Race Report: Gravity Mini Downhill at Hamsterley Forest

It was certainly a big weekend at Danny Hart's Descend Park last weekend. Gravity Events UK hosted their first downhill race in 2021 and it was all eyes on the series chief Malc as the UK tries to return to some normality. Malc pulled out all the stops and jumped through many hoops to get the race to go ahead, including Forestry England who used the weekend as a "pilot event". But this race report isn't about the Saturday and Sunday. This is about the incredible, eye opening and inspiring Mini Downhill race on the Bank Holiday Monday.



A Mini downhill is all about getting the younger generation, both boys and girls out there and racing. The future of our sport, both locally and globally depends on these younger talented riders coming through. The Mini Race includes children from 7-16 years of age. It's a huge age range with an almost indescribable amount of strength, stamina and skill mix.



This race saw the riders getting a chance to race the top section of the main event, with a slight change in the taping. The course had gap jumps, drops, double drops, roots, jumps, rocks and evil changeable conditions that saw the race track turn from a dry super fast course to a lethal greasy mudfest due to the weather that set in hard for the later part of the race.



83 riders competed in the event, that's up there with the Borders Mini Downhill Series, which is hugely popular. Proof again that the thirst for racing, whatever age racers are, is out there and stronger than ever. For a full run down of all the results head over to roots and rain.


The fastest riders of the race, not surprisingly were in the 15-16 age category, but these guys were absolutely fast!! Keaton Duffield (15-16) was fastest on the day in an incredible 43.678 and only half a second behind Keaton was William Smith (15-16) in 44.178 and third fastest went to Dom Middleton (15-16) in 44.529. That's the top 3 fastest riders of the day competing for first place and being separated by less than 1 second! Honourable mentions must also go to Thomas Hawkins (13-14) and Harry Schofield (U12) who were 6th and 7th fastest respectively and not in the oldest age categories on the day.


The young women's race was also an eye opener! Charlotte Kay 15-16 (F) was the fastest in a time of 50.719 followed closely by Lauren Gilbert 15-16 (F) in 52.724 and third fastest went to Florence Wharton 15-16 (F) in 1:01.026. Olivia Taylor and Mya Duncan both in the 13-14 (F) put in great race runs. The results are tough to look through as the U12 was a mixed category but a huge shout out should go to Macie McCarthy for her superb efforts. Further mentions to all of the U10s as there are some hugely talented young riders coming through.



This was one tough race due to the weather that was thrown at the competitors, but all deserve a huge amount of respect for their efforts. Plus a big thanks to the British Cycling Commissaires and the marshals and parents who stuck with it and not only support the race event, but also stood out in some biblical rainfall. This event really was a huge success and leaves me wondering if there could be a National Series out there for the younger riders. Gravity event really pulled out all the stops for this one, and it really showcased the young talent that is out there. Should we have a UK National Mini Downhill Series. Comment below.




Thanks for reading this - I put up a free photo album on my Facebook for each ripper this Monday. If I missed you, do get in touch!




So there you have it. Gravity Events UK put on a Mini Downhill event, let's hope Malc can do it again (No pressure mate!). I applaud all the riders, marshals, organisers, commissaires and last but not least Sue and Paul Hart for their enormous efforts over the weekend.

Words and photos by @JWDTphotography