Eastern and Central Region Champs this weekend

The steely edge of championship downhill mountain bike racing returns to Aston Hill this Sunday, with the Eastern and Central Region Champs. "I'm on it like a car bonnet" said Pete Way, chairman of Aston Hill Bike Park. "I'm all over hosting the champs again and super stoked to be showing off a demon-tweaked 423. If you ragged the drifty lines of the 2009 Southern Champs you're in for a pleasant surprise, and if you raced the tougher, quicker track last year you'll love this one even more. What was a pimply teenager of a course has been beasted and moulded into a mature, fighting fit trail which will get all riders grinning massively!" All at Aston Hill are really pleased to have support from Aztec, Shimano, GoPro, SRAM, Rock Shox, Dakine, Kali, Upgrade Bikes, Beeline Cycles and Duffbag, and Simon Slater is going to have a team of photographers at the race as well as offering same-day prints. In total there are nine categories including hardtail and female, with each rider getting two timed runs. All race runs will be recorded by Mikrotime, with the faster run counting. The event will carry National (single points) British Cycling status (as per 2011). You can book your entry until 11.59pm Wednesday night. After that all entries left will be available on a first come, first served basis from 12.00pm on Saturday at Aston Hill. For all prices please go to Ride Aston Hill Registration from 12.00pm (Saturday) and 8.00am – 10.00am (Sunday) Practice from 8.30am – 10.45am (Sunday) Racing starts at 11.00am (Sunday) Fastened helmets are a must and armour is advised. Spaces are running out fast - check out Ride Aston Hill for more information and to enter!