Gee Atherton 2009 National Champion

The U.Ks top flight assembled this weekend giving over 2,000 spectators the chance to see the best Great Britain has to offer from it's wealth of Downhill talent. A tough, challenging and super fast track lay ahead for the finest with Steve Peat defending his 2008 title. Saturdays practise was a nightmare for the riders after a Met Office weather warning for the weekend meant intermitent torrential down pours, E-Zee Ups were on lock down whilst we had one look out permanently on watch for the River Tweed in case she burst her banks. The big battle was between Steve Peat and Gee Atherton, Peaty on dry tyres cruised in on seeding with almost four seconds to spare whilst Gee was on spikes. Gee's switched to dry tyres last minute for his race run and all went sweet as he clocked a great time leaving all the pressure on Peaty. Peaty was definately up on Gee come the last greasy corner before the chute of death, in seeding he unclipped and made sure he stayed high for a fast exit route. Steve's race run had gone so well he was confident no dab was needed and he steered high only to let his left pedal clip a rock or root he said and down he went.. The same happened last year with Gee up on the split only to crash out, so visa versa this year and Gee the proud wearer of the National Champs jersey for 2009. This is who finally made it down to the wire this weekend and will be wearing their National Champs jersey for the next 12 months. Results Master 1 Dave List Master 2 Chris Whitfield Veteran 1 Neil Wilson Veteran 2 Alasdair Maclennan Grand Vet Derek Laughland Juvenile Men Aaron Gannicott Youth Men Lewis Buchanan Junior Men Bernard Kerr Women Tracey Moseley Senior Men Gee Atherton Si "Superfly" Paton. www.NPSDH.com Photos by Keith Valetine - Phunkt.com