Six months after the opening of what is undoubtedly the UK's hottest mountain biking destination, the people behind BikePark Wales have launched a race team.
The four-strong team was assembled last year, and will be targeting downhill and enduro events during the 2014 season. The team roster includes BikePark Wales directors Martin Astley and Rowan Sorrell, as well as downhillers Leon Rosser and Duncan Porter.
Future intentions are to grow the team with a focus on nurturing young talent; for now, the emphasis is on getting some solid results and having fun in the process.
The race team filmed their debut outing at BikePark Wales – watch the video below see see them get wild on their home turf! If you haven't been to BikePark Wales before then we're pretty sure you'll want to go after watching this!
BikePark wales race team announced
Video: BikePark Wales race team announced
Team bios
Rowan Sorrell – downhill
After several years out of the race scene proper, during the planning and building of BikePark Wales, Rowan is looking forward to a season of downhill and enduro. Fresh from winning the masters category of the BDS and the Welsh Champs, he steps back into experts for a new challenge this year. He'll be looking to repeat results such as seventh at the TransProvence and 21st at the Megavalanche.
Martin Astley – enduro
Like Rowan, Martin has taken a step back from racing in the last couple of years to spend time on the development of BikePark Wales. For 2014, Martin has taken the decision to step down from the elite enduro category and compete in masters category. Highlights from Martin's racing past include podium finishes at UK gravity enduros, mini enduro wins, top 10s at the Maxi Avalanche and top 35 finishes at the Megavalanche. Martin will be focussing on UKGE and select Enduro World Series races.
Leon Rosser – downhill
Team nutcase, cage fighter and all-round nice guy Leon will be racing elite downhill and enduro for BikePark Wales. Leon's aggressive and powerful style makes him a rider to watch. One of Wales’ fastest riders, Leon will be looking for that elusive Welsh Champ title in 2014.
Duncan Porter – downhill and enduro
After a strong 2013 in the expert downhill field, Duncan will represent BikePark Wales in both downhill and enduro events in 2014. Highlights from 2013 include first overall in the MIJ Taff Buggy series and 12th at the Dyfi UK Gravity Enduro in the elite category, which should set Duncan up well for a great 2014.
