Firecrest MTB – Aston Hill Downhills – Ricochet – Sunday 12th March 2017
Spectators are more than welcome to come along and watch the downhill racing on Sunday. Here is a quick outline of what to expect, where to watch and the timetable for the day*.
What is Downhill Racing?
Downhill Racing is an individual time trial against the clock with riders setting a time from the start line at the top of the hill to the finish line at the bottom of the hill. All the racers are put into categories based on sex, age or ability. This ensures that the racing is fair and equal.
The format for the day is straight forward. All the riders have 2 hours to practice in the morning. Each rider will complete their first run, followed by all riders completing their second run with the fastest run time from the two timed runs used to give them their finishing position on the day.
Practice is from 8.30am – 10.30am
Riders will be on track from 8.30am looking to dial in their lines and getting ready to race.
Racing starts at 11am
First Race Runs will start at 11am with category order as follows:-
Hardtail Category (bikes with no rear suspension)
Rippers (under 12’s)
Juveniles (under 14’s)
Youths (aged 14 – 16)
Juniors (aged 16-18)
Women over 18,
Women under 18
Senior Category (aged 19 – 29)
Masters (aged 30 – 39)
Veterans (aged 40+)
Expert and Elite
The first runs should conclude around 1.30pm
There will either be a short break between runs or the 2nd runs will start straight away. This depends on how close to the timetable the Event is running. The second runs should start at approx 2pm with riders seeded from slowest to fastest in their categories for their second runs. This should see the last of the riders take to the track at approx 4.30pm
Prize Presentation
The Prize Presentation will follow the racing at approx. 4.45pm.
Recommended Spectator Viewing
The best spectator areas are just down from the start where the racers drop into one of the fastest sections of the track. Then it’s brakes on as they negotiation the second fire road crossing into the second half of the track. The middle section isn’t ideal for spectating but as you near the bottom of the track there’s the camber and the roots for racers to contend with. It’s a great spectator point as here the fastest riders will make traversing this section look easy whilst those without the technique and the right line will be working hard to carry their speed through this section. From here the racers come into the last sector of the track. This one is action packed, punctuated by it’s tight and twisty corners and 3 small drop offs where the riders will be looking to carry speed down to the finish and stop the clock on a good time.
*All times are subject to change. Please see times posted at Race Registration for updates on the day.