13th Annual Onabike Cup - Ashcombe 17th Dec 2006

Britain longest established downhill race is the Onabike Cup. First contested in 1994 when it was won by Steve Kitchen now of Animal fame! Back then the course was longer with a 300m pedalling section out of the start through open moorland before joining into the part of the Ashcombe Estate that we now use. The race finished indoors in the barn with a hay-bale chicane as you entered to catch out the tired riders. The bikes have changed over the years. Back in 1994 only 4 riders turned up on full suspension bikes; as they were a real novelty back then; winner Steve Kitchen was one of those, onboard a Mongoose Amplifier. The race has been held at Ashcombe every year and was originally a one off downhill race. Many people were sceptical that we could get anyone to enter a downhill only race when for a similar entry fee you could race all around the estate and cycle uphill aswell! The doubters were wrong and a field of around 140 riders were hand timed by rally stop watches and the times then manually worked out! The race was a success and more downhill races followed and in 1996 the Onabike Cup was the final round of the South West downhill series; our last race of the year. It is still our last race of the year and has been the Christmas race at Ashcombe for the last six years. Timetable Registration 8:00am to 10:30am Practice 9:00am to 11:30am Race Run 1 11:45am to 1:45am Race Run 2 2:00 pm to 3:45pm NB: Result is both run times added together Prizegiving: 4:00pm Event Facilities Live TAG Heuer Timing Digital results display boards B&B accommodation on site (01626) 866 766 Toilets and Showers on site Catering Large hard standing car park Bike Cellar mobile shop on site Course suitable for all ages and skills Awards to top 3 in each class; including the new "Future Stars" class for 10-12 year olds, and "Novice" class for riders over 16 who have NEVER finished in the top three of a cycle race EVER! Previous winners 1994 Steve Kitchen 1995 Stefan Gleed 1996 Ollie Thomas 1997 Andy Barron 1998 Rich Warner 1999 Symon Folland 2000 Symon Folland 2001 Dan Atherton 2002 Gee Atherton 2003 Tom Tuckey 2004 Ashley Mullane 2005 Ashley Mullane For more information visit: www.dm27.com