Whyte Racer Luke Smith – our African Champion – was back on familiar territory in Thetford for the third round of the Winter Series. It was his first race of the season and he made a creditable fourth place behind some stiff competition in the four hour race. This is Luke’s report:

After returning just a week before the event from a training camp in Lanzarote I was unsure how my legs would feel over the duration of the 4 hours. However I could be sure that – for once – my tan was comparable to Billy’s!!

After judging the ‘the shiniest legs’ competition we lined up ready to race.

I was lucky enough to be kitted out with a helmet cam to capture some footage for Whyte Racing UK. Unfortunately however the race set off at a blistering pace and I was only able to hold on to the lead group for a short time. This being my first race of season meant that I was certainly lacking some top end speed.

I continued at a good pace behind a select lead group, confident that my team mate Billy Whenman would be sitting comfortably ahead. I was expecting some of the other riders that had gone with him to slow during the race, as a result of reacting to Billy’s rapid start, but this wasn’t the case and I found myself riding for around 2 hours in no man’s land.

Despite it being my first race of the year I was happy with the way I felt and despite not riding my Whyte 19 for over a month didn’t have any mishaps – probably much to the disappointment of the helmet cam footage editing crew. My wrists and arms were starting to complain slightly though having not participated in any off road activity for a while.

Around the two and a half hour mark I was caught by a couple of riders making a mid race charge. Two of us began working well together and pulled away from the other rider.

We picked up the pace for the remainder of the race gradually closing the gap to the third place rider.

The race ended with a good sprint for the line and I was able to take the honours finishing forth overall.

A good day’s training and the first race of the season in the bag.

I couldn’t wait to organise my next event which I promptly entered upon my return home. Watch out competitors at the Brass Monkeys event this Sunday.

A huge thanks to my supporters on the day, my last lap was made so much more enjoyable thanks to the delights of a chocolate chip brioche!!!

Also thanks to Whyte we couldn’t do it without you!