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Race-Face Downhill Series RD2
Churchill - Dirt-Racing.co.uk
Matt - Dirt-Racing - 6th July 2005
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Back to the Action Centre, Churchill for Rd 2 of the RaceFace U.K DH Series with race organization from Dirt Racing.
A completely new track had been built for the race which was fast and flowing with plenty of surprises.
Saturday practice saw the usual suspects getting to grips with the course before most of us are out of bed! It was also good to see some fresh faces taking the opportunity to get some extra practice in.
Some high speed crashes put pay to few riders' hopes, next time! But for most the atmosphere was one of excitement for the following days racing...
image copyright epicimages.co.uk
Sunday, the sound system signals the start of race day. 150+ riders are ready to go and after the British Cycling track inspection we're racing.
3hrs of practice gives the riders plenty of time to try new lines and get to grips with the rocky conditions. Still are rock chums catch a few by surprise and like Saturday not all would make the start line!
In the top field the vibe was relaxed, the Bike Cellar was kept busy fixing mechanicals and offering advice on set up. British Cycling talent testing and Go-Ride activities for the younger riders were taking place provided by S.M.A.R.T Coaching. Meantime, down the course it was anything but relaxed with riders flying down the track in near perfect conditions, a win here would require one balls out run…
Females, hardtails, youth, junior, masters and senior was the running order, with most opting for a safe 1st run with everything to do in the 2nd.
The exception to this was Balfa rider Alex Evans who posted the time to beat at 1m 1.362 sec and at the finish line plenty of riders had tales of woe and wrongs to put right.
image copyright epicimages.co.uk
After a short brake and with everything running on time final runs got underway with the fasted rider seeded to come down the hill last. The women's category was won by Kona world cup rider Petra Wiltshire it was great to have some experienced riders on hand to give a few tips. It was even better to see give her first place prize, a pair of kenda tyres away!
Hardtail DH racers are mad, but I guess that helps when you're putting in times as quick as those with a £4K rig under um! Lloyd Clarkson didn't disappoint wining out over 2nd place Matthew Dewey.
Youth honours went to Sam Kiddy (The Bike Cellar) who again took the win, this time over Jon Credicott in 2nd place.
Big Al in his first DH race took the masters win put in a 1m 5:223 sec and got a load of extra style points closely followed by Craig Sheffield from the Bike Cellar.
Leon Rosser (Team Bicycle Doctor) was pushed into 2nd place by a top performance from Ben Deakin riding for X-Lite, who took the senior win in 1m 2:664 sec.
image copyright epicimages.co.uk
Despite the track and times getting faster thought the day no one could touch the 1st run time of Alex Evans and so for the 2nd race in a row fastest time of the day, fifty pounds, kenda tyres and maximum points go his way.
Full results and all the info. www.dirt-racing.co.uk
Thank you, to all the marshals, the sponsors RaceFace, Kenda, Bad*Ass*Bikes, RAM Bikes, Tank Cycles and of course you the riders.
The Dirt Racing crew look forward to seeing you at the Action Centre, Churchill for The Final Rd 3 Sun 24th July…
Matthew Coxhead
Dirt Racing
image copyright epicimages.co.uk
image copyright epicimages.co.uk
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