Madison Saracen 2013 - National DH Champs: Bala

Check out this awesome official report from the British National Championships in Llangynog, Wales and find out how the Madison Saracen Factory Team got on!

So this was the big one on the UK calendar: Every rider wants the pride of being the National Champion, it's a race that has been won by some great British racers past and present and in this era, a hard-fought battle between riders who regularly jostle for the top spot on World Cup podiums throughout the season. These days to take the British title, or to come close, is also proving you're one of the best riders in the World, not just the UK.

After two weeks of a slightly unfamiliar sun drenching, the track, fettled and prepared by top racer Gareth Brewin, was in fantastic shape. A racers track, built by a racer, by far the best of the season and the smiles were as big as the surrounding Welsh hills. This would truly find a worthy British Champion!

The dust and loamy, forest dirt called for cut down Continental Mud Kings, to get the extra grip and bite in the turns whilst not compromising on rolling speed. Practice day came and went without any major issues, just smiles and no up-lift queues thanks to the Pearce-run system of Land Rovers and trailers. There was a confident buzz in the team pits and everyone was excited for race day.

Sunday morning arrived and it was great to see the smiling face of Phil Atwill arrive at the pits, still out of action with a broken thumb, he'd turned up to cheer on the team. Hopefully he will be back doing what he does best soon!

It’s always going to be tough for Manon to beat Rach. A tough combo of a rider in the form of her life and on home soil, Rach was a stones throw away from home, but Manon was determined and focused as ever to try and take the title. Second place on the day and another solid result.

"It's a bit frustrating, you come to this one to take the title and I didn't manage that today.... but I feel strong and I'm determined to win one this year!" – Manon Carpenter

Over in the Men’s there were great rides for both Sam and Harry. In a stacked field Sam was looking rapid all weekend, a podium spot in 5th confirmed this and he was stoked to be getting back towards where he wants to be on the results sheet.

"Happy with that one, its a good step back to where I want to be, where I should be and I'm fired up now heading into Andorra. That's another great track so I can't wait to get there now." – Sam Dale

Not more than a second behind Sam, Harry put in a stormer for 8th place, proving he has what it takes to roll with the best riders in the country.

“I had a solid run, times are tight as ever, so I'm pleased to see I'm on the pace. Obviously you come here to win this one so there's a little disappointment but overall it's another decent result in a season that's still improving race by race for me" – Harry Molloy

With a set of great results in the bag, the team are now excited about heading to Andorra for World Cup number 3. After what they all agreed was an awesome weekend of racing. Great track, sunshine and lots of riding : the perfect combo for any British summer.

Photography: Laurence Crossman-Emms