British 4X Series Round 2, Harthill - Video

Dry, dusty carnage - the perfect recipe for a great 4X race. Harthill may not look like the hardest of tracks, but it made for some great racing and overtakes on each corner. Watch and find out who were on the podium for round 2 of the Scwalbe British 4x series! Schwalbe tyres behind the tape productions.


Out of the start gate and into the action and the 1st corner at Harthill has always been fierce and unforgiving. It gives the riders a variety of options such as pump, jump or manual. This photo just shows how tight racers are to each other, making sure they are first into the turn.


When two riders are committed to one line, there is only one outcome. Getting the inside line is a lot quicker, but the outside allows you to keep your speed around the turn. Just make sure you don't have someone in your way. It normally ends up in a dust cloud and scattered bodies.


If you thought the 1st turn was interesting, turn 2 had four ruts for riders to choose from. Choose the one with no riders and you could be able to make a pass on the exit. This was a great passing opportunity if you did't have a good gate start.


Another great turn-out from the younger athletes, a BMX race had to be cancelled so many saw the opportunity to give 4x a go! The middle of the track consisted of more turns, manuals and mounds for riders to battle for positions and points. You were not safe or guaranteed 1st until you crossed the finish line.


Eight female riders chose to race in the 'Open Women' category while Tyde D'Souza went into the '17-18' male category and gave them a run for their money.


The Pro-line was shut due to winds but the small table line still allowed racers to have some fun, or keep them low and push away from the pack. Only two long sweeping berms were left before the finish, the final right hand turn saw plenty of action but didn't change a lot of outcomes.


It was defiantly an action packed day, the next round will be at Fort William on the 12th May. The same weekend as the HSBC British Cycling DH series, expect to see the same type of racing with another packed crowd to watch the racing unfold.

Results.

Video, Blog and Photos produced by 'Behind The Tape Productions'