Dragon DH Rnd 6 & 7 Mynydd Du, Wales

The Darkness and the Light...

Another weekend, another race, namely rounds six and seven of the Dragon Downhill series which took place at the legendary track at Mynydd Du. Set in a tranquil location deep in the heart of the Black Mountains. Known for having conditions which almost constantly border on wet, it was a nice change to find some sections were actually dry. What makes this track special is the almost constant steep gradient of the track and the sheer number of roots all the way 100% natural, technical to the last and a severe test for any rider.

Descend down out of the darkness of the woods into the finish area and the sun was shining and despite a few crafty midge attacks quickly repelled by liberal applications of jungle formula insect spray, the pits were buzzing with everyone happy to be riding and racing.

Team riders Matt Simmonds and Jo Smith were in attendance for the weekends racing. In Elite Matt took to the podium twice, his first run time on Saturday of 3.00.018 had seen him in the number one spot, unfortunately a nasty crash saw him unable to finish his second run which placed him second on the podium only .307 of a second off the number one spot. His impressive time also bagged him second fastest time of the day. Sunday saw him take third spot, again not far off the top step with a time good enough for sixth fastest overall.

Youth saw Jo put in some fast runs to take a third on Saturday and a well deserved second on Sunday with a time which placed him 11th fastest overall. In the face of some stiff competition he also maintains his overall points lead in the series.

Nick and Jack Geoghegan of Astonhill/Ancillotti had made the trip to Wales for the racing. Nick took third both days in Junior, coming only a few seconds off Ralph Jones who took first, and Nikki Whiles in second. Jack took a well deserved sixth in Youth both days.

Well done to them all for another great weekend, the next race in the series takes place at Taff Trails, 29th-30th July put it in your dairies.