NEWS

Nirvana 2003 Challenge Cup Report
by Simon Thomas

Tuesday night saw the first round of the Nirvana Challenge cup. Thirty riders set off at 2 minute intervals depending upon 'perceived' ability by the clerk of the course.

Starting at the bottom of 'punch the clock' the course then turned right into 'F & M' then back up the torturous climb to then go down 'follow through' then over 'wave of mutilation' to complete a 3 mile lap. Then another 2 laps.

First across the line was Alex Hale, 2nd Alan Tilling, Marcus Bruton, Becki Milbourne & Ian Vincent.

No serious crashes but lots of good riding.

Thanks to Richard, Andy, Mark, Guy & Mike for marshalling & helping set up.

Alex, winner of 1st round                        Alan, runner up

The race from a spectators point of view.

We chose our first viewpoint where we expected the most crashes but also to check out how F & M should be ridden. It's a technical singletrack that drops steeply over roots the ground is very loose & soft with a sharp left turn at the bottom. Slightly new lines have been developed but they were probably more tricky to keep control of the bike.

Most of the crashes were the result of not being able to make the sharp left at the bottom, concentration being focused on getting down in one piece.

We wandered over to 'wave of mutilation' which looks like a really fun piece of singletrack. Some riders were just enjoying riding down it & others like JW were going like a train. Alex (winner) seemed to be riding everything really well, closely followed by David who was just keeping him in his sights.

We headed back to 'f & m' & along the track back to the finish line. Top marks to Jon Livermore for not being put off by the chasing pack saying 'after you, no after you' at the top of 'F & M' he rode it well.

All in all everyone seemed to be having a good time & we're looking forward to next week.

RESULTS & RACE TIMES

PICTURES

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