RACE REPORT: Plymouth Uni Urban DH

For most the second album is difficult but from the moment the second UDHC event at Plymouth University was announced it was sure to be a success, entries flooded in as soon as the website opened and by the time entries closed over one hundred riders had their names down to take part in this one of a kind event. After the huge attention last year's event attracted both online and within the cycling community this year’s event attracted riders from across the country of all ages and riding abilities from the "give it a go's" to the pros with top DH riders such as Jim Davage and Dirt jump riders such as Clinton Johns and DMRs Ollie Wilkins. Both of whom put on a great show for the crowds styling every stair set and hitting hucks most hadn't even seen. Helmet Camera Footage of the track: Race day arrived and by the time sign on was due to open both riders and spectators were eagerly awaiting practice to begin, a long queue formed at the sign in table and the every inch of the course barrier was filled with people with music being provided by the team from Red Bull, then finally the go ahead was given for practice to open. One after the other riders pilled down and despite a couple of hard bails things ran very smoothly for most. The track began at the top of the university campus gym and twisted its way down steep stair sets, through tight gaps, flat out corners and over the benches in the main plaza above the student union where most of the crowd gathered. As for line choice most stuck to the same route with the more daring riders doubling up stair sets or entirely gapping others and although there were routes for all abilities basic bike skills like bunny hopping and balance really went a long way towards knocking seconds off. As I mentioned things did go smooth for most, with riders getting more and more confident, however the kind people at St. Johns ambulance were kept very busy with at least two riders being taken to hospital, local weapon Harry Steer for getting in a fight with a railing and mashing up his fingers and another chap that managed to dislocate his elbow; although I managed to stay in one piece my bike unfortunately did not. On the third practice run I managed to snap my mech and put the hanger through a clean 360 degree bend without it snapping, luckily for me local cycle mechanic was on site and very kindly leant me his own bike for my race runs. After the running around for a good half hour trying to sort myself out a new ride I finally made it back to the top of the course mid-way through the race runs bike in hand to get down the course. With the riders leaving in 30 second intervals it took a while for all to get a run in and by the time the last few riders (myself included) had our first run the last light had faded and the course took on a whole new challenge with more, even wilder spectators and camera flashes on lining the now floodlit course. Despite the challenge this just added to the already great atmosphere and 1st race runs ran very smoothly with few incidents. After a bit of heckling on the way back up riders arrived with time to spare for the second runs and most helped themselves to the free cans of Red Bull in bins at the top before heading down the track again. First run times were very close with the top riders literally separated by tenths of a second so as with every race most went all out for their second runs to try and grab that top spot and the wealth of prizes that were up for grabs and for most this paid off with many managing the difficult task of dropping seconds in an already tight sub-50 second course. The fastest time of the day came from Olly Wilkins with a time of 40.37s who unfortunately did not complete a second run after totally obliterating his carbon rear wheel going all out on the biggest and steepest stair set on course. Olly was closely followed by the Masters category Jim Davage with 40.92s and Local Elite rider Ash Mullane taking 3rd overall with a 41.45s. Riders and onlookers gathered in the plaza for prize giving. A special mention and prizes went out to Andy Hill from London who just the day before the race had discharged himself from hospital to race, Andy is suffering with bowel cancer but despite this still raced and put in a great time, huge respect to Andy for coming down and I’m sure you will join me in wishing him the best of luck in future. So the prizes provided by Silverfish UK, Demon Dirt, Juice Lubes, Syncros & Animal went out to the top 3 in each category. A special one off, invitational prize of entry to the new Red Bull Downforce competition went out to the top male and female riders Olly Wilkins and Angela Proctor. Best of luck to both of them, this event is due to take place at a secret location on the south coast around August. This event is a pro only competition seeing the like of the Athertons & other well known riders hitting up a purpose built course designed to put on a show! So massive respect for managing to get that in the prize bag. The raffle after prize giving was a bunch of laughs with the commentator and Jon getting a bit too carried away with the mic with the remaining spectators/riders giving prizes away from Syncros, Animal & Cogs Bikes…seeing carbon bars, watches, sunglasses, rucksacks and more given away in the aid of charity! So to close I want to say a huge thanks to all those involved in the event especially Jon Catney (the organiser) who went to great lengths to see this event running for its second year but also all those behind the scenes who marshalled, handed out number boards, picked up broken riders, put up the miles of barriers, the DJs and the commentator, the Red Bull, food and drink stands and everybody else that I haven't mentioned! Stay Gnarly James Brown To view all the photos from the event click here

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