Rose Bikes BDS 2015 - Round 3, Llangollen - Preview

The Llangollen BDS track is the steepest race track in the U.K. Starting off in the thick dense woodland, the track soon drops away at an alarming rate, shooting down unbelievably steep and rocky chutes. The riders have to then dive between the crash netting and padded trees before they pop out into the relatively safe, open section. Traversing at speed across the steep and lush Welsh hillside, all in full view of the finish arena the riders are treated to naturally cut out corners before they tackle the famous Llangollen step down jumps. Still holding on, the riders fire into the most spectacular of finish arenas in top gear, sprinting across the finish line in front of a packed house.


The event is classed as an international event on the UCI calendar with a number of international riders making the trip over before they head on up to the Fort William World Cup the week after. With increased prize money and points available the final race runs on Sunday afternoon are sure to be jaw dropping as spectators witness supreme skills and courage from every rider that attacks this legendary course.


In the men's field the current UCI World Champion, Gee Atherton may prove unstoppable after winning the first two stops of the series will we see a 'Hat-Trick'? Gee took the win here last year by almost 3 full seconds ahead of Joe Smith. Josh Bryceland is back to attack and will look to replicate his win here back in 2011 and certainly better his 4th place of last year. 2011 UCI World Champion, Danny Hart has been consistent here in 2011 and 2014 with a third place on podium. With three BDS wins previously under his belt, can he make it a fourth? However, never discount Adam Brayton, aka Mr. Gas to Flat, this steep and technical course has his name written all over it.


geebeebee video from 2014

For the women, Rachel Atherton when on form is hard to beat, her last seven appearances on the start list at a BDS have seen her take first place every time. In fact she has won every one of the three times she has raced at Llangollen. Manon Carpenter will be pushing hard as she has won here three times since 2009. Tahnee Seagrave will be the rookie of Llangollen having never raced on this track. That said she will still be looking for her second BDS win after taking the top honours at the final round of the BDS last year at Bike Park Wales.


The finals go down on Sunday afternoon at 14:00 after a full days practice on Saturday and qualifying on Sunday morning. The one race run format in front of the large crowd of spectators will really push the riders skill, courage and concentration levels to the limit. It will be an epic event. Free Spectating, car park is £5.00 per vehicle. The venue will be clearly signposted. The post code is LL20 8AR.

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