Florida State Championship series #5 + ST + CC make up – Loyce Harpe park – Lakeland, Fl
Near perfect conditions for the beginning of the second half of the FSC season (and middle of the CC season), although a little on the windy side the temperature was mild, no rain and the course was in fantastic shape thanks to the Ridge Riders Mountain Bike Association (RRMBA). The race was also a makeup race for the Coconut Cup series so there were many in attendance from South Florida hoping to gain valuable points for both days. Can’t thank the trail crew enough for all of their hard work on the trails and for supporting the event with trail prep, course marshals and clean up!
This trail system is located on an old phosphate mine, which gives the terrain it’s “ridge” features, these long rows of piled up dirt also just happen to make great mountain bike trails given enough time and care from a devoted trail crew and this year was no exception. The racing started on Saturday with a newly lengthened two mile Short Track course (about double in distance to previous years) and Sunday’s cross country course came in right at 7 miles per loop.
The Short Track race saw a close battle till the end with Jack Mizzoni getting the win by just a shade over a 1 second difference and it was Valentina Ferrer-Assad who would claim the women’s win by a slightly more comfortable gap of 14+ seconds. Sunday it was Reed Legg making his first appearance in the series and making it count with a win in the men’s elite class while Gabriella Crespo bagged her first XC win in the women’s expert class. The Neutral Service leaders jersey’s stays with Ryan Woodall in the men’s and now for the second week in a row a new women’s jersey holder with Valentina Ferrer-Assad grabbing the coveted cloth and the points lead.
Team “The Beast Battalion 2026” extended its points lead in the team championship to 14 points and is so far is proving to be hard to beat with three rounds (and one make up) to go.
Next event is at the San Felasco trails in Alachua 11-15, see you there!