Race Report: Annual Rogate Race 2018

Now the season of racing is drawing to a close from UCI, HSBC-UK Nationals, Pearce series, EWS and many more it’s nice to see local venues hosting races keeping “being between the tape” going for the good humans of two wheels. Turning back the clocks to the early days of Rogate the hill has seen some much-deserved love from locals guys keeping it open to save the hill and now with B1KE Bike Parks taking hold of this epic site. Dating back to the very first Rogate race in 2012 which was called off due to snow and freezing conditions then called “Snowgate” it’s hard to believe that with the weather we’ve just had was like a summers day with the sun out and an even better vibe on the hill! Having the giant here on the day that is RedBull was amazing, bringing in that exclusive vibe as you see at some big events around the globe.

Right, let's get stuck in...


The smell of bacon and coffee was strong in the air, busy pits with people blasting about getting their number boards on and sorted, and a lot of "dude have you to any cutters for my number board" .


Azzyp setting the TRG Stand ready for the day ahead!.


The practice session was lit, some testing sections that caught out the best of riders on this short but humbling track.

Race runs approached fast, quick walk up top to grab some food and drink and back out and on it.

Rippers:

These little dudes are so rad, with good speed and style!. I just got down just in time to catch 2nd place ripper George Madley, taking on Hell's corner and real smooth as well!!.


Taking the "hells corner"

Juvenile:

Again these dudes are so fast! Dom Platt taking the win in his Category the style on this lad is awesome.

Dom Platt on the charge.

Youth:

These boys are just exceptional, the speed and style on these guys are just awesome to see!. Ethan Craik took the win in the category and closely followed by Atherton academy's Luke Williamson!


Junior:

Some mega stylish lads in this cat, B1ke's Ross Green was on hand to tackle his creation (top section of the track and only done the track preview once) Taking the win on the day.....and sat down! legend!

The sat done legend....and still managed to win it!.

Senior Women:

Some fast ladies around these days and it's awesome to see. There are so many inspirational girls in this sport and it's awesome to have this available to so many girls wanting to ride and race. Specialized's Georgia Leslie had some fierce competition with Francie Arthur close her tail with Suzanne Lacy back in the mix.

Georgia coming in hot into the tech drop and fast!

Senior Men:

This must have been a tough day for most, not that he needs an intro, Mr. Kerr was on the hill racing, great to see this gent, taking the win on the day. There's not much room for error as these young lads like Craik and Williamson were very close to his times! Was he worried?

Kerr doing his thing and fast!.

Master Female:

This group of ladies are not slow, some very good riding going here from these Ladies, awesome work!!


Renee Diwell pinned through this section!

There was an awesome vibe on the hill with family's friends all supporting this epic race event.

The man!! Dave Macfarlane aka Bigmacphotographydh good to see ya pal!! Rest that calf.


Scott Macfarlane "miniMAC'' was taken down by the RedBull arch somehow it deflated it's self and fell right on Scott as he landed the jump! A little delay for everyone but none the less the RedBull and Rogate crew had the backup and in the mix again fast!!


[PI=Some Epic sponsors on the day, @mbcyclery @shredHeds @redbullbike @tftune @schwalbe @dmrbikes @theridersguild][/PI]


No Marshals no racing, so a massive thanks to these guys and girls!!.

Some good crowds on the hill shouting and heckling.

Master Men:

Some more fast humans this time from the Masters.


BEAN! Liam Mason from the DEATHGRIP crew taking the win on the day, he's fast! Could It be the handguards?

Veteran:

The name says it all, these boys have been around the scene for some time, and we all know good man when we see one, always time to chat, and have his photo taken with fans, stylish as ever, still fast, it's Mr. Geal or ''Gilly" as we all know him, taking the win on the day, nice work my man!


Geal making a lot of things look easy.

Hardtail:

These guys are epic! I enjoy riding Rogate on my full bouncer, but I'm not sure a hardtail would have the same effect on me, well it didn't worry these boys!! Has to said I've not seen a slam so hard as Lama took on his final run!! Man, that must of hurt!!


Finn Chapman taking the win on the day and very smooth and calculated.

Podiums:

Rippers:

1st. Billy Pugh. 2nd. George Madley. 3rd. Will Holbeche.

Juvenile:

1st. Dominic Platt. 2nd. Jonny Rockett. 3rd. Lucas Craik.

Youth:

1st. Ethan Craik. 2nd. Luke Williamson. 3rd. Patrick Ridge.

Junior:


1st. Ross Green. 2nd. James Cudbertson. 3rd. Gilby Prosser.

Senior Female:

1st. Georgia Leslie 2nd. Francie Arthur. 3rd. Suzanne Lacy.

Senior:


1st. Bernard Kerr. 2nd. Ben Townsend. 3rd. Henrik Jensen.

Master Female:

1st. Renee Diwell. 2nd. Jo Tucker. 3rd. Genevieve Clapton.

Master Men:


1st. Liam Mason. 2nd. Tokkie Fismer. 3rd. Jack Beckerson.

Veteran:


1st. Steve Geal. 2nd. Tim Kemp. 3rd. Rich Simpson.

Hardtail:


1st. Finn Chapman. 2nd. Ben Marks. 3rd. Fred Hunt.

From year to year, this race just gets better and better, the tracks get better, the vibe on the hill gets better, team and organizers, medics, marshals, catering, sponsors, and spectators, a HUGE thank you to you all!!



Huge thanks to all of the above!!