The Schwalbe Tyres Downhill
🏁 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.
🚫 No uplift will be provided or permitted. Riders must walk or ride back to the start line, which is a short 10 to 15 minute return.
All riders must complete the online waiver, whether you’re racing or just riding for fun.
Save time at the event and get it done in advance:
👉 Complete your waiver here
No waiver = no riding. Don’t leave it to the last minute!
🚵♂️ Mountain Bike Trail Grade:
🔵 Blue (Moderate)
For: Intermediate riders with good bike handling, braking and cornering control.
-
Narrower trails with moderate gradients
-
Small obstacles like rocks, roots and berms
-
Some steeper sections and technical features
💷 Entry Fee
- £30.00 per racer payable in advance online
- Entries are limited, so book early to secure your race entry
- Note: There are no on the day entries
🛂 No Membership Required
You do not need to be a British Cycling member or hold a race licence to compete.
📍 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.
🔁 Refund Policy
-
Enter with confidence: we offer a full refund on your race entry until 18:00 on the 31st of July 2026.
-
To request a refund, please email:
📧 [email protected]
Include the rider’s name and category entered.
🎟️ Festival Ticket Required
All riders must purchase a festival ticket to gain entry to the site, race entry does not include general admission.
🔐 Security Guidelines
-
Bring a reliable bike lock and secure your bike at all times when not in use.
-
Store bikes inside your vehicle whenever possible. For added security:
-
Use an old sheet to cover your bike
-
Remove wheels if needed
-
Use additional locks, even when the bike is inside the vehicle
-
Cover the bike again with another sheet to keep it out of sight
-
🚴 Rider Responsibility & Course Use
Mountain biking is a high-risk sport. No matter how well you know the course, you should never ride beyond your skill level and must always remain in control and ride sensibly.
Riding in control means more than just being able to stop—it also includes:
-
Having the skills to recognise and avoid hazards
-
Knowing where it is safe to stop on the course
-
Avoiding collisions with other riders through awareness and good judgement
-
Using the course responsibly, in a manner that matches your experience level
We strongly advise all riders to walk the course beforehand, noting ground conditions and any obstacles before riding.
All riders participate at their own risk. By riding, you accept that no liability can be accepted by the event organisers.
🛡️ Rider Safety Equipment – What You Should Wear
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:
-
A Full FaceHelmet – A properly fitted, certified mountain bike helmet is required at all times.
Strongly Recommended Gear:
-
Gloves – For grip, control and hand protection in the event of a fall.
-
Knee and Elbow Pads – To help protect against impact and abrasion injuries.
-
Protective Eyewear – To guard against dust, debris, insects and branches.
-
Sturdy Footwear – Closed toe shoes with good grip, no sandals or flip-flops.
-
Long Sleeves and Trousers – To reduce risk of scrapes and cuts on rough terrain.
-
Body Armour / Chest and Back Protection – Especially recommended for downhill or more technical trails.
Schedule
📅 Friday, 21st August
-
13:00 – 18:00 | Sign In
📅 Saturday, 22nd August
-
08:00 – 08:30 | Sign In
-
08:30 – 10:45 | Official Practice
-
11:00 – 17:00 | Race Runs, everyone gets two runs
🏆 Podiums for the top three in each category will take place at the main stage immediately after racing concludes.
All riders must complete the online waiver, whether you’re racing or just riding for fun.
Save time at the event and get it done in advance:
👉 Complete your waiver here
No waiver = no riding. Don’t leave it to the last minute!
✅ Pre Entry Only
-
All race entries must be completed online in advance via the British Cycling website
-
No on the day entries will be accepted
📍 Sign In Location
-
Located in the main arena at race HQ
-
Bring valid I.D. – Accepted forms:
-
Passport
-
Driving Licence
-
National Federation Race Licence
-
⚠️ No I.D. = No Racing
⏱️ Sign In Process
Even if you’ve entered online, you must sign in at Race HQ to collect:
-
Your number board
-
Four cable ties to attach it to the front of your bike
Number boards must be attached before the start of practice.
If you miss Sign In during the scheduled times (listed above), you will not be allowed to practice or race.
📡 Timing
-
-
Timing will be conducted via Transponders.
-
Collection:
All riders will be issued a transponder on Saturday between 08:30 and 10:00 at the Downhill Finish Line. -
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.
-
-
Younger Riders:
-
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 2026:
-
Juvenile
Riders turning 13 or 14 in 2026 -
Youth
Riders turning 15 or 16 in 2026 -
Junior
Riders turning 17 or 18 in 2026 -
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 - Jason McRoy Legends
If you were a DH legend!
-
📌 Example
If you are currently 29 years old, and your 30th birthday is on any day in 2026, means you will turn 30 in 2026. Therefore, you must enter the Masters (30–39) category for this event.
RULES
🔧 Equipment Requirements
Your bicycle must be mechanically sound and capable of completing the course safely and efficiently. As a minimum:
-
The bike must be in good working order
-
Bar plugs are compulsory to prevent injury
-
All efforts must be made to ensure your safety and the safety of others
🪖 Helmet Requirements
-
Full-face helmets are compulsory for both training and racing
-
Helmets must:
-
Comply with recognised safety standards (as outlined in General Regulations)
-
Be properly secured
-
Be fitted with a visor
-
Detachable mouthpieces are allowed, but must be securely attached according to the manufacturer’s instructions
-
🎥 Cameras and Course Practice
-
POV cameras are permitted during practice only and must be securely mounted to your bike (not helmet or body)
-
Each rider must complete at least two full runs of the course during practice
❗Important Reminders
-
Missing your start slot or call-up = disqualification
-
If you have any questions, contact:
Si Paton
Event Director
📧 [email protected]
📞 Call/Text: 07968 229 359 (08:00–20:00, 7 days a week)