L2R go DH Racing 2010...

Naked Racing Caersws Cup, Rd 1

Ash Brown and Charlie Evans got their Downhill Racing season underway last weekend with Round 1 of the 2010 Naked Racing Caersws Cup.

Nestled on the edge of Snowdonia National Park, Caersws is holding 5 races throughout 2010. It is considered to be one of the best downhill venues in the country.

The guys rolled up on Saturday for the pre event practice. Ash camping out at Caersws on Friday night to take advantage of a full days riding. Unfortunately things got off to a bad start for Ash when he was forced to pull out and call Matt at the shop to get advice and directions to the nearest local bike shop. The crank arm had separated from the bike! After 90 minutes he was back at the track. Charlie and I arrived at around 1.30, due to shop commitments and a desire to not spend 2 nights sleeping in the van!!!

Sunday.
We awoke around 7.30 to clear blue skies and a layer of ice on inside of the van. By 9.30 it was still only -1 degree. The guys preped their bikes and were on the hill first thing. Reports were coming down from the top that it was very icy and it was decided that part of the track had to be taken out and a new section added. It was therefore decided to extend practice by another 2 hours and do one race run! All their practicing on Saturday was dialed out.

The Race.
Ash was first down the hill and absolutely flying, that was until it all went wrong.He landed badly, dislocating 2 fingers and bending the brake levers. However that was not going to stop him! He threw himself back onto his bike and continued to fly down the track, truly amazing.

Charlie, held it together well on his run, with only a couple of mistakes, losing a few seconds and looking very fast on the final section. Well done guys.

Results. Ash 2nd Hardtail 2:44:29 (L2R Curtis due a major service and 2 bandaged fingers). Charlie 16th 2:50:16 (L2R Trek Session 8 needs clean and polish)

Ash in pain...