JACOBS'S LADDER - posted 27 August 2011

Ipswich star Lauren Jacobs will finally shake off her hodoo to emerge as British Women's champion in today's all-action final at Hethersett.

That's the view of Spokesman-Online readers who voted Lauren as their number one choice in our on-line vote.  She topped the ladder ahead of local girl Tiffany Collins and World champion Laura Watson.

Livvi Horsley and Lauren Hookway also attracted plenty of votes but suprisingly two time champion Lucy Whitehead, World number two Vikki Brown and last year's runner-up Michelle Whitehead didn't feature in the top three.

The finals results were
Lauren Jacobs 36 votes (17%), Tiffany Collins 28 (13%), Laura Watson 27 (13%), Livvi Horsley 21 (10%), Lauren Hookway 20 (9%), Lucy Whitehead 16 (7%), Danielle Riley 15 (7%)

TOO CLOSE TO CALL - posted 27 August 2011

The corresponding men's event was literally too close to call.

With only three points between them, readers couldn't separate last year's top three, Mark Boaler, Andy Angell and Lee Aris.

As expected there was much support for up-and-coming Thomas Reed, Paul Heard and Ben Mould but suprisingly under-19 champion Mark Carmichael only attracted a handful of  votes.

There was good support for local favourite and two times champion Phil Howells while Hellingly's Neil Hollebon, arguably the best rider outside the Premier League, is destined for a top eight finish according to our pundits.

The final forecasts were
Lee Aris 31 (14%), Andy Angell 29 (13%), Mark Boaler 28 (13%), Thomas Reed 24 (11%), Phil Howells 19 (9%), Paul Heard 18 (8%), Neil Hollebon 14 (6%), Chris Timms 12 (5%), Ben Mould 11 (5%)