Mountain-bikers to hit streets
The first official 'downtown' mountain bike street race zooms into Shropshire this weekend. Bridgnorth is the place to be on Sunday, with riders preparing to do battle for £1,000 in prizemoney.
Practice is from 10.30am with racing starting four hours later.
The race follows in the style of the famous Red Bull Downtown race on the streets of Lisbon, Portugal, where riders face the challenge of steep steps, sharp turns and places you wouldn't normally take a full suspension, downhill mountain bike.
Sunday's course starts at the top of Bridgnorth at St Leonard's Church and goes down Granary Lane and through the alleys and steps to finish by the river.
A full pit area will be situated over the river on the recreation ground and rugby club pitches.
The race has attracted big names in the sport to chase the prize money. Local elite riders who are taking part are Marc Beaumont, pictured, from Craven Arms, and national champion Neil Donaghue, from Shrewsbury.
Also in the field are Dan and Gee Atherton, from Oswestry, and organisers are hopeful current World Cup champion Steve Peat will also be competing.
The race has also attracted the interest of Nick Stevens, from Shrewsbury, who has now recovered from a near fatal accident in a race in Fort William.
This race is not only a first for Shropshire, but a first for the UK.
"We have got virtually 200 top riders and we are hoping for a huge turn-out," said promoter Chris Roberts.
"These kind of races take place in Forestry Commissioned areas every week - but it's great to take it to the people."
Further information is available Roberts on 07702- 826260.
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