The European DH Championships was held last weekend at Krahjska Gora, Slovenia, and with a lack of top Brits in the elite races, all eyes were on the junior race where a flying Bernard Kerr pieced together a perfect run to win by nearly three seconds. Loga Garay Tamayo (Spain) and Ivan Oziol (France) finished second and third respectively.

In the elite men’s race it was a chance for lesser known riders to shine, and shining the brightest was Swiss Nick Beer, who took the win comfortably ahead of two Frenchman, Aurélien Giordanengo and Rémi Thirionm, by a margin of five seconds.

Clearly delighted with the win, Beer says: “This is an amazing track, it suits me well. It has steep parts, some technical sections and fast straight parts. I made a mistake on top but I somehow pulled it off in the end.

“This race is not as important as the World Cup but it feels great to beat some of Europe’s best riders,” told the Swiss who will also aim for the top next week in Maribor. But before that he has to explore Kranjska Gora: “The only time I went to the village was the opening ceremony so I’m looking forward to tonight’s party.”

Top placed Brit was Joseph Smith in 15th position and Dan Stanbridge in 21st.

In a hotly contested women’s race, the win went to Floriane Pugin from France with fellow contry women Emmeline Ragot and Céline Gros filling out the podium. All eyes were on Sabrina Jonnier to defend her title but had to settle for 10th after crashing in the first steep forest section while her bike ended up off course.

“I did well in last year’s World Cup but winning this title is special. I like this course as well as Slovenia so I’m also looking forward to Maribor,” said Jonnier.

A strong ride by Fionn Griffiths put her in 6th place.

The next Nissan UCI Mountain Bike World round is at Maribor on 20/21 June. On 26/27 The 4X European Championships are held in Slovenia.