Downhill – The Formula 1 of Mountain Biking
Downhill mountain bike racing is often considered the Formula 1 of the sport. A high speed, adrenaline fuelled discipline where precision, power and nerve are pushed to the absolute limit.
Riders will race against the clock as they tackle the legendary downhill course, packed with high-speed sections, technical challenges and plenty of thrills and spills.
Each rider will complete two race runs, with their fastest time counting toward their final result.
Downhill Racers Enter HereAdaptive Racers Enter Here
Entries open Sunday 1st November 2026.
Online entry only, closes Friday 20th August 2027 at 18:00. Every rider needs a festival ticket.
What do I need?
Festival Tickets
Every rider needs a festival ticket. Race entry does not include general admission.
Race Entry
Enter online before Friday 20th August at 18:00. There are no entries on the day.
Online Waiver
All riders must complete the waiver, whether racing or just riding for fun.
Ride Pass
Needed to ride in the Main Arena and on the trails. Separate to your race number board.
On the day: Sign In at Race HQ with valid ID to collect your race number board and cable ties, then head to the course for practice and racing.
Racing schedule
Race registration closes Friday 20th August at 18:00. There are no on the day entries.
| 14:00 to 18:00 | Sign In |
| 08:00 to 08:30 | Sign In |
| 08:30 to 10:45 | Official Practice |
| 11:00 to 17:00 | Race Runs (each racer will get two runs) |
Podiums for the top three in each category will take place at the Main Stage immediately after racing concludes.
Everything else you need to know
Entries
Entry Fee
£30.00 per racer payable in advance online. Entries are limited, so book early to secure your race entry. Please note: There are no on the day entries.
Before you ride
Waiver
All riders must complete the online waiver, whether racing or just riding for fun. No waiver, no riding. Get it done in advance and save time at the event.
Where to find us
Course Location
The race course begins ¾ of the way up the gravel fire road on the right hand side, heading toward the Obelisk and crosses the road into the main finish arena.
The course
Trail Grade
Red: Difficult. For: Experienced riders. Narrower trails with moderate gradients. Small obstacles like rocks, roots and berms. Some steeper sections and technical features like jumps and berms.
Good to know
Membership
You do not need to be a British Cycling member or hold a race licence to compete.
Good to know
Festival Ticket Required
All riders must purchase a festival ticket to gain entry to the site. Race entry does not include general admission.
Sign in, timings and more
Senior Men and Women: All riders will be issued a transponder on Saturday between 08:30 and 10:00 at the Downhill Finish Line.
All other racers: the Finish Line Team will record the results
Transponder return after racing: Please return your transponder to the Dual Slalom Finish Line once you have finished racing.
The timing team will have cable tie cutters available to assist with removal.
If you forget to return it: Don’t worry, transponders can be returned by post at your own cost.
Send it via recorded delivery directly to the timing company:
Action Sports Timing
For return instructions, please contact Chris Roberts at:
[email protected]
Unreturned Transponders: If you fail to return your transponder, Action Sports Timing reserves the right to recover the associated replacement costs.
Young Riders
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Riders must be aged 10, 11, or 12 on the day of the race
All Other Categories
Based on the rider’s age on 31st December 2027:
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Juvenile
Riders turning 13 or 14 in 2027 -
Youth
Riders turning 15 or 16 in 2027 -
Junior
Riders turning 17 or 18 in 2027 -
Senior
Riders aged 19–29 -
Expert
Riders who hold a current Expert Licence, regardless of age -
Pro
Riders who hold a current Pro Licence, regardless of age -
Master
Riders aged 30–39 -
Veteran
Riders aged 40–49 -
Grand Veteran
Riders aged 50 and over
No uplift will be provided or permitted. Riders must walk or ride back to the start line, which is a short 10–15 minute return.
Being towed up the hill by an e-bike is strictly not allowed.
Entered online? Great. You still need to sign in at Race HQ before you can practise.
Rider Safety Equipment
All riders must wear appropriate safety equipment while on any course. This is not only for your protection but also a condition of participation.
Mandatory Equipment
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Full Face Helmet – A properly fitted, certified mountain bike helmet is required at all times.
Strongly Recommended Equipment
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Gloves – For grip, control and hand protection in the event of a fall.
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Knee and Elbow Pads – To help protect against impact and abrasion injuries.
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Protective Eyewear – To guard against dust, debris, insects and branches.
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Sturdy Footwear – Closed toe shoes with good grip, no sandals or flip-flops.
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Long Sleeves and Trousers – To reduce risk of scrapes and cuts on rough terrain.
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Body Armour / Chest and Back Protection – Especially recommended for downhill or more technical trails.
Helmet Requirements
Full Face Helmets are compulsory for all riders at all times while on course.
Helmets must:
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Comply with recognised safety standards (as outlined in General Regulations)
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Be properly secured
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Be fitted with a visor
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Detachable mouthpieces are allowed, but must be securely attached according to the manufacturer’s instructions
Equipment Requirements
Your bicycle must be mechanically sound and capable of completing the course safely and efficiently. As a minimum:
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The bike must be in good working order
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Bar plugs are compulsory to prevent injury
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All efforts must be made to ensure your safety and the safety of others
Book your race entry with confidence!
We offer a full refund of your race entry fee (less the booking fee) if your plans change.
No excuses or reasons needed, simply email [email protected] by 18:00 on Thursday 19th August 2027 and request a refund.
Please include:
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Race entered
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Rider’s name
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Sex
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Age category
Refund requests received after this deadline will not be accepted.
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Bring a reliable bike lock and secure your bike at all times when not in use.
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Store bikes inside your vehicle whenever possible. For added security:
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Use an old sheet to cover your bike
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Remove wheels if needed
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Use additional locks, even when the bike is inside the vehicle
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Cover the bike again with another sheet to keep it out of sight
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POV cameras are permitted during practice only and must be securely mounted to your bike (not helmet or body)
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Each rider must complete at least two full runs of the course during practice
All bikes being ridden in the Main Arena and on any of the trails need a Ride Pass. This is separate to your Race Number Board if you have entered any races. Save time and buy your Ride Pass online here, and collect it with your festival wristband and waiver wristband from the ticket office.
Still need to speak to someone?
Si Paton
Event Director
Call/Text: 07968 229 359 (08:00–20:00, 7 days a week)