Team MBUK/Santa Cruz rider Marc Beaumont took the second UK title of his career at the Fox Racing Shox British National Downhill Championships at Rheola, in South Wales last weekend. Team captain Will Longden, tells us how.
Marc's win came in very difficult conditions following three full days of heavy rain and despite qualifying badly after a crash, as he struggled in the worsening conditions on Saturday evening. Sadly the same conditions saw Steve Peat (Santa Cruz Syndicate) taken to hospital with a dislocated foo [click here for more on that].
Come Sunday the rain showed no sign of letting up but with friend Steve out, Marc took it on his own shoulders to go out there and do the business for the team. He succeeded, but only just as team mate Neil Donoghue, who qualified fastest, finished just half a second behind him. Donny seemed to really enjoy the difficult conditions and stayed consistent all weekend to take home another silver medal to go with his collection. >My hopes were high after qualifying 4th and I felt like I put in a great run in the final, carrying speed and getting all my lines, so I was pretty dismayed to come in 13th place but relieved to see Marc in the hot seat when I looked up after crossing the line.
Marc said: "I was all fired up for this one and I'm stoked to take two national titles in a row. Conditions were hard but it's been a real fun track to ride despite the weather. Donny pushed me pretty close today, it was cool to have two of us on the podium again."
The team's next event is in Canada where a week of races is taking place at the Crankworx Festival, staged in the Whistler ski resort near Vancouver.
UK National Downhill Championships, Senior Men's Result:
>1. Marc Beaumont >2. Neil Donoghue >3. Matt Simmonds