The world's largest women's mountain bike race, Red Bull Foxhunt with Rachel Atherton, returned for its 3rd year this weekend but with a twist: a new venue making for a longer and new, improved track.
After being held on the outskirts of Edinburgh previously, the Foxhunt chose a new location in the heart of the Eden Valley that could accommodate over 230 riders. With its rolling hills, endless trails and breathtaking backdrops, Cumbria is a destination hotspot for UK mountain biking and is by no means short on space, which makes it the perfect venue to hold such a number of riders.
With the opportunity to create a fresh, new and exciting course came the opportunity to create more chalenging features. Speaking of the new location and course prior to the event, Rachel Atherton said: “This new course is in a gorgeous location and it’s set to challenge the racers with some technical features - including switchbacks, some steep and rocky terrain, and multiple line choices for maximum over-taking! I can’t wait.”
The event is not solely about the racing, however, it's also about strengthening ties between women in the cycling community. It's an event in many women mountain-bikers calendar not to be missed, and there was no less of a sense of anticipation this year as all the tickets were sold out within 8 hours of release. The event brings together women from all over the country and creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere for the highly experienced rider and also the newcomer. It depicts how relaxed and welcoming the mtb community is, whether you're a man or woman, and is the perfect place to meet up and relax with friends and make new ones.
Saturday morning began with a rider briefing and unfortunately the weather wasn't on the riders' side and the uplifts were cancelled, but that certainly did not dampen their spirits. The women pushed on through, hike a biking, through the mud and grass, with friends by their side to ease the push.
The majority of women had not seen the course, only the preview that Rachel had posted only hours before, meaning that many had not prepared for the terrain and conditions they would soon face.
The low morning fog in the valley below.
Spirits were high and the riders were ready and raring to go for practice.
The mud the riders had to walk through to get to the warm teepee was worse than what was on the track.
With the riders signed on and number boards and jerseys at the ready, it was time to get the bikes prepped.
Taking a little breather on the climb whilst heading up for practice.
As the uplift struggled, hike-a-biking was the favoured option among many as they scaled the mountain.
Taking the buggies to the top was a sketchy experience. The buggies managed to take some bikes to the top so that the women didn't have to push.
Friends are for making sure you're safe and ready to go before hurling yourself down a mountain.
Grab a quick selfie before practice and make sure to get the scenery in!
The Eden Valley provided some stunning backdrops, but the riders were too preoccupied in keeping the rubber side down than taking in the scenery.
Rachel gave some riding tips to the girls during practice.
The sharpest and rockiest corner on the track leading into a trail merger made the race interesting.
Keeping rubber side down was a tough task on this 'A' line.
De-clogging slick tyres after skidding down the mountain.
With the Jeeps out of action, this was the best way to the top, albeit rather sketchy.
Safe to say, there was quite a queue for the bike wash after practice day in the rain.
Before they knew it, race day was upon them, and the sun shone through the morning fog to make a bright start to the day. The grass was glistening with the early morning dew and the uplift Jeeps were ready to give the climb another go. As race practice started, the tensions rose for the many that had not experienced race nerves before.
The track had dried out over night making the dirt grippier for the riders. This was a welcome change, as the slick conditions the previous day made for many crashes, especially on the off-camber sections. Despite the increased grip a "foot out, flat out" approach would have to be taken in order to make any overtakes and to beat Rachel. But the hardest part that the riders had yet to face was seeing if they could hold their lines from practice when accompanied by hundreds of other riders come race time.
Preparing for the race ahead, riders took some time to appreciate the views before the race.
The early morning fog over the Eden Valley before the sun broke through.
The organisers setting up the finish area.
The Jeeps were back up and running ready for the race.
The adrenaline running in the finish area was high as the girls were relieved to have survived.
Once the race had started even those who felt no need for competition prior were suddenly hunting for every overtake.
Despite being the 'B' line, it did not prevent any less crashes due to the off camber straight the girls had to prepare for.
Race day! Over 180 women raced down the mountain, tackling the off camber, steep turns together.
Rachel hunting down the riders, unfortunately picking up a puncture on her way down, but it didn't stop her loving the race!
Rachel smashing through one of the steepest and off camber parts of the track.
The Foxhunt 2016 winner Rosie Holdsworth making her way down the track ahead of the carnage that followed.
As partners and friends waited in the finish line, the riders, pumping with adrenaline, shared their experience of the race.
As with every MTB or outdoors event, dogs come along and are the best spectators.
Rachel wasn't the only one to get a flat on the way down as others were stung by the sharp rocks.
The adrenaline running in the finish area was high as the girls were relieved to have survived...
Rachel took a moment off the podium to do a little interview with winner Rosie Holdsworth.
Results:
1st Rosie Holdsworth
2nd Roslynn Newman
3rd Rosy Monaghan
Find the full results here.
See you next year!
MENTIONS: @redbullbike / @saskiaa
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Not one DH bike to be seen?
All the shite she gets because lots of people aren't fans of Gee, she's such a great ambassador for the sport.
I just reached a point where after 4 consecutive posts of "Oh wow look at this signpost which confirms that I won every race this year" on IG I wanted to reply "Yeah, we heard you the first 100 times".