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Preview: Halo British Downhill Series Round 2
British DH Series Home | Official Website | Rider Entry Lists
The big hitters are out for round two of the British Downhill Series at Fort William this weekend. Serving as great preparation for the opening round of the World Cup, the start list includes the Atherton's, Chris Kovarik and Matti Lehikoinen.
Almost a decade since Fort William hosted its first World Cup downhill, the highland venue is still revered as a classic World Cup course. Voted best event on the circuit by the UCI in five separate years, the track has evolved over eight years and remains one of the most physically and mentally demanding downhill courses in the World while continuing to break the trend of shorter, sub-4-minute descents.
Serving as a preparatory event for round two of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, and for Elite riders a final tune-up before the World Cup opener in Maribor, Slovenia on May 16, the race takes on a new significance, but will still be crucial in deciding the prestigious British Downhill Series title.
Round One Video Wrap From Corinne Walder
Looking to repeat a series of convincing wins from round one in Rheola are the Atherton's. Both Gee and Rachel took the Elite wins, with Dan rounding out the Atherton podium placings in second. All have taken a different approach to training in 2010, focussing more on technique over outright strength and conditioning; an approach which will be highlighted on track notorious for its physical demands.
And while Rachel Atherton is choosing to prepare at Fort William, Tracy Moseley has taken the novel choice of riding the team relay event at the second round of the British XC Series - an interesting decision far from the traditional approach to a World Cup season!
Further riders to watch on the main race include Ben Cathro, who in past years has achieved top ten World Cup results on this, his local international course, while Australia's Chris Kovarik, Finn Matti Lehikoinen and Frenchman Julien Camellini all add unpredictability to a race result as certain as the General Election outcome.
With an entry close to 400 already confirmed and interest in the UCI classified Series at an all time high Andy Dunwoody will be there for British Cycling Online, feeding back the latest results and a video report following the race.
Vital Statistics:
Grading: Orange extreme (previously graded black)
Access: Gondola uplift
Length: 2.82km
Start altitude: 655m
Finish altitude: 100m
Vertical descent: 555m
Fastest time: sub-4:40
Official Schedule:
Friday
13:00 Venue open for team pits, parking and camping. No camping at round 1
15:00 Course open for on foot inspection only. No transport to the top is provided or permitted.
Saturday
07:00 Course open for on foot inspection only. No transport to the top is provided or permitted.
08:00 - 11:00 Race Registration
09:00 Uplift opens
09:30 Open Practise for all none Expert and Elite
10:00 Open practise for all Expert and Elite
17:00 Last Uplift for all none Expert and Elite
17:30 Last Uplift for Expert and Elite
17:30 Expert/Elite Practise only
17:50 Top Ten Elite Men from UCI then BC Rankings
18:00 Course Closed
18:15 Riders Meeting
18:30 Course inspection on foot only
Sunday
08:00 Uplift opens
08:30 Open Practise
10:45 Course Closed
11:00 Timed Seeding Run
13:45 Seeding finished
14:00 One Timed Race Run
16:45 Last man down
17:15 Podium
