2023 Dual Champs

Wow wees what can we say about the first-ever DC cycles Dual Champs! Held at the Southampton Bike a must-ride for anyone looking for a free community-run bike park to hit up.  

I would just like to thank all who came down to the event and the guys and girls who helped make it happen. Massive shout out to Malc from Gravity Events for traveling from North Wales; and taking time out to do the timing with his Tag Heuer laser timing system. Also, Luis of Southampton Bike Park for the endless hours come rain or shine manning and maintaining the tracks. Also, to our long-term sponsors Halo Wheels and Gusset Components for the years of support to the bike park. 

Racing was fast and furious with some super steez by the riders as they were pushing all the way to the finish line. So close that we were 800th of a second between some finishers.  I am super delighted to say that there was no incident and happy that everyone made it home in one and buzzing for all the winners. May be a little wet and cold from the rain and the wind but super stoked on a good day. 

The all-weather surface of the bike park held well. Showing off exactly what the redevelopment of that park was all about to help make it more of an all-year-round location to ride. This is exactly why we have put this on to help create funds to keep the tracks maintained. Luis has spent the last few weeks getting the track in top shape for this event. The fuel for the strimmer, service of the tool's and replacement of broken tools, etc all add up. With the funds created from the SBP merchandise, and events this does help to go a long way to keeping the bike park running all year round and minimal downtime of any of the trails. 

I decided last minute to change up the format to get more race runs really did stick Malc from Gravity events into a sticky situation to end up running the entire day on the fly. Boy did he have his work cut out but by God did he deliver perfect timing. With not a single run needing to be re-run. I would say that 100% perfect from his side of the event 

With riders competing over five categories in the end as we had no female racers booking into the race it was great to see riders of all ages competing against each other. Even one dual pitch father and son together and some Teletubbie on Teletubbie action. The top four riders walk away with prizes from Gusset and the top three with custom medals donated by Gravity Events UK.  

This was the last event of the 2023 season for the bike park which has been a bumper year for getting many new riders into the sport. The bike jam we had during the summer pushed over 500 riders over the course of the day which just shows how important a facility like this is for the community.  

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