Nov 07 - The Marvel of Downhill Mountain Biking
Downhill Mountain Biking: a discipline of cycling that may not first spring to mind when you picture a cyclist. But for a few local riders this is their dedicated sport. The concept is simple and instantly understandable: whoever is quickest down the course wins.
It is a unique combination of explosive power and endurance that each rider has to measure and balance in order to maximize their performance. Riders often negotiate very challenging terrain, steep gradients, obstacles, jumps and tight corners as they race down to the finish line.
For those watching, it is an action packed event with more often than not a few spectacular spills. Each athlete need know their limitations but even just a moment in lapse of concentration can easily lead to calamity. The sport; relentless and physically demanding inherently carries a considerable element of danger.
A growing group of local riders have been competing across Spain, Andorra and Portugal in a variety of events including Enduro Racing, which is best described as a series of downhills separated by some long climbs uphill.
This autumn season has already again seen podium finishes from our locals in their respective categories with Chris Grech taking 3rd place in Toledo for the second consecutive year and Etienne Victor 2nd place in Monchique, Portugal.
Over the next few months riders from Gibraltar will continue to compete in the Algarve regionals as well as some closer to home races. The 1st & 2nd November will see the IV DH Campo de Gibraltar take place just across the border behind Carrefour near the area locally known as "el Posito". Chris, who took 2nd place in 2013 is a strong contender here but will have his work cut out as the field becomes ever more competitive.
To find out more about this discipline contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Please note that this story was posted last month, but these are the images that should have accompanied the piece. Images courtesy of Roseann Victor
