The main sandbank at the top of the Downhill area was indeed being used after speculation, and was making for some spectacular carved turns - something photographers dream of. Some riders were starting to work on inside-line variations which were looking pretty quick which I mentioned to Jason who had entered for his first race along with several others. It was a good course for first timers, and as the evening went on more turned up to set up tents and session the course.
Next morning, an 8.45 arrival managed to bag us one of the last parking spaces in the main car park. Everything seemed to be rigged up, including a sound system, which really helped set up a good atmosphere. It was a hazy sunny morning too, a reminder England can pull off this weather if it tries. This was a massive boost too as the course was running fast and dusty.
I was glad I didn’t make Jay work on the inside line variation, as this was now taped off. Towards the end of practice I headed down the course with the camera gear and set up in a spot at the end of a switch-back, not realising I was going to be sat there for some time. 45 minutes later the word came of timing equipment problems by which time the thrill of finding a good spot had somewhat worn off. The pity had to be on those who were suffering pre-race nerves though. Never good…
Eventually things started to flow, categories starting from rippers (10-14) upwards heading down in close succession. Some riders were seriously on edge and a berm with an tricky line in mid-way the second half of the course was proving a real crowd pleaser with some spectacular offs. At one point I was set up at the berm, and just up the hill was a large roar from the spectators and a bike came over the top of the bushes! mental. It was inspiring to see people pushing themselves and genuinely enjoying the course at the same time, along with the spectators who were being super supportive. Final results for the Mini Downhill here (awaiting link).
The next day and things were even dustier for the 4X. This seemed to be catching people out and the number of wash-outs caused by the dust was pretty high. It seemed the lower third of the 4X was proving difficult to overtake in, with crashes being the main way for position swapping. This section was a new addition built especially for this event, which made for some creative use of the landscape. A step-down-to-berm left only one narrow option for riders in the last quarter, and many riders were having to land to flat (eye-wateringly) to get through. All in all though, another good day which felt like a nod to the good old days of PORC. We would love to see more of this…
Results of the 4X.
If you haven't already, check our collection of pictures in the Event gallery.
Join in the the conversation in the forums.
Back to news.