Bontrager Twentyfour12 branded a success in 2013
The Bontrager Twentyfour12, the UK's ultimate twenty four and twelve hour mountain bike race, took place this weekend with over 3500 participants and spectators enjoying a weekend of racing, entertainment and a festival atmosphere.
In its eighth year at the former World Cup venue Newnham Park, 1000 people took part in the event which started at midday on Saturday under rain free skies and enjoyed riding a fast challenging 12km course which was in prime condition. The weather managed to hold off for the whole 24 hours with just a short shower on early Sunday morning.
In the 12 hour race there was team dominance from TORQ who took the male and female open team titles. Tim Dunford took the male solo title completing 20 laps with Kate Comber claiming the female crown with 13 laps. The open mixed team category title went to Four4thlights, the male pairs to Mondraker Racing XC, the female pairs to Team ARs and mixed pairs to Brotherton Cycles. The Torchbearer 12 race which begins at midnight on Saturday through to midday on Sunday saw a hard core field tackle the course with Craig Bowles winning the male solo category and Millie Wilson winning for the women.
In the 24 hour race the prestigious solo titles were claimed by Jason Miles with an impressive 33 laps and for the females Amy Jones came out on top with 21 laps. The team titles went to Team CCN in the male open category, XCracer.com for the mixed team and Exposure Lights in the just for fun category. In the pairs Lumicycle won the male pairs and the University of Plymouth took victory in the mixed pairs.
In what was a weekend of more than just racing, there was a jam packed schedule of entertainment including on Friday night, free cheese and beer from Dartmoor Brewery followed by an insightful talk from Mike Hall, the Round the World cycle record holder who was at the event with Pivot Cycles. As the sun was setting the infamous Nick the Fish delighted the crowd with his laugh inducing set inside the Bontrager Yurt before riders took to their beds ahead of the race.
Once the race was underway, the extracurricular activities didn't stop. On Saturday afternoon Trek hosted a Ladies Day an insightful talk and advice on female mountain biking, in the evening there was the premiere of Anthill Production?s new film Not Bad, and for the 12 hour race finishers, free Dartmoor Brewery beer continued as they crossed the line at midnight. The children?s Twentyfour12 minutes race was also a big draw on Saturday morning with over 100 children taking part in the free event.
As the riders continued lapping the course throughout Saturday night, there was jazz singing in the Bontrager Yurt and a warm fire burning all night to keep spirits up. The free 24 hour bike washing from Juice Lubes, free 24 hour mechanical support from Cycle Surgery and free Clif bars also kept riders moving as they continued to tackle the course. For all competitors there was also the chance try a Pivot Cycles demo bike and a try before you buy on a full range of Gore Bike Wear kit perfect for those people tackling the course river crossings.
Bontrager Twentyfour12 organiser Martyn Salt said: ?This year has to be one of the best yet for the Bontrager Twentyfour12. We had decent weather, the course was riding really well and we had our busiest festival line up to date. We have had some fantastic feedback including praise on the course, the atmosphere and the event staff. I have a great team behind the event who once again delivered just perfectly. Massive thanks to the sponsors and I hope to see everyone back again next year.?
Riders competing in the event came from all corners of the UK and its islands, many coming with families and wider support teams who enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere, the entertainment and the opportunity to spend a weekend camping in Devon.
For more information visit www.twentyfour12.com. Full results can be found on www.timelaps.co.uk and event photography on www.davehayward.com
Bontrager TwentyFour12 is sponsored by Bontrager, Pivot Cycles, Cycle Surgery, Clif Bars, Exposure Lights, Gore Bike Wear and Dartmoor Brewery.
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