Video & Race Report: 2019 Mini DH Round 3 - Forest of Dean

Last weekend saw the 3rd round of the Ride100% Mini Downhill series at the Forest of Dean, riders were greeted to slippery and slick conditions from the heavy rain that fell overnight. The traditional 'man-made' track was swapped for a more 'natural' approach, steep tech with the combination of greasy roots saw riders tackle a tough and demanding track which lasted just over a minute.


The natural track went by the name of 'Brothers' which was a mixture of steep and slippery switchbacks that added a spark to the series, it was also the first time in the 2019 series that would use a track that isn't well-known or shown on the trail map which took most by surprise. The challenging steep and technical switchbacks tested everyones skill to maintain speed while tackling off-cambered and slippery roots for most of the trail before joining back onto the famous 'ski-run' trail to finish.


The conditions saw plenty of carnage and crashes throughout the day, bring out spectators that littered the track. Most went to one of many slick switchbacks that saw plenty of rowdy moments that kept riders on their toes and spectators grinning with excitement as they urged riders down the rolling hillside. One mishap or crash would see riders tumble down hill in addition with the final results after the racing was completed, keeping upright would not be as easy as it sounds after the heavy rain that fell hours before the race.


Many also liked that there was minimal pedalling, the start was brought forward so that racers would dive straight into the action with a 'no fuss' approach to the track. The only pedal was a flat traverse from the 'natural' terrain to the 'harder and faster' surface that most riders are used to at The Forest of Dean, racers were greeted to a variety of flowing jumps and fast berms to send them into the finish arena.


Luckily the rain held off throughout the day and the track was drying between race-runs, but the track became harder due exposed roots and ruts that began to rise to the surface. Overall, everyone took the challenge and the track lived up to the rider expectations. It also saw some very fast times by the 'Rippers' and younger categories that beat the Elite riders!

We hope to see you for the finale in December!

Results here

Video & Blog: Behind The Tape Productions
Photos: Dave Price Photography