Inter-Services Race 2016 - Antur Stiniog

Team Aston Hill manager and Veteran rider, Joe Killner recently took part as a guest rider in the 2016 Inter-Services Champs. Joe previously served in the Army and he has got to know the current riders who represent the Army, RAF, and Navy and was lucky enough to get an invite.



The Inter-services is the final race in a season-long Championship between the different services that make up the British Armed Forces and just like the UCI World Champs this is a one-off race with the winner taking the title. As well as the Inter-Services Champs each service holds their own championship on the day to crown their own individual champion. The track for the race was Y Du (The Black) (Double Black), this is a Black DH run with a super fast, flowy, jump top section with a gnarly steep rock section with big jumps to keep you on your toes, and then prepare for the steepness! Carved turns and berms all down an open hillside, finishing with another super steep rock roller and a jump section.


Aston Hill rider Joe in timed practice .



The Champs are organised each year by a different service and this year it was hosted by The Army with Major Justin Revell organising the whole event. It is not only for the experienced Military riders but also used to encourage novice riders into racing and also help select new talent to the service teams.


The 1st day was practice and the weather and track conditions were perfect.




The 2nd day was race day, overnight rain had made the track very slippery and riders who went up early found out to their cost how slippery it was. A delay caused by an injury to a rider allowed the track to dry and made for perfect race conditions.




Joe's Race

Joe racing in his usual Veterans category felt relaxed as he was just a guest and could not affect the Inter Champs. First run and right on cue the wind picked up. Sprinting off the start and managing not to get blown off his bike Joe managed to negotiate the track and cross the line sub 3 minutes, this placed him in 1st place with a 5-second lead. 2nd run and the track was near perfect, tacky mud and more importantly dry slate. Joe set off at pace, dropped into the fence rock drop clean and even managed to inside the final slate slab drop. He crossed the line even quicker to secure 1st place by 7 seconds.


Inter Services Race

There is much rivalry between the services and any chance to get one over on each other is always taken. No one wants to lose a race but this was all about Service Team pride and who would be top dogs bragging for the whole year.


The rivalry had been building over the two days and pressure was mounting on Army favourite, Chris Borrowdale when he was pushed into 2nd place during timed practice by Navy rider, Tom Baker. Not to let the Army down Chris pushed himself and went 5 seconds quicker than he had done in practice to take an early lead after the 1st run. Joe Robson (Army) was in 2nd place,Tom Baker (Navy) in 3rd. Chris had the bragging rights back in the pits with a 4-second lead, forever the shrinking violet Chris made sure everyone knew who was leading. 2nd runs commenced and as with all big races, this was seeded. Navy rider, Tom Baker went two seconds quicker to jump into 2nd place, Joe Robson could not match this and was in 3rd, crossing the line in 1st place to be crowned the Inter-Services Champion was Chris Borrowdale.


It was now time for the presentations but first they had to work out which service had won overall. To make it fair the top 6 riders from each of the three services times were used and points awarded to find the winning team. It was a victory for the Army with the RAF in 2nd and Navy in 3rd.




Individual Services Champs





At the end of racing although the rivalries are fierce between the services they all come together, have a laugh and a few beers. These young men and women know how to have a good time but most of all these brave service personnel put their lives on the line to protect us and keep us safe. Joe would like to thank all of the Armed forces riders who made him very welcome over the two days and a special thanks to Justin Revell and Chris Hames who made it possible for him to take part in a great racing event.


Up next for Team Aston Hill is the last round of the Pearce series at Hopton. The team will be there in force and hoping for some more podiums.

Many thanks to all our sponsors who make it possible for the team to race and get results with the awesome kit and components they supply.

Banshee Bikes
Marzocchi UK
ION Bike
ISON -Distribution
HALO Wheels
Renthal Cycle Products
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ODI Grips
HT-Components
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Photo Credits to Joe Killner with additional Photos from James McAllister ©Crown Copyright

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