2012 iXS European Downhill Cup
To Innerleithen And Beyond...
The guys at Innerleithen MTB Racing have been busy over the winter putting the final touches to the iXS European Cup which makes a return to the UK after absence in 2011. Here's what they have to say:
For four days this summer, between the 14th and 17th June, the eyes of the World will be focused on the town of Innerleithen in the Heart of the Tweed Valley. Just one week after the Fort William World Cup, the iXS European Downhill Cup rolls into town for the only UK round of Europe’s premier downhill mountain bike series. Over that weekend the World’s best male and female downhill racers will pit their skills against each other at the spiritual home of the UK downhill scene. A number of fringe events will keep spectators and riders entertained and there will even be an appearance by the Olympic Torch!
Organiser Innerleithen MTB Racing is delighted to announce BT Infinity super-fast broadband as headline sponsor for the event. James McClafferty, BT Scotland’s partnerships director;
“BT is really excited to be involved in the biggest event on Innerleithen’s calendar and is particularly keen to support the community benefit that can be realised through our sponsorship of the event. We have been overwhelmed by the successful community campaign to bring super-fast broadband services to Innerleithen and its surrounds and are confident that the same community spirit will ensure a successful event.”
This is the biggest downhill race in the UK outside of Fort William and follows the huge success of the event held at Innerleithen in 2010 when over 300 competitors raced on a specially constructed one-off track through Traquair Forest, watched by several thousand spectators. Many of the World’s top riders, including Brook Macdonald, are expected to compete as the event takes place a week after the Fort William World Cup. Red Bull TV will be covering the action on the track for broadcast after the event. Innerleithen is recognised as a World Class downhill venue and that recognition coupled with the success of 2010 has resulted in this return for 2012. A purpose built track will again be constructed specifically for the event with a fantastic mix of natural lines and manmade features.
![Fw iXS Cup Innerleithen Pinkbike]()
Entries for the event are still available here.
Duncan Nisbet of Innerleithen MTB Racing;“This year we are focussing on the expected 3,000 spectators just as much as the riders and the event arena will be the focus for competitors and spectators alike, with lots to do, see, buy and try. The weekend will include a Film Night, Dual Slalom and Pump Track competitions and a Mini-Downhill event for under 16’s. Free entry for spectators over the three days gives access to all the action as well as on-site catering, kids’ skills area, timber tester track and trade stands. There really is something for everyone.”
The Programme of Events starts on the evening of Thursday 14th June with a Film Night showcasing some local riding and filming talent. Earlier in the day, the Olympic Torch passes through Innerleithen on its Relay round the UK.
The main event is a traditional downhill event with uplift service and kicks off with a practice session on Friday 15th June with the official launch party in the evening. Innerleithen MTB Racing are at pains to point out that they will be running the uplift direct from the main car park, as in 2010, and so save riders the 1.5 mile ride along the road every run to the normal uplift point.
Saturday sees further practice and qualifying with a Kids mini DH competition during the day and a Dual Slalom competition in the evening. Both these events are ideal for spectators as the action comes thick and fast. Saturday also sees the Innerleithen Pipe Band Championships take place in the town and a parade of the massed pipes and drums will be accompanied by race competitors along Innerleithen High Street in the early evening.
Sunday sees final practice and race runs followed by the prize presentations. This is the culmination of the whole weekend and spectators are advised to arrive early to be sure of a good vantage point on the track. The racing will be fierce and the action intense.
![Fw iXS Cup Innerleithen Pinkbike]()
The winner of the Elite Male category two years ago was Ben Cathro of Sick Skills MTB Coaching & Guiding;
“The last iXS at Innerleithen was a brilliant race for me. The track was especially built for the event and was by far the best I have ridden at Innerleithen and probably one of the best in the country. It was a really well run race and winning it was pretty special as well considering the high level competitors. I look forward to racing it again in 2012.”
There is further support from EventScotland, i-cycles, The Bike Lodge, Alpine Bikes, Trail Perfection and Aim Up.
Further information and details on the event can be found at the official site: http://www.ixscupinnerleithen.com/ or find us on FaceBook and Twitter @ixscupinners.
Event Programme
Thursday 14th June
11:50 Olympic Torch Relay on Innerleithen High Street
19:30 Film Night at Innerleithen Union Club
Friday 15th June
11:00 Rider sign-on opens
12:00 Course open for inspection
12:00 Event Arena opens
14:00 Course opens for practice session
18:00 Course closes for practice session
20:00 Launch Party at Traquair Arms Hotel
Saturday 16th June
08:00 Course open for practice session
08:00 Event Arena opens
10:00 Kids under 16 DH race in Traquair Forest
14:30 Qualifying runs start
17:30 Course closes
18:00 Dual Slalom at Event Arena – open to all
Sunday 17th June
08:00 Course open for practice session
08:00 Event Arena opens
12:00 Course closes for practice session
12:30 Final Race Runs start
17:00 Podiums and Event Finish
About Innerleithen MTB Racing
We are an Innerleithen based race team and event promoter with supported riders in many cycling disciplines. Our main supporter is i-Cycles bike shop (www.i-cycles.co.uk). We are a ‘not for profit’ volunteer organisation with the aim to stage fun, friendly and challenging events for all disciplines of mountain biking. Over the last three years we have organised the British Cross Country (XC) Championships, numerous XC and Multi-Stage Enduro races, a Mini DH race series for under 18s and the very successful iXS European Downhill Cup.
About EventScotland
EventScotland is the national events agency.
EventScotland is working to make Scotland one of the world’s leading event destinations. By developing an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events EventScotland is helping to raise Scotland’s international profile and boost the economy by attracting more visitors. For further information about EventScotland, its funding programmes and latest event news visit www.EventScotland.org
The Year of Creative Scotland 2012 will spotlight and celebrate Scotland’s cultural and creative strengths on a world stage and is a Scottish Government initiative led in partnership by EventScotland, VisitScotland, Creative Scotland and VOCAL.
More information and resources to help businesses engage with Year of Creative Scotland are available at: www.visitscotland.org/yearofcreativescotland-toolkit
About BT Infinity
BT Infinity is a new broadband product that uses the latest fibre optic technology to provide a much faster and more powerful internet connection.
BT Infinity offers download speeds of up to 300Mb a second, much faster than standard broadband delivered over copper wires. Note that as every phone line is different, the actual speed you get will vary.
BT is investing £2.5 billion on its fibre broadband programme throughout the UK. In 2011, Innerleithen was announced as one of the winners in the “Race to Infinity” campaign following a successful community campaign.
www.bt.com/infinity
Images from the 2010 event are here with the Pinkbike report here.
The guys at Innerleithen MTB Racing have been busy over the winter putting the final touches to the iXS European Cup which makes a return to the UK after absence in 2011. Here's what they have to say:
For four days this summer, between the 14th and 17th June, the eyes of the World will be focused on the town of Innerleithen in the Heart of the Tweed Valley. Just one week after the Fort William World Cup, the iXS European Downhill Cup rolls into town for the only UK round of Europe’s premier downhill mountain bike series. Over that weekend the World’s best male and female downhill racers will pit their skills against each other at the spiritual home of the UK downhill scene. A number of fringe events will keep spectators and riders entertained and there will even be an appearance by the Olympic Torch!
Organiser Innerleithen MTB Racing is delighted to announce BT Infinity super-fast broadband as headline sponsor for the event. James McClafferty, BT Scotland’s partnerships director;
“BT is really excited to be involved in the biggest event on Innerleithen’s calendar and is particularly keen to support the community benefit that can be realised through our sponsorship of the event. We have been overwhelmed by the successful community campaign to bring super-fast broadband services to Innerleithen and its surrounds and are confident that the same community spirit will ensure a successful event.”
This is the biggest downhill race in the UK outside of Fort William and follows the huge success of the event held at Innerleithen in 2010 when over 300 competitors raced on a specially constructed one-off track through Traquair Forest, watched by several thousand spectators. Many of the World’s top riders, including Brook Macdonald, are expected to compete as the event takes place a week after the Fort William World Cup. Red Bull TV will be covering the action on the track for broadcast after the event. Innerleithen is recognised as a World Class downhill venue and that recognition coupled with the success of 2010 has resulted in this return for 2012. A purpose built track will again be constructed specifically for the event with a fantastic mix of natural lines and manmade features.
Entries for the event are still available here.
Duncan Nisbet of Innerleithen MTB Racing;“This year we are focussing on the expected 3,000 spectators just as much as the riders and the event arena will be the focus for competitors and spectators alike, with lots to do, see, buy and try. The weekend will include a Film Night, Dual Slalom and Pump Track competitions and a Mini-Downhill event for under 16’s. Free entry for spectators over the three days gives access to all the action as well as on-site catering, kids’ skills area, timber tester track and trade stands. There really is something for everyone.”
The Programme of Events starts on the evening of Thursday 14th June with a Film Night showcasing some local riding and filming talent. Earlier in the day, the Olympic Torch passes through Innerleithen on its Relay round the UK.
The main event is a traditional downhill event with uplift service and kicks off with a practice session on Friday 15th June with the official launch party in the evening. Innerleithen MTB Racing are at pains to point out that they will be running the uplift direct from the main car park, as in 2010, and so save riders the 1.5 mile ride along the road every run to the normal uplift point.
Saturday sees further practice and qualifying with a Kids mini DH competition during the day and a Dual Slalom competition in the evening. Both these events are ideal for spectators as the action comes thick and fast. Saturday also sees the Innerleithen Pipe Band Championships take place in the town and a parade of the massed pipes and drums will be accompanied by race competitors along Innerleithen High Street in the early evening.
Sunday sees final practice and race runs followed by the prize presentations. This is the culmination of the whole weekend and spectators are advised to arrive early to be sure of a good vantage point on the track. The racing will be fierce and the action intense.
The winner of the Elite Male category two years ago was Ben Cathro of Sick Skills MTB Coaching & Guiding;
“The last iXS at Innerleithen was a brilliant race for me. The track was especially built for the event and was by far the best I have ridden at Innerleithen and probably one of the best in the country. It was a really well run race and winning it was pretty special as well considering the high level competitors. I look forward to racing it again in 2012.”
There is further support from EventScotland, i-cycles, The Bike Lodge, Alpine Bikes, Trail Perfection and Aim Up.
Further information and details on the event can be found at the official site: http://www.ixscupinnerleithen.com/ or find us on FaceBook and Twitter @ixscupinners.
Event Programme
Thursday 14th June
11:50 Olympic Torch Relay on Innerleithen High Street
19:30 Film Night at Innerleithen Union Club
Friday 15th June
11:00 Rider sign-on opens
12:00 Course open for inspection
12:00 Event Arena opens
14:00 Course opens for practice session
18:00 Course closes for practice session
20:00 Launch Party at Traquair Arms Hotel
Saturday 16th June
08:00 Course open for practice session
08:00 Event Arena opens
10:00 Kids under 16 DH race in Traquair Forest
14:30 Qualifying runs start
17:30 Course closes
18:00 Dual Slalom at Event Arena – open to all
Sunday 17th June
08:00 Course open for practice session
08:00 Event Arena opens
12:00 Course closes for practice session
12:30 Final Race Runs start
17:00 Podiums and Event Finish
About Innerleithen MTB Racing
We are an Innerleithen based race team and event promoter with supported riders in many cycling disciplines. Our main supporter is i-Cycles bike shop (www.i-cycles.co.uk). We are a ‘not for profit’ volunteer organisation with the aim to stage fun, friendly and challenging events for all disciplines of mountain biking. Over the last three years we have organised the British Cross Country (XC) Championships, numerous XC and Multi-Stage Enduro races, a Mini DH race series for under 18s and the very successful iXS European Downhill Cup.
About EventScotland
EventScotland is the national events agency.
EventScotland is working to make Scotland one of the world’s leading event destinations. By developing an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events EventScotland is helping to raise Scotland’s international profile and boost the economy by attracting more visitors. For further information about EventScotland, its funding programmes and latest event news visit www.EventScotland.org
The Year of Creative Scotland 2012 will spotlight and celebrate Scotland’s cultural and creative strengths on a world stage and is a Scottish Government initiative led in partnership by EventScotland, VisitScotland, Creative Scotland and VOCAL.
More information and resources to help businesses engage with Year of Creative Scotland are available at: www.visitscotland.org/yearofcreativescotland-toolkit
About BT Infinity
BT Infinity is a new broadband product that uses the latest fibre optic technology to provide a much faster and more powerful internet connection.
BT Infinity offers download speeds of up to 300Mb a second, much faster than standard broadband delivered over copper wires. Note that as every phone line is different, the actual speed you get will vary.
BT is investing £2.5 billion on its fibre broadband programme throughout the UK. In 2011, Innerleithen was announced as one of the winners in the “Race to Infinity” campaign following a successful community campaign.
www.bt.com/infinity
Images from the 2010 event are here with the Pinkbike report here.
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