Beaumont and Atherton are Caersws Conquerers

 

Chain Reaction Cycles NPS Downhill Round 3
Caersws, Powys Wales, 13 August 2006 

Images: Jamie Watts. Report & Images: Jon Tubman

 

Marc Beaumont was favourite to win this event and with Gee out from a massive over the bars on the big double during Saturday practice, his chances were pretty good. But not if Dan Atherton could have anything to do with it, the Animal-Giant rider was biting at his heels all weekend, only to finish half a second slower in second place. Tracey Moseley showed up Saturday to win her seeding run, but could not race Sunday because of a family engagement, leaving Rachel Atherton to take the top place.

 

 

Atherton corner: Rachel (left) won the Women's event, whilst Dan (right) was second in the Elite Men

Friday- In Dust We Trust

Round three of the 2006 NPS downhill took us to Caersws in mid Wales. Many were expecting last year's steep, dusty course, which was so popular. But it was decided something a little longer was needed to prevent the queues experienced last time and a good decision it was, no wait and a quick lift to the top on the back of farmer Ian's tractor.

Saturday- Moto X Madness

The course was a mixture of old with a few new sections thrown in to keep it interesting. The flat BMX style start got the legs working, round the berms , keep your speed, low over the first double and try and launch the second, this became even harder to clear as the wind picked up on the Sunday. If you cleared the double you had a bit of momentum for the woods: at this point many were thinking when does the downhill start? Then it was full throttle, trying to avoid the stumps and roots with your pedals for the next double. It was downhill from this point on.

Through the woods, over the loose off-camber trying to hold that middle line, as the outside was just dust with some nice surprises underneath! Round some tight rutted corners and off the ever so familiar step down, nail the berm and pump the small tabletops along the fireroad and a drop into the woods: this section tested the riders, as the steep shutes really shot you into those tight dusty corners with speed. Trying to avoid the trees on the way out, then onto the fireroad, launch the step up, back on the gas for the step down, and hit the next berm at warp speed.

It got really interesting now, at least for the spectators anyway, as many riders ate dust. You dropped into a steep section with three ruts - pick one and hold on tight as it was a rollercoaster down. Over more off-camber, negotiate the final berm before the road crossing, drop into the field, absolutely pinned on the gas for the 35 foot double. It was amazing to see so many riders from all classes attempting this jump, as it was pretty big, but I suppose you were not left with much choice, the chicken line being a good few seconds slower. After that, all that was left was a long sprint to the finish line.

 

Marc Beaumont took the Elite Men's race and leads the series

 

Sunday

A little rain during the night dampened the course and kept the dust down till after midday, when the sun appeared for the afternoon race runs. Our sympathy must go out to Dave Morgan who lost a close family member the evening before and soldiered on to bring everyone a great race.

Elite Men
MBUK Santa-Cruz rider Marc Beaumont has strengthened his lead in the series overall with his win and must be pretty confident going into the worlds. Gee was resting after Saturday's crash: nothing broken, just sore. A mention must go to Ben Reid who finished sixth after missing the final uplift, he pushed to the top and with no rest did his race run. Oh and good luck to all the Brits off to the worlds.

Elite Women
With no Tracey on the Sunday it was only Rachel and Helen fighting for the top spot, this time it was Rachel getting the result. Calamity-Jane Cann seems to be getting faster at each race - it won't be long till she's up there with the big three.

Experts
Jonny Cheetham and brother Billy like the podium and only moved down to experts to wake the them up. Will Rowlands is always pinned!

Junior Men
With no Brendan, it had to be Ralph Jones after all he's off to the worlds and will not be leaving without one of the medals. Nikki Whiles and Ben Cathro were left to fight over the other two steps on the podium.

Youth Men
Ancillotti's Joseph Smith took the win from Josh Bryceland, I think he made that two seconds up with that sprint he did to the finish, pedalling like a lunatic!

 

Matt Simmonds (left) is having a good first season in the senior ranks, whilst Ralph Jones (right) won the Junior category

Women Master
Some of these women need a little company. Renee Diwell was the only lady down the hill in her category.

Women Junior
Aimee Dix does not hang around for long, although she was ten seconds slower in her race run than seeding run. Crash?

Veteran Women
Linda Davies is quick, every time I see her she's having it. All she needs is some competition.

Master Men
When Neal Arnold ain't in town, it will usually be Aiden Bishop on that top step. So many of these guys are going out to the Masters World Championships next month in Canada, I can see the Brits bringing home all those medals.

It was a dusty day in the Welsh hills

Senior Men
This has got to be the closest category, all top four riders covered by a second. Today it was Kieron Mc Avoy. Although third place Phillip Roberts gets some good points to help him with the battle for the series win.

Juvenile Men
Mark Scott must be the smallest in his category, yet he was quicker than all the big boys today.

Open Men
Some of these guys are quick - might we see them in the seniors next year? Stephen Thompson was quickest today. Calvin Lamb was sending it over the big double and kept everyone entertained with his commentary. Respect!

 

Many thanks to Jamie Watts and Jon Tubman for bailing us out with some great pics from the event - there are galleries of their shots above as well. Jon also chipped in with the excellent report.

 

Results

Also available, detailed spreadsheet of results and analysis (70kb Excel file) - Download >>>>

 

Link: Series standings/rankings >>>>

 

Men/elite    
1 BEAUMONT Marc MBUK Santa Cruz 2:07.547 
2 ATHERTON Dan Team Animal Giant 2:08.046 
3 DONOGHUE Neil MBUK Santa Cruz 2:11.584 
4 SIMMONDS Matt Ancillotti UK 2:11.976 
5 BERTRAM Lee Royal Orange 2:12.111 
6 REID Ben Iron Horse/Intouch 2:13.395 
7 DEACON Tom  2:14.079 
8 LONGDEN Will MBUK Santa Cruz 2:14.135 
9 SMITH Robert Yeti Electric 2:14.538 
10 SMITH David Yeti 2:16.128 
11 WARNER Rob  2:16.169 
12 HUGHES James Yeti/Electric 2:16.595 
13 CRITCHLOW Dan Intense 2:17.072 
14 THOMSON Stu  2:18.498 
15 FAULKNER Jamie Gumball 3000 Downhill Team 2:18.737 
16 BEAUMONT Scott Rocky Mountain UK 2:20.612 
17 BRAITHWAITE Tom Team Giant Racing 2:21.092 
18 HARPER Danny Gumball 3000 Downhill Team 2:21.550 
19 GRAY Michael Team Skene 2:26.441 
20 FORREST Gary Kona UK/Paligap 2:37.437 

Women/elite    
1 ATHERTON Rachel Team Animal Giant 2:27.753 
2 GASKELL Helen Halfords Bikehut 2:29.426 
3 CANN Calamaty-Jayne Cloud Cover/NACC Events 2:47.189 
4 HORRIDGE Emily Mountain Cycle/Marzocchi 3:18.934 
DNSs at start of run 2    
 MOSELEY Tracy Kona Les Gets  

Men/expert    
1 CHEETHAM Jonny Halfords Bikehut 2:13.028 
2 ROWLANDS Will Cloud Cover/NACC Events 2:16.931 
3 CHEETHAM Billy Team Skene 2:16.980 
4 CUNYGHAME Richard  2:18.130 
5 STOCK Alex Descent World 2:18.261 
6 HOLBROOK John Astonhill.com/Electric 2:19.610 
7 ASHBRIDGE Philip Descend-Hamsterley/Mountain Hi 2:19.640 
8 STEPHENSON Ben Balfa UK 2:19.670 
9 LAMB Fergus Ancillotti UK 2:19.826 
10 BREAKWELL Rob Dirt Mag 2:20.302 
11 LITTLE Liam Keswick Mountain Bikes/Maxxis/ 2:22.374 
12 PRICE Dave Pearce Cycles RT 2:22.498 
13 STRICKLAND Mike The Bike Cellar 2:23.049 
14 STOCK James Descent World 2:23.406 
15 FLORIAN Alex Fort Royal 2:23.421 
16 MASON Liam  2:23.714 
17 EVANS Will Dirt Bike Supply/Europcar 2:24.952 
18 HOWARTH Darren Kona UK/Paligap 2:25.035 
19 TATTERSALL Jack Ride Central 2:25.072 
20 WEAVER Robin Gumball 3000 Downhill Team 2:25.482 
21 SINDEN Chris Phil Corley Cycles 2:25.972 
22 MACLENNAN Alasdair Rotec 2:26.173 
23 PANTLING Toby Bolder Clothing 2:26.215 
24 MARSHALL Luke Gumball 3000 Downhill Team 2:26.477 
25 WEIGHTMAN Mark  2:27.601 
26 LEWIS Alun AW Cycles 2:28.851 
27 COATES Chris The Hub/ Cyclejersey.com 2:29.143 
28 PARKINSON Simon Ticket2ridebc.com/nwmtb 2:31.856 
29 DALE Tom Goldtec 2:33.421 
30 TURNER Nick The Development/ Mr Big 2:34.181 
31 COUSINS Neil TFTuned.com 2:35.567 
32 LIST David Stourport Specialist Cycles 2:37.190 
33 HUGGETT Richard HG Cycle Sport 2:37.936 
34 GIDNEY Jason Cycle Centre Penzance 2:38.147 
35 FORREST Graeme Probikesport 2:39.629 
36 JENKINSON Stuart Hotlines Foes/ Rockoil 3:27.955 

Men/junior    
1 JONES Ralph Cloud Cover 2:13.322 
2 WHILES Nikki Team Skene 2:15.013 
3 CATHRO Ben The Hub/ Cyclejersey.com 2:15.270 
4 CUNNINGHAM Ruaridh Morewood Racing Europe 2:15.909 
5 BAKER Ben Balfa UK 2:18.704 
6 PARKINSON Matthew Ticket2ridebc.com/nwmtb 2:20.338 
7 TSOUMALIS Tony Electric Fuel 2:22.495 
8 GEOGHEGAN Nick Astonhill/Ancillotti 2:22.760 
9 BRAYTON Adam Keswick Bikes/Maxxis/Knox 2:24.024 
10 WHEELER Tom Wleelz Racing 2:26.486 
11 MEARS Scott The Development/ Mr Big 2:26.604 
12 SHIELDS Bradley Pearce Cycles Race Team 2:28.517 
13 JAMES Owain Pearce Cycles RT 2:28.645 
14 BOSWELL Micky Electric Santa Cruz 2:30.448 
15 STONELL Tom  2:31.915 
16 GRAHAM Jack RotecCycles UK 2:32.890 
17 TELLING Ryan  2:34.173 
18 HUTCHENS Chris The Hub/ Cyclejersey.com 2:34.349 
19 MUNRO Grant Probikesport/Ancillotti 2:35.485 
20 LONSDALE John Halfords Development Team 2:37.970 
21 FLANAGAN Sam Revolution Racing 2:41.629 
22 THOMSETT Edward Silton Downhill/MTB Ripon 2:57.095 
23 PARMLEY Jonathan  2:57.329 
24 YOUNG Ross  3:02.705 
25 McDONNELL Andy Brian Rourkes/ Hickman 3:07.810 
26 SOUTHERN Ben Electric Goggles 3:44.000 

Men/master    
1 BISHOP Aidan Rapid Racers 2:20.703 
2 TITLEY Andrew Kona UK/Paligap 2:26.236 
3 SIMPSON Rich Seal Moto/ Michelin 2:27.594 
4 PATON Simon Descent-Gear 2:30.234 
5 WARD Joe Plush 2:30.822 
6 REED Thomas Descend Hamsterley/Mountain Hi 2:31.185 
7 GLEED Stefan rapidracers.com 2:31.278 
8 MAY Paul rapidracers.com 2:32.171 
9 OSBORN Daron OZZ 2:32.604 
10 JONES Sion Electric/Santa Cruz 2:33.024 
11 AMES Chris  2:33.052 
12 BROMLEY Craig Rapidracers.com 2:36.673 
13 KING Richard  2:37.244 
14 BOWYER Paul  2:37.702 
15 MACKIE Paul  2:38.816 
16 GRAY Philip Rave Racing/ Dyson Cycles 2:39.169 
17 BURGOIN Richard Goldtec 2:40.929 
18 BROWNE Nicholas Cunnys Head 2:43.096 
19 DICKSON Mark Plush 2:43.373 
20 UNDERWOOD John Leisure Lakes 2:43.816 
21 SLATER Alex Rave Racing 2:44.818 
22 ENGLISH Kevin DHNZ.com 2:44.851 
23 CLARKE Keith Rave Racing 2:45.389 
24 McINTYRE Ian Plush 2:46.415 
25 BRENNAN Jason Rave Racing 2:46.975 
26 ENGLISH Dave Descend/Hamsterley 2:47.159 
27 MIDDLETON Brian  2:47.651 
28 RAMSAY Seb Ticket2ridebc.com/nwmtb 2:53.705 
29 BURNS Gary  3:11.892 
DNSs at start of run 2    
 COLLINS Ian Paligap Ltd  

Men/veteran    
1 CROCKETT Martin Midlands and Borders Downhill  2:28.824 
2 TWIGG Jerry Cycleworld 2:29.844 
3 FELSTEAD Steve Ticket2ridebc.com/nwmtb 2:47.326 
4 MOLLOY Paul Little Fish Big Pond 3:34.235 
5 WILSON Keith  3:51.723 

Women/master    
1 DIWELL Renee  3:31.770 
DNSs at start of run 1    
 CARTNER Julie   

Women/junior    
1 DIX Aimee Team Skene 3:03.705 

Women/senior    
1 CANN Haby-Blu  3:05.664 
2 MAHONY Sue Psyclewerx Bristol 3:27.347 
DNSs at start of run 2    
 McCARTNEY Michelle Chain Reaction Cycles  

Women/veteran    
1 DAVIES Lynda Ticket2ridebc.com/nwmtb 3:05.491 

Men/youth    
1 SMITH Joseph Ancillotti UK 2:16.244 
2 BRYCELAND Josh Royal Santa Cruz 2:19.592 
3 DALE Sam Goldtec 2:19.831 
4 O'RIORDAN Seanan Revolution/Firstracks 2:21.964 
5 HART Danny Balfa UK 2:22.007 
6 WILLIAMS Marcus  2:23.641 
7 BREWIN Gareth Fort Royal/Descent World 2:24.991 
8 WILSON Alastair  2:25.389 
9 KERR Bernard Marzocchi/Extrememedics/Bicycl 2:27.089 
10 HORTON Joe Pearce Cycles RT 2:27.343 
11 HAWTHORNE Lewis Team Skene 2:28.109 
12 THOMAS Stefan Pearce Cycles RT/Bedstone Coll 2:29.462 
13 WILLIAMS Alex Leisure Lakes/Cycle-Life 2:33.468 
14 HEATH Harry  2:33.692 
15 RUSSELL Dale  2:35.566 
16 FLANAGAN Joe Revolution Racing 2:36.207 
17 PARKIN Alastair Angus Bike Chain 2:36.487 
18 KEARNEY Todd  2:37.239 
19 MURPHY Jason Killarney CC 2:37.913 
20 YOUNG Martin  2:38.051 
21 JONES Scott  2:41.867 
22 WHANT Tom Total Bike 2:45.881 
23 CRELLIN Nick Keswick Mountain Bikes 2:45.910 
24 MATSON Rhys Clive Powell MTB 2:48.547 
25 MILLARD Daniel Ecosse-Downhill-Racing.com 2:48.909 
26 DOWER James Astonhill/Vario Factory 2:49.860 
27 PRICE Chris Brooks Cycles 2:50.979 
28 BLACKLER Mark Astonhill Race Team 2:56.884 
29 COLLINS Chris Cycling 2000/Royal 3:02.814 
30 METCALFE James MTB Ripon Silton Downhill 3:12.839 
31 HAGGER Sam  4:04.810 
DNSs at start of run 2    
 SHEARER Aaron   
DNFs of run 2    
 GEOGHEGAN Jack Astonhill/Ancillotti  

Men/juvenile    
1 SCOTT Mark  2:39.852 
2 MILLYARD Stephen Astonhill.com/Millyard Racing 2:39.955 
3 GANNICOTT Arran Probikesport 2:40.453 
4 BUCHANAN Lewis Probikesport 2:41.426 
5 HEWITT William Banjo Cycles 2:46.087 
6 HODGETTS Josh Cloud Cover/NACC Events 2:51.627 
7 YOUNG Joe Descend Hamsterley 2:55.464 
8 DEW Callum  2:58.628 
9 SHIELDS Reece  3:01.845 
10 WAKEMAN Ollie Ancillotti Uk/Astonhill.com/Sm 3:05.842 
11 WOODFINDEN James  3:10.946 
DNSs at start of run 2    
 ROBERTSHAW Richard   

Men/senior    
1 McAVOY Kieron  2:23.135 
2 WRIGHT Andrew Astrix /Wheels in Motion 2:23.310 
3 ROBERTS Phillip Beics Betws 2:23.704 
4 McMULLEN Dale Chain Reaction Cycles 2:23.958 
5 RISKER James Bike Outlet York 2:24.448 
6 KEMP Matt Astonhill/Ancillotti 2:24.961 
7 DUGGAN Nev  2:25.559 
8 MORRIS Oliver  2:26.151 
9 JONES Tudor  2:26.693 
10 ROSSER Leon Team Bicyle Doctor/Zeal Optics 2:26.777 
11 ASTLEY Martin Full Contact 2:28.049 
12 SMITH Jamie  2:28.193 
13 WEBSTER Paul  2:29.934 
14 RUFFELL Steven  2:30.376 
15 BORAM Kris  2:31.066 
16 APPLEBY Wayne  2:31.673 
17 APLIN Simon Astrix 2:32.147 
18 LUSBY Matt Astrix 2:33.566 
19 PINCHES Matthew Disfunktional-dirt.co.uk 2:33.679 
20 GRIFFITHS Craig  2:33.976 
21 O'RYAN Liam Manchester University 2:34.707 
22 BUDDIN Andrew Descend Hamsterley/Mountain Hi 2:35.235 
23 BARNES Paul Bikes Direct 2:37.845 
24 DURSTON Peter Astrix 2:38.180 
25 TUBMAN Jon  2:38.865 
26 BRIERTON Edward  2:39.172 
27 FLINDERS James  2:39.416 
28 MAYOR Tristan  2:40.941 
29 POOLE Andrew  2:46.235 
30 WRIGHT-MOSELEY Billy  2:47.555 
31 NEALE Martin Dig.it.all 2:51.609 
32 NEWBY Phillip  3:06.611 
33 RECORD Gary  3:12.333 
34 DRAKE Gary Awcycles 4:01.621 
DNSs at start of run 1    
 MACIVER Mark Bikelove Morewood  
DNFs of run 1    
 DRAKE Gary Awcycles  
DNFs of run 2    
 MORLEY Jon Smart  

Men/open    
1 THOMPSON Stephen  2:26.063 
2 JONES Stuart Brooks Cycles 2:29.724 
3 LENNARD Richard  2:33.216 
4 READING Jack  2:36.768 
5 BARTLEMAN Carl Hunts Construction 2:36.998 
6 CRUMP Ben  2:37.242 
7 TURNER Lee  2:39.523 
8 MICHAEL David Fastlane Photography 2:39.862 
9 GRUNDY Phil  2:40.772 
10 LAMB Calvin Dig it all 2:42.980 
11 BRACHTROGEL James  2:46.729 
12 COOPER Karl  2:49.736 
13 PENFOLD Daniel  2:50.249 
14 WILLIAMSON Andy Foel Gasnach/Corwen Carpets 2:51.895 
15 KENYON Ross  2:54.414 
16 HAWDEN Lee  2:54.624 
17 MOTTERSHEAD Jonathon  2:56.187 
18 ENGLAND Tom Retrobate Racing 2:57.071 
19 PERCIVAL Neil Bike Outlet York 2:57.805 
20 THORPE Richard  2:59.413 
21 FAIRGRIEVE Sam  3:03.482 
22 PENFOLD Robbie  3:05.263 
23 CROSBY Mike  3:05.685 
24 CATELL Jason  3:13.614 
25 CANN Bo-Jango CF3 Cloud Cover 3:29.131 
26 LEDGER Steven  3:48.057 
27 BRADLEY Adrian  3:50.111 
28 BODYCOTE Anthony Dig.it.all 4:11.792 
29 CANN Capability Jack CF3 Cloud Cover 4:49.808 
DNSs at start of run 1    
 HUGHES Dan   
 CLARKE Adam   
 CANN Bo-Jango CF3 Cloud Cover  
 READING Jack   
DNFs of run 1    
 BARTLEMAN Carl Hunts Construction  
 LEWIS Shaun   
DNSs at start of run 2    
 WINGFIELD Lee Dig-it-all  
 CLARKE Adam   
 LEWIS Shaun   
DNFs of run 2    
 HUGHES Dan   

 

Also available, detailed spreadsheet of results and analysis - Download >>>>

 

Link: Series standings/rankings >>>>