Practice Photo Epic: British Downhill National Series Round 4 - Antur Stiniog
The final round of the UK National Downhill Series is hosted at Antur Stiniog this weekend, with some typical Welsh weather spicing up Practice Day with a rain shower making the already difficult track that extra bit harder, but that's racing in October on the side of a Welsh Mountain.
Game face on for Roger Vieira, trying to make it the perfect season with 3 wins from the last 3 rounds in the bag - can the Brazilian make it 4 from 4?
Mud splatters everywhere and some long waits with some big crashes during practice
The first straight has plenty of jumps for riders to enjoy
With plenty of scrubs on show
Marshall point 2 probably had the best view of the day but was pretty exposed when the weather came in
The first tough feature on the track was this rock wall with a drop at the bottom, which in the dry is simple but with the rain later in the day it kept a few riders on their toes
One Vision SR Suntour Team out doing laps together in practice
There's always time for a little whip in practice
KJ Sharp pressing send over the stepdown
With the rain coming in, out came the waterproofs - it is autumn in Wales after all
It wouldn't be October in Wales without a rainstorm rolling in over Snowdon
Stacey Fisher, currently in second place in the overall standings, seemed determined today to claim the number one spot tomorrow
Plenty of mud-covered riders from various offs throughout the day
Plenty of trains today with the Elite riders leading the way in the tough conditions
The entrance to the steep chute over the exit of a berm was the fastest line through this section but came with a large amount of risk
The view down the valley was pretty epic, not that the riders had time to pay attention with this chute proving the most difficult part of the track
Natasha Bradley looked comfortable in the slick conditions
There were plenty of riders ending up in the B zone below this chute
Adam Brayton making the steep chute, that most mere mortals found treacherous, look easy
Bit of style for the camera
The afternoon began with a rain shower which left plenty of slick, wet rocks and puddles for the riders to navigate
Autumn is starting to take hold in Wales
One of the many flat out straights at Antur Stiniog
This high line into the last corner was proving popular, maybe a bit too popular as it began to wear out it got even tougher to use
Roger Vieira is looking fast and tough to beat this weekend
Elin Berry, one of the many team Wideopen Mag riders, out racing this weekend in what will be the last National Series race for the team
Easing your way into the steep chutes wasn't a bad idea
Wet mud on top of wet rocks keeps you on your toes
The Viris team were out in full force and looking like they mean business this weekend
Thankfully there wasn't much wind in practice allowing the riders to make full use of the gaps on offer
Madison Saracen's Jordan Williams leaning it in around the last corner. This young man has put in some impressive performances this year and will be looking to end on a high
Alison Tutt having fun in the mud
Antur Stiniog's iconic dark grey track snaking its way down the slate strewn landscape
KJ Sharp, one of the two women in the hunt for the overall title tomorrow, looking fast in the final corners
Dom Platt looking as smooth as ever despite the slippery conditions
With the long hold for a full track red flag due to a rider needing medical attention, everyone at the top had plenty of time to take in the view
Archie Casson having some fun on the upper section of the track
Plenty of riders choosing to press send on the various drops, littering the Antur Stiniog track
Jack Reading with a quick goggle clean whilst being held under on one of the many red flag holds of the day
Bradley Shields' looks as quick as ever throughout practice
Jack Reading on the gas
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I raced with my 13 old, practice was carnage and loads of red flags mainly due to middle section which was constantly changing, especially the gully section it was not easy.
Awesome weekend great track and the weather was spot on, it was Antur at its best.
out of interest why have they made it easier?