Aston Hill Eastern and Central DH Champs

It's only a week until the Eastern and Central Champs being held at Aston Hill and entries are filling fast. "We're really pleased by the enthusiastic response we've had to the race!" said Rich Abbott, chairman of Aston Hill Bike Park and primary race organiser. "We know Aston Hill is recognised as probably the best downhill venue in the south and central areas of England, and we're always really pleased to hold a championship event. However, what we like even more is seeing grassroots riders getting a buzz from racing on a great track in friendly environment, often against names they've read about in the mags. That's why we hold the races, and this race looks set to continue that with some great names, some great prizes and a great track." The 4-2-3 track is running really well and John Holbrook and his team of Hillbillies have been hard at work to make sure that it's perfect for raceday. Generous sponsors SRAM, Troy Lee Designs, Nema, Gusset, Halo, Madison.co.uk, Continental, Monster Energy and Dees Cycles of Amersham have all donated excellent prizes, and there's something incredibly special to be won in the Hardtail Category courtesy of Dialled Bikes. World Cup racers Ollie Burton and Harry Molloy will be strapping on their helmets to compete, and British Downhill Series organiser Dave Franciosy will be taking shots of every rider which will be available to download for free after the event. In total there are nine categories, including hardtail and ladies, with each rider getting two timed runs. All race runs will be recorded by Mikrotime with the faster run counting. The event is National B Regional Championship British Cycling status. Registration from 8.00am – 10.00am Practice from 8.30am – 10.45am (you need to get two full race runs in before the race starts) Racing starts at 11.00am Pre entries are £23.50, on the day entries are £28.00. Fastened full-face helmets are compulsory and body armour is advised. Online registration is shutting midnight on Wednesday and any spaces left will be available on a first-come first-served basis at Aston Hill on the day. There were some last-minute racers turned away last year - to avoid disappointment, head over to www.rideastonhill.co.uk to enter!