Afan Rounds 5 & 6 Race Report
Alice Taylor, Jessica Dove, Ian Forsyth and Ben Jones take the wins at Afan
The 2026 Lloyds British Cycling 4X National Series continued at the weekend with another incredible weekend of 4X racing. Afan in South Wales has been one of the best 4X tracks in the UK for over 15 years, but the weekend showcased why this track is such a favourite for riders and fans.
Rounds 5 & 6 of the 2026 series could not have been better. Blue skies, sunshine, incredible track and a warm welcome from Bryn Bettws campsite for the event. The track has been transformed over the winter months by the Afan Trail Volunteers. The track features a corkscrew bridge, huge rock section and pro line doubles, combined with a fresh last straight makes this track one of the best.
On arrival at the venue, British 4X Series organisers had created a new finish straight with the huge Lloyds British Cycling finish line gantry for all to see. It looked incredible and set the tone for a great weekend. Banners and flags from series sponsors lined the track and the venue looked fantastic.
On Saturday, practice got underway at 10.00 and it was great to see so many new faces as well as all the usual characters! As riders got their lines dialled, the British 4X team prepared the moto sheets. 3 races for everyone to determine the top qualifying riders ahead of the knockout rounds later in the day.
Saturday:
By the middle of the afternoon, all classes had been whittled down to the final 4 riders who would battle for the win in the final races. Round 5 winners were:
Fun: Ryan Williams
Big Fun: Owen Sheherd
Rippers 7 – 9 Female: Evie Knight
Rippers 7 – 9: Reuben Michell
Rippers 10 – 12 Female: Hollie Webb
Rippers 10 – 12: Alfie Pow
Juvenile: Dylan Spence
13 – 16 Female: Olivia Webb
Youth: Jack Davey
Senior: Jono Harradine
30+ Women: Katherine Oldfield
Masters 30: Kingsley Mears
Masters 40: Tom Odling
Masters 50: Matthew Pratley
The 17 – 29 senior women had been battling all day and the final was more of the same. Alice Taylor had consistency all day and was able to take the win in the final.
So finally, it was time for the Elite Men. 12 Elite riders started the day and after some incredible racing all day the final 4 were ready. In gate one it was Ian Forsyth, two Dan Cay, three Duncan Ferris and on gate four Connor Jocelyn. The gate dropped and the drag race on the first straight was on. Dan got his bar in front of Ian and the pair battled to the first turn. Whilst they were out wide, Ferris saw his chance and dived inside. Exiting turn one, Cay had the lead from Ferris with Forsyth slotting into 3rd. It was tight over the bridge but in the corkscrew, lines came together and Cay crashed out with Ferris. Forsyth took the lead, but incredibly Ferris was back on his bike quick and chasing. Across the line it was Ian Forsyth taking the win from Duncan Ferris, Dani Cay and Connor Jocelyn.
The BBQ’s were fired up, the restaurant was heaving and a great night was had by all, chatting about the days racing and thoughts towards Sunday.
Sunday:
Thankfully the weather was incredible again. The track just continued to get better and better! The racing was once again from the top drawer and by the finals these riders were able to come out on top.
Fun: Jacob Vallance
Big Fun: Matthew Wilson
Rippers 7 – 9 Female: Evie Knight
Rippers 7 – 9: Harry Pow
Rippers 10 – 12 Female: Hollie Webb
Rippers 10 – 12: Leo Bradley
Juvenile: Dylan Spence
13 – 16 Female: Olivia Webb
Youth: Jack Davey
Senior: Jono Harradine
30+ Women: Katherine Oldfield
Masters 30: Simon Nash
Masters 40: Steven Matthews
Masters 50: Matthew Pratley
In Senior Women it was Jessica Dove who took a convincing win. After watching brother Brett race for the last year, Jessica has bought a BC licence, turned up at Afan and took the win! Making the track look smooth, she rode flawlessly all day.
The final race of the weekend was the Elite Men. Daniel Cay, Ian Forsyth, Ben Jones and Duncan Ferris lined up on the gate. The gate dropped and Cay grabbed the holeshot. But on the exit of turn 1, Ferris was wide, Cay and Forsyth were tight and Ben Jones was cutting back. After a big tangle on the outside, Jones emerged leading with Forsyth chasing. Jones covered the insides well and across the line the emotions poured out. After 10 years of trying, this was his first ever elite win. Forsyth in 2nd, Cay in 3rd and Ferris in 4th.
It was an incredible race to round off an incredible weekend. Thank you to all the riders for making this sport so amazing. Thank you to all the commissaires, marshals and medics for their help over the weekend.
Full results from each round and series points are available: https://our.sqorz.com/org/british4x
The 2026 Schwalbe British 4X Dates and Venues:
Rd7: 8th August – Shredhill, Gloucestershire
Rd8: 9th August – Shredhill, Gloucestershire
Rd9: 19th September – Twisted Oaks, Suffolk
Rd10: 20th September – Twisted Oaks, Suffolk
National Championships: 23rd August – Malverns Classic, Herefordshire
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