November 7th, 2018.



Keith Russell reports that many of the quad Brits were fighting it out at Weston Super Mare on the 27th of October, another bunch took the ferry to Dunkirk to play in the sand at Loon Plage in Round 2 of the La Ronde des Sables 2018; the French Sand Championship.

As expected, the track rutted up heavily over the 2-hour race, with most of the 150 starters struggling to lap within 10 minutes by the end. However, the weather added an extra dimension with two hailstone showers adding to the bitterly cold rain and wind, challenging the riders and their
support crews.

After a great battle at the front, French Ace Romain Couprie was first home, followed by Antoine Cheurlin and local favourite Jeremy Forestier.

Top Brit Sheldon Seal was in fine form, bagging a good haul of
championship points in 5th place. Next Brit was Harry Miller (pictured above) producing a great ride through the pack to finish in 16th after starting on the last row, following some interesting gate picks by the organisers.

Laurence Stopps ran a strong race to finish in 60th, followed home by Ben Russell, who was later demoted to 112th after picking up a harsh penalty for a pit infringement.

With many riders getting stuck towards the end of the race, Ameelie Miller did well to stay out of trouble and finish a credible 82nd.

The Championnat de France des Sables continues with round three at St Léger de Balson on December the 1st, where hopefully the weather will be more favourable!