Mini Downhill Round One, Forest of Dean - Video

Once again, the Mini Downhill has returned to The Forest of Dean for the 2016/17 winter DH race series. It’s a good opportunity for riders to not only see what they are up against next year, but to also see how their winter training is progressing. With a mix of age and gender, it made for some close and exciting racing throughout the day. The track was pretty dry due to the cold conditions, but was very hazardous in the rooty and off camber sections throughout the day which caught a few racers.


The Rippers category (aged 10-12) was stacked with 21 riders in the mix, this would be their first race of their career for some and a chance to get to know how to prepare for a race run. Only three seconds separated the top six rippers today on this short but fast track, we hope to see a few more after Santa has brought them new bikes and kit for Christmas!


The dry trail soon turned to grease after a few runs, making it easier to have a huge stack. This rider certainly did that, winning the 'biggest crash of the day award' (Some say it was the skinny jeans) He was one of many riders that hit the deck but luckily no one was seriously hurt and all completed their race runs!


Families and friends were out in force today, cheering not only their loved ones but everyone racing. It was great to see and created a great atmosphere from the starting gate, all the way to the bottom and also when it came to the podium ceremonies. Hats off to you guys and the marshals for standing around all day in the cold weather.


One man who is finishing his season on a high is the one and only Ben Deakin, securing the FTD of the day by one second and winning the Elite class. He looked like he was flying and didn't put a foot wrong all day. Also a mention to up-and-coming riders, Jay Little (Junior) and Morgan Tyrrell (Youth) who rounded off the top 5 fastest times of the day!


It got dark very quickly for podiums but people grabbed a cuppa and hung around until the very end! A big thank you to everyone involved with this weekend and we hope to see you at the next round in 2017!

Video and Blog: Behind The Tape Productions
Photos: Doc Ward Photography

Full results here.

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MENTIONS: @nakedracing / @Behindthetapeproductions / @the-deakinator

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