Video: It's Not a Race, Right?

Dec 3, 2014 at 6:40
by Cat Topham  
Views: 5,311    Faves: 11    Comments: 0

It's clear to see that the girls aren't racing, right?

I've always thought that there's a unique relationship between friends who race. I also knew I really wanted to have a go at making an MTB edit, and this concept of mates who race seemed like a good idea to base it round.

As mountain bikers we meet some of our closest friends on the racetrack. Practising together, sharing tips on lines, set-ups and the best kit to make ourselves go as fast as we dare at the same time as secretly gauging the other persons speed and form. When the countdown starts we want nothing more than to beat each other to the finish line, yet we celebrate equally happily whoever emerges victorious. The women's category in pretty much any MTB race discipline epitomises both this close bond and fierce rivalry as the group is so small. There may be only 10 ladies to 300 men at any given event.

I'm lucky to have a few of racing friends and they were happy to meet up for some winter riding before our lives head in different directions next year, Claire Bennett into the world of elite racing, Rachael Gurney into the European scene and Cat (behind the camera) into motherhood. I count these two ladies and a lot of the other girls on the UK Enduro circuit amongst my good friends now, even if I do secretly still wish I was as fast as they are on my bike. The community is growing and is such a fantastic family that I'm pleased and proud to be part of! I'd like to thank them and all the people that race for a fantastic year and especially Claire and Rachael for indulging me and letting me film them for a few days, I hope they are pleased with the result, I think they look pretty amazing!

Claire Bennett

Claire is colour coordinated with the best of them, but beyond this important fact she's a shredder. In what was her first proper year of racing on the UK Enduro circuit she has blown most of the competition out of the water and will be racing in the ranks of the elite girls next season, a big step up and one I know she will meet head on.

Rachael Gurney

Not to be outdone Rachael also dazzles, matching her bike! It's been a tough year for Rachael, with multiple injuries keeping her off the bike and the racetrack. Some pretty fierce determination, which I have witnessed first hand, has kept her going though and as she heads off to NZ and then on to Europe next year she's going to come back faster then ever I think.

It s not a race right

Claire and Rachael would like to thank their sponsors for all their help this year and for all the support in the future.

Sealskinz
Mudhugger
Duck Smart
Flare Clothing
Evolution Bikes
TF Tuned
Uber Bike Components
Scruffy Dog Creations


Mentions: @flareclothingco @TFTunedShox @Jay0384 @Rachaeljane @uberbikecomponents



Author Info:
chwest avatar

Member since Mar 6, 2012
3 articles

15 Comments
  • 5 1
 Not to be rude, but did their bums get cleaner towards the end or is it just me.
  • 3 1
 How dare you look at their bums! They are not mere sex objects I'll have you know! Dear lord what is this world coming to? Did you not realise the suffragettes fought long and hard for the right to wear trousers, so they should bloody well be allowed to change their trousers half way down a downhill run. Get back to your cave man!
  • 2 0
 Lolage! Yeah so they are supposed to wear trousers not shorts! At least they cleaned them, that is what women are for eh?? And before we get moaners, this is a joke and m sat next to my womb-man as I write this!! Good riding though!
  • 2 0
 Womb-man. Holy shit you just blew my mind.
  • 1 0
 Well y'know - genius...
  • 2 0
 Evidently
  • 1 0
 cheers lad!
  • 2 0
 Enjoyed that better than the 'lollipop' ones. No 'look I'm a girl' intro. Similar standard of riding but no nonsense two people having a hoot on their bikes!
  • 2 0
 I really enjoyed watching this one. Everybody looks so happy Smile
  • 2 0
 I know them! I know them!
  • 1 0
 That's what it 's all about, riding bikes with your mates and being happy!
  • 1 0
 Great edit just riding bikes n having a good time
  • 1 0
 Thankyou for the positive comments peeps!
  • 1 0
 Great edit, big smiles all round.
  • 1 0
 Nice! I enjoyed that.







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