Sunday 4 December saw the return of the 661 Mini Downhill mountain bike series at the Forest of Dean for 2011/ 12. The race, which attracts 300 riders, enjoyed strong participation from a number of Cheltenham-based enthusiasts keen to make their mark on the field. Cheltenham and County Cycling Club were represented by a team of 4 racers.

Good weather conditions on the classic "Ski Run" track ensured very tight racing - where only the smallest mistake could cost several positions in the final
reckoning, although a "best of two runs" format gave everyone a second chance if needed.

In a packed Senior Men (18-29) field of 91 entrants, Cheltenham and County rider Alex Hazle acquitted himself admirably after a four year break from racing, with a time of 1:16.34, placing him 51st overall, 10.74 seconds off the winning time.

In Veterans (40 plus), young-at-heart Roger Smith continued his progression in the racing scene with two consistent runs within 1 second of each other, with a best time of 1:26.38 putting him 18th in class in a field of 24.

In the Masters category (30 to 39) Cheltenham and County had two entrants in Adam Powell and Rich Dade. Both were keen to put in strong performances and after two runs, Rich Dade managed to edge the local battle with a time of 1:13.70 placing him 13th in category, just 4/100ths of a second faster than Adam's time of 1:13.74 which put him 14th out of a field of 51.

Overall some really solid results to build on for club riders at the next round of the series, which takes place at the end of January.