UK Downtown Race moves from Bridgnorth to Penarth, Cardiff

Following the success of last year's inaugural event in Bridgnorth, Penarth will host 300 downhill riders at this year’s UK Downtown Race on the 21st of October. The explosive sport of urban downhill racing is coming to Penarth thanks to Sirrah D Events in partnership with Tredz. Penarth, just south of Cardiff, is to be transformed into a downhill mountain bike trail for the day as riders compete against each other and the course. The event is the brainchild of David Harris who’s promised that “this year will be brilliant for the sport, fun is the number one priority of the day and the course is designed as much for the spectators as the riders. We’ve got pro’s but we’re expecting loads of young riders who’ve never raced before. I’m even trying to persuade the mayor to make the first run.” Tredz General Manager, Nic Fluck, said: "Our Cardiff store is in Penarth and you will see plenty of Tredz employees lining the course as well as our sponsored and shop riders taking part." While some of the sport's elite riders and high profile teams will be participating, entry is open to the general public. The virgin course remains a secret to all entrants until the 19th October when details will be released via the event’s official website: www.downtownrace.co.uk. Open practise begins at 9am and the race starts at 2pm. All riders will have a chance to win some of the £6000 worth of prizes on offer. Urban downhill forces the riders to tackle steps, cars and unforgiving concrete turns whilst capturing the speed, air and power principles of classic downhill mountain bike racing. The sport is already well established on the international scene. Popular annual events take place in Mexico and Puerto Rico. However the best-known annual competition is the infamous Lisboa Downtown in Portugal, now in its seventh year it continues to draw huge crowds and TV audiences. www.downtownrace.co.uk