SPEED TRAP!

Pearce has the goods for 2010!

By Seb Frost9:00pm, Mar 18th 2010

Gary Brain told me a few months ago that he had something up his sleeve for 2010, something that would please the numbers geeks on Roots & Rain even more than the splits they ran throughout 2009. He was coy about it, obviously unsure whether they could pull it off or not... I figured it had to be one thing - TWO splits, or a world-cup-style speed trap. I hoped for the latter... and they delivered!

Should be fun - having a poor run? Already crashed and can't better your first run time? Time to sit out, have a rest, and get those legs ready to try and set the fastest Vmax of the day. Who cares if you can't make the corner afterwards, you've already binned it once anyway! :)

In their words:

Now well established in everybody's MTB calendar, the 2010 Pearce Cycles DH Race Series is ready to roll. There are 6 rounds this year, visiting old favourites Bringewood and Hopton twice, Bala and Bucknell – first raced in 2009 and well received. Round 3 at Bringewood in May, incorporates Midland Championships – a chance for double British Cycling points for Midland riders.

Not only will riders have a feast of challenging tracks but can expect great atmosphere and race arenas, a stack of prizes, aswell as split timing and new for this year – the speed trap!

Pearce Cycles are pleased to announce generous sponsorship from:

Ace mechanic Rick Keates will be available on race days for repairs

Turnip Towers are official race photographers – www.turniptowers.co.uk

Apart from a few spaces in race 5, all rounds are full with 300+ riders entered for each round. Spectators are very welcome with catering on site, race commentary and with some of the best downhill tracks – expect some great race action.

Full Race Series dates and venues:

  • Round 1 – 27th/28th March - Bringewood, Ludlow, Shropshire
  • Round 2 – 24th/25th April - Hopton Castle, Nr Craven Arms, Shropshire
  • Round 3 – 15th/16th May (Midland Champs) - Bringewood, Ludlow,Shropshire
  • Round 4 – 12th/13th June - Rhyd y Felin, Nr Llangynog, Bala, Powys
  • Round 5 – 24th/25th July - Hopton Castle, Nr Craven Arms, Shropshire
  • Round 6 – 11th/12th Sept - Bucknell, Nr Knighton, Powys

For further details visit www.pearcecycles.co.uk/events

I think there's an error in the above; "double British Cycling points for Midlands riders". Traditionally the extra points apply to ALL riders, regardless as to whether you're from the region or not. This may have changed for 2010, I'll check tomorrow and put something up about it if it has. There are an awful lot of Regional Championship races this year, so maybe BC have introduced a new rule to cut down on the points chasing? Would make some sense I think, to be honest.

19th March - updated: OK I've queried BC on the subject, and they've confirmed it's an error:

Hi Seb,

All riders with a licence get the chance for points. Midland riders are the only ones eligible for the title.

Cheers….Roger