Connor Hudson started his 4X season in fine style with victories in rounds one and two of the National 4X Series at Chicksands, with Jessica Marriott and Katherine Byng also enjoying opening weekend wins.

The event was the first to be delivered by new series organiser Scott Beaumont, with more than 150 riders benefitting from a range of new trade stands, scoring system and top quality track for the event.

Round one

The riders in the elite men’s category had been making light work of the track all day, leading to a stacked lineup in the final of Connor Hudson, Jack Hudson, Ian Forsyth and Matt Hillyard. The gate dropped and the drag race on the first straight was on.

Connor got his bar in front of Jack and the pair battled down to the ‘S’ bends. Whilst they were out wide, Forsyth saw his chance and dived inside, unfortunately losing his front wheel and almost going down.

The chase continued all the way to the line but Connor Hudson held on to take the win from Jack Hudson, Forsyth and Hillyard.

The standard in the senior women’s race was equally impressive, with Jessica Marriot storming to victory after a flawless ride. It was great to see Elizabeth Bown back racing 4X after taking some time away from the sport last year. She finished second, with Katherine Byng third and national champion Sophie Cade fourth.

Competition was fierce in the junior class, and Lucas Rose continued a great day for Royston BMX Club, taking the win from Zac Twitchen, Samuel Hope and Dylan Willis, in a race where any of the riders could have emerged victorious. We can’t wait to see these riders develop into the next stars of the sport.

Elsewhere there were victories for James Waterhouse (Fun), Ryan Thomas (Big Fun), Jaxon Marsh (Male Rippers 7-9), Harry Donald (Male Rippers 10-12), Sadie McSwifty (Female Rippers 10-12), Felyx Williams (Juvenile), Jake Hart (Youth), Joe Wallbridge (Senior), Kingsley Mears (Masters), Paul Hanks (Veteran), Matt Mayneord (Grand Vets) and Clare Mardell (Female Masters).

Round two

Thankfully the predicted high winds eased for the second day, but the racing was every bit as electric.

Katherine Byng stormed to her first National 4X Series victory after riding brilliantly all day, and holding it all together in the final ahead of Sophie Cade and Morgan Hallam.

In the final race of the weekend Connor Hudson led from start to finish to wrap up an impressive pair of victories to kick off the series, with his brother once again taking second and Ian Forsyth third. Ben Jones took fourth place.

In another great day of racing for the juniors, Lucas Rose rode flawlessly to take the win from Ollie Swift, Samuel Hope and Dylan Willis.

Other winners on the day included Alfie Pinney (Fun), Jordan Mullock (Big Fun), Jaxon Marsh (Rippers 7-9), Holly Bishop (Female Rippers 7-9), Josh Sylvester (Male Rippers 10-12), Poppy Bishop (Female Rippers 10-12), Jack Davey (Juvenile), Finley Davies (Youth), Joe Wallbridge (Seniors), Clare Mardell (Female Masters), Kingsley Mears (Masters), Paul Hanks (Vets) and Matt Mayneord (Grand Vets).

Full results from each round and series points are available here.

The series continues with rounds three and four in Afan, South Wales, on the weekend of 1-2 June.

Huge thanks to Scott Beaumont, the new series organisers, and all of his team for a great first weekend of racing.

Click to see the full photo gallery.