| The unusually hot (for the UK) weather had the riders sweating it out at the second round of the Southern DH cup, in Elsted near Petersfield. The race, organised by Pedalhounds was well attended and well organised. The format has changed from last year, and rather than riding and racing both days, Saturday is now devoted to practice whilst Sunday is race day, with each riding allowed three runs to find their best time down the hill. The course was mostly in woodland which provided some relief from the sun and meant that the ground had stayed damp and greasy all the way down the course. The wear and tear of the racers had revealed the chalky underside of the top soil – a surface not reknowned for its traction properties which led to many crashes on the off camber turns. Like many southern races the course was hard, by virtue of the fact that no real berms existed and the difficulty of the track arises from the lack of camber in the turns, rather than the length or steepness of the race. Still a good course none the less. Stefan Gleed took the honours in the Elite men, posting the quickest time of the day at 1:37.85. It was also a good day at the office for friends of www.ukdownhill.org.uk, Westley Green (Storm) and Anya Rees-Jones (Rocky Mountain) who finished first in the Sport Men and only Womens categories respectively. Respect. In the Youth Men Lewis White (Owens Cycles) reigned supreme, and Chris Marshall (MBI Porc) took the honours in the Junior category. It was another MBI Porc rider, Ian Daniels who took the Masters Men race, and Paul Hunt of Pedalhounds themselves won the Vets category. Full Report and Pics on www.ukdownhill.org.uk soon.  |
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