven of the eight special tests. He then went on to repeat his Saturday achievements again in round two on Sunday, to take the overall win with McCanny in second.

Behind the leading duo, there was a four-rider scrap for the final step on the podium with KTM rider Tom Sagar eventually sealing third. Sagar endured a slow start to round one, but he quickly worked his way into contention before landing the third spot. In round two, the KTM rider found himself going into the final special test, only separated by two seconds from Jack Rowland. But Sagar delivered a mistake-free run and sealed third place ahead of Rowland in fourth.

In the Husqvarna Under 23 category, Rob Johnson put in a winning performance and was victorious in both rounds on his championship debut. Despite crashing in round two, Johnson still managed to hold off Frazer Norrie and Josh Gotts, who finished second and third in both rounds.

Brad Freeman dominated the Motul Under 19 category. The 17-year-old set a pace, that only a few could match, which resulted in two easy round wins for the KTM rider. With Freeman controlling the race lead, Joe Wotton finished second and Lee Sealey secured the final step on the podium.

In the Enduro21.com 125cc Youth Class, Jack Staines was untouchable and won both rounds. Alex Walton edged out Jordan Ridway to take the runner-up sport overall.

TM’s Carl Brogden was the maximum man in the Amped Expert class as he raced to victory both days. Behind Brogden, Carl Jones (KTM) and Charlie Evans (KTM) scrapped it out for the runner-up result with Jones securing second place and pushing Evans back to third.

Tom Braddock (KTM) and Jamie Paget (Husqvarna) were fourth and fifth at round one. Improving one position, Paget took fourth while Sean Eckersley (KTM) ended round two in fifth.

In the Acerbis Expert Vets class Andrew Reeves (Beta) and Phil Lewis (KTM) traded wins. Reeves won round one with Lewis beating Reeves at round two to win. Geoff Walker (Husqvarna) was third at round one finishing ahead of Neil Bowker (KTM) and Lee Cornish (KTM) and Dave Coles (KTM). At round two Bowker was third with Richard Alldred (KTM) and Dave Coles (KTM) completing the top five.

At round one Gary Jones (KTM) topped the USWE Clubman Vets class ahead of Simon Ellway (KTM) and Keith Jones (KTM). Steve White (KTM) claimed the win at round two with Keith Jones and Andy Mariner (Husqvarna) rounding out the top three.

In the highly competitive DEP Pipes Clubman class, Reece Morewood (Yamaha) won both days. Jamie Jenkins (Beta) and Ross Bainbridge (KTM) completed the top three at round one with Jack Penhaligon (Husaberg) and Dean Goggins (KTM) placing second and third at round two.

Getting her season off to a perfect start Husqvarna’s Jane Daniels won both rounds of the TCX Women’s class. Katie Walker (KTM) was runner-up to Daniels each day with Rhian George (Husqvarna) taking third. Nieve Holmes (Honda), Hannah Styles (Sherco) and Jade Gordon (Husqvarna) completed the top six.

The Enduro21.com ACU British Sprint Enduro Championship, powered by Husqvarna Motorcycles continues with rounds three and four in Saints Well, Wales on April 26/27.

2014 British Sprint Enduro Championship results – rounds one and two