The organisers write…
The weather although mixed, in the build up phase, decided to be kind to us on the morning of the event which got off at exactly 10:30 without a hitch!
Rob Jebb of Wheelbase was to dominate the event throughout and finish in a time of 2 hours 29 minutes.
This year also featured a ‘half enduro’ which proved very popular with just under 100 entries. Ben Mossman was first back in a time of 1 hour 47 minutes.
The Altura course itself was redesigned from last year, in particular with the addition of the Quercus Trail. This sweeping singletrack added fun and excitement, complementing the more challenging and hugely popular Altura Trail! The monster climb remained however, love it or hate it – most hate it, it puts the Challenge in to Whinlatter’s now legendary WMBC.
All the organizers, especially Richard Staton would like to “thank Zyro for their ongoing support, especially Ian Young (Altura Brand Manager) for coming along and standing out in the rain with the rest of us! And of course, the Forestry Commission for providing a World Class venue.”
Ian Young commented, “It was a very successful day with great feedback all round. 550 riders, up from 421 in our first year, and with finish times varying from 2hrs 38minutes (Rob Jebb) to just over 6hrs, all demonstrate the broad appeal both the Altura Whinlatter MTB Challenge event and the Altura Trail already pulls in.”
For enduro and half enduro race results, go to http://www.whinlatterchallenge.co.uk/results.asp
Keep an eye out for announcements on the 2011 Altura WMBC event later this year.
Comments (4)
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Top event! I’ll be back for the 3rd event for sure
More piccies from Team Wheelbase here
Adding the blue route was genius! I’ll be back next year.
Although I enjoyed this event, I don’t think I’ll be back next year! I entered the full enduro, but 10 miles into lap one, it was apparent to me that I wouldn’t be able to complete both laps before it got dark, so I set about completing lap one only. I managed this in 2 hours 40 mins, which I’m happy with. However, the results (303) only show my first time-break checkpoint thingy as 57 minutes (what is that all about anyway). So I’m cheesed off my first lap time wasn’t recorded AND when I crossed the finish line and said I wouldn’t be carrying on, I got treated like a leper and wasn’t offered a mug 🙁 Come on guys, this isn’t a Word Champ event for thoroughbred athletes, it’s for all comers, including weekend warriors like myself! I was left feeing a bit … well … thirsty for one thing as I didn’t have anything to put my coffee in!
I will definitely be back for the Whinlatter Forest trails, they are near perfect! Unfortunately, I think I’ll go elsewhere for a season opener event!