Urban Downhill takes Penarth by Storm

 

21st October 2007

 

 

Crowds flocked to Penarth for the first running of the Tredz Urban Downhill. For the uninitiated, this is downhill mountain biking through the streets, incorporating obstacles such as steps, jumps and narrow twisting paths. The course started high above the sea front with a sweeping open section leading into two sets of tight walled sections where many riders were forced to dab to get round. The course then plummeted down three sets of steps and immediately sharp right, where the crash barrier took a fair beating! Through two tricky horse boxes, a fast road descent and car chicane to the finish line at the sea front.

 

The fine weather boosted turn out with almost three hundred riders ranging from juveniles aged 12-14 to veterans, women and elite riders. The local mayor even donned full DH gear to record a time on the course. Spectators were similarly a mixed bag, from local residents curious about the event to rider supporters and local road riders.

 

 

For full results, photos and videos visit the Down Town Race website (thanks to sponsors Tredz for the photo of the mayor). Fat Tyre e-Zine also have an excellent selection of photos - thanks to them for the picture of rider Dean Williams taking the steps at speed. For those interested in the seeing the course, Pink Bike have a video of the mayor's run while ITV Local are also hosting a video of the event (click on 'Urban Downhill Bike Racing').

 

Posted 24/10/07