Racing Round-up: Pinkbike Balance Bike and Rippers World Championships
Words: Nick Bentley
This weekend saw the return of the Pinkbike Balance Bike and Rippers World Championships to The Malverns Classic, a family-friendly, must-attend event that gives the riders the opportunity to battle it out across multiple disciplines from Quad Eliminator (4X), to Dual Slalom all the way to Downhill. These young riders range from age 2-12 and are all about having fun on their bikes, and most importantly they show us all that no matter how long you've been riding or racing bikes the primary reason that we all do this is to have fun with our friends, these kids absolutely optimise this. So here's our summary of the weekend, as you can understand we can't give riders names but we wanted to showcase these amazing little riders in all their glory.
Friday: Quad Eliminator
Even with the rain, parents were out in force cheering their kids on
Riders put down the power in a tight finish line sprint
The Malvern's merchandise was out in force
With riders going flat out eventually some of them were going to come off
But thankfully everyone was able to carry on
Even at this age some riders have plenty of race craft, keeping an eye on just how close fellow riders are
Some of the older riders really enjoyed going bar to bar
The course had some little rollers to keep these riders on their toes
Little riders means little start gate
Tyres against the gates. These Rippers were ready to go for some 4X action
With the kids racing it was time for dad to relax
The older riders for sure were just that little bit more competitive with each other
This little rider was ready to go full moto
Despite the wet weather, these young riders were keen to send it
This sign says it all
Just because they're balance bikes doesn't mean they're not going to go bar to bar through the slaloms
This rider might have got slightly distracted by the camera
It's amazing to see just how well these kids ride their little balance bikes
Mum's always your biggest cheerleader
These kids were loving the Malverns track
It's not an easy day for dad when he's got to pull you up the hill
Tongue out for concentration
Feet out flat out, smiles all round
And they're off!
The rider was so keen to go they kept pushing on the gate
These young riders were super excited to see each other ride
Riders were in the gate for the opening events of the Pinkbike Balance Bike and Rippers World Championships
Riders were keen to give a wave to the camera
Fairy wings and a tutu should be mandatory at all 4X races
Saturday: Dual Slalom
Hannah Escott was once again on hand to provide the commentary, crazy dance moves and Disney inspired sound track for the balance bike and ripper races
Last minute words of encouragement
I found Wally (Waldo for all American Readers)
A great turnout from the crowd to cheer the riders on
Fist bumps can be confusing
These balance bike kids really do show us all that bikes are just about fun
Who doesn't want to wear tiger print to go racing!?
No gate for the kids. Dual Slalom is just a classic ready, steady, go!
Riders kept it pinned into the grassy turns
Just like the adults the kids are keen to ride in trains with their friends
The hillside was packed for the dual slalom for the Rippers and Balance bikes on Saturday
Good to see some cross country riders trying out the dual slalom
This kid's ready to rock
Rad to see these young girls ride together and have so much fun
Pigtails and balance bikes just fit
Mum pointing out that you might need to go around the poles
Dad uplift in full force
Sunday: Downhill
Dad's shoulders are always the best seat in the house
Kids love getting air
Feet up coasting to the finish line
Kids aren't afraid to send it
Cow bells out to support their mates
These Red Bull riders are just getting younger and younger
This rider had only eyes on the finishing line
Fist bumps with mum on the finishing line, does it get any better than that?
Even the kids get Kashima these days
Balance bike riders in full faces just look so cool
Not all balance bikes are made the same, it doesn't mean their any less fun
Alongside the actual bike race, there was the constant race for of the parents running down the hill supporting the riders
Author Info:
Must Read This Week
Sign Up for the Pinkbike Newsletter - All the Biggest, Most Interesting Stories in your Inbox
PB Newsletter Signup
The questions that need answers.