Despite severe weather warnings being issued down South, hundreds of riders dared believe that Sherwood would be spared, as the sun shone, briefly at the start of the second marathon round of the series. Incorporating much of the course used in the previous days XC race, with an extra loop, the laps were short, but entertaining, especially when at midday the heavens finally unleashed the worse, turning the well bedded in trail into a slimy slippery experience that tested the best. Despite the grim weather and lashings of mud, there were smiles of delight and probably sheer exhaustion as the riders finally got home after the challenge. A jubilant Will Bergfelt could be heard at least 1/2 mile from the finish whooping with delight as finally he knew he’d got the win he’s been clamouring for years. Well done to all who took part, you all deserve 1st...