#111 John Mitchell

Europe (3/12/2010) - John Mitchell took second place overall at the seasons first Beach Cross event. Held at the popular seaside town of Margate in Kent, the Beach Cross was well attended by both spectators and the UK's best quad riders. The event was broken down into six races, three on Saturday and three on Sunday. With a spectacular track by the organisers and perfect weather for racing, the weekend's spectators and TV crews were guaranteed some exciting quad bike action!

John rode well on the Saturday, taking third and two second place finishes on board his 2009 stock ATV World Yamaha YFZ450R. With his winter training consisting of trials riding, road biking and jet skiing somewhere off the shores of the Outer Hebrides, John was fresh to challenge for a podium finish on Sunday. Racing on Sunday went well as John took second, first and second place in the days three races. He also took the Holeshot in the final race! Battling with sand expert Jerome Bricheux was thrilling to watch as the two competed through corners and straights on the physically demanding track.

John was delighted with the overall second place finish and commented after the event: "My YFZR Suspension was truly amazing and with the new Vortex ECU coming next week I really feel we will have the most competitive race bike out there. Second place is absolutely fantastic, particularly racing against Jerome who is one the top sand experts in Europe. My fitness is good and testing my Yamaha YFZ450R on the dyno at ATV World helped to develop significant gains. It was a great track and great pre season training. Thanks to Tony Nash and the rest of the QRA team who organised a superb event, to Steve from UK Bling Bar, Bobby Graham and Bill Smith for all your help and support."

Race Team ATV World Yamaha Manager Martin Fletcher commented: "We've all spent many hours developing the Yamaha YFZ450R into a fiercely competitive machine for 2010. John rode with his usual mix of expert skill and hunger to win. This was displayed as he lapped the current British Champion in a number of the races! If John can keep this fantastic form into the start of the season it's going to make for some thrilling televised ATV action!"

With a packed season ahead, John will be competing in both the 2010 ACU British Championship and Goldspeed EMX Quad European Championships this year plus selected events.

John Mitchell and team ATV World Yamaha wish to thank all their sponsors who along with their outstanding products have helped develop a potential championship winning team for the 2010 season.