This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
Downhill Mountain Biking 2012 to 2013


W By AARON LAPPAGE


Contact Details: W:www.aaronsbikes.com E: info@jerseybikerepairs.com T: 280989


hat an amazing year 2012 has been for Cycling! Bradley


Wiggins set the precedent with his Tour De France victory and Team GB didn’t disappoint when it came to the Olympics. Domination in the velodrome by Sir Chris Hoy, Victoria Pendleton and Laura Trott , saw a haul of medals. Shanaze Reade and Liam Phillips impressed in the BMX arena, but sadly didn’t make the medal tables. The message behind London 2012 was inspire a generation – this has certainly had the desired effect with this sport as all forms of cycling have seen an increase with more people getting in the saddle.


One particular area is that of downhill mountain biking. Although still a relatively new sport, with the first existence only dating back to the late 1970’s popularity is growing fast. This growth is aided by the World Cup race circuit, with similar courses to that of downhill skiing - just as fast and adrenaline packed. Riders from around the world compete in a series of races to accumulate points towards the championship, together with a one off World Championship race, which is always action packed with live streaming on www.redbull.com


The World Championship title currently sits with South African Gregg Minaar and the World Cup title has been maintained for the


Page 86 Jersey's Olympic Legacy


last 2 years by American Aaron Gwinn. Closer to home, the British riders are putting on an excellent display of their credentials in the series with Danny Hart giving the American a run for his money.


It’s a family


affair when it comes to the Athertons. Originally from Somerset, brothers Gee and Dan, and sister Rachel are formidable when on the course and definitely ones to keep an eye on in 2013. The most successful British rider of all time is Steve Peat, who has been British champion for 8 times and has over 17 World Cup titles under his belt, and he’s still racing with a young seed on the team, Mancunian Josh Bryceland.


Just across the pond from us, the Coupe De Bretagne is the Brittany downhill championships with up to 200 riders racing in different age categories. The races are held all over Brittany on a variety of challenging courses. The format of race requires the


competitor to practice the course to become familiar with the different terrain. This is essential as competitors only get 3 runs down the course with the fastest time possibly counting towards a medal. Our neighbours in Guernsey also have a race series, with a number of Jersey riders including this and the Brittany downhill on their calendar.


We at Aaron's Bikes are looking at ways of promoting mountain biking in Jersey and have a few ideas up our sleeve. We are hoping to put together some areas to help develop riding skills for young riders and older riders as well. It is hoped that an area can be found to develop a pump track, an area that can help teach the skills needed to hit terrain fast and is good fun too. We are also looking at ways of promoting events in Jersey and possibly trying to develop mountain biking to help the tourist industry attract more visitors.


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