The final round of the British Downhill Series produced amazing racing just one week on from the World Champs in Hafjell — check out the best images of the day
Joe Smith was the fastest rider at Bike Park Wales for the fifth round of the BDS, taking the win from Marc Beaumont. But with the series win to his name the GT rider won’t feel too aggrieved.
Harry Heath was looking fast in practice, but Joe Smith had a brilliant race run. Smith was the only rider to look truly fast through the rocks.
It was a race missing some big names though: world champ Gee Atherton was conspicuous by his absence and rumour has it that he’s off digging a Red Bull Rampage training track in North Wales with sister Rachel.
Meanwhile Josh Bryceland is of course injured after Hafjell and perhaps teammate Steve Peat pulled out for moral support.
In the women’s race Manon Carpenter was off the pace by just a tenth of a second, with Tahnee Seagrave on the top step of the podium. It’s great for Tahnee to beat a world champion, especially Manon who was racing on home soil.
Taylor Vernon turned 18 on race day and celebrated by taking the junior title.
Our gallery tells the story of the race in more than words. And if you’re riding at Welsh venue anytime soon, check out our complete guide to Bike Park Wales.
BikePark Wales: the complete guide
Whatever your level of ability or daring, BikePark Wales has trails that’ll leave you begging for more. Here's our run-down…
Bike Park Wales, South Wales
Find out what's instore with our full lowdown on every run
Bike Park Wales
Kade Edwards — a juvenile ripper, winning five out of five rounds earned him the right to whip with that view
Credit: Isac Paddock
Bike Park Wales
There are breathtaking views of the Welsh hillside to hehold, you do have to escape the maze of trees first though
Credit: Isac Paddock
Bike Park Wales
Sniper rocks: one feature they didn’t remove from Gethin Woods when building the track
Credit: Isac Paddock
Bike Park Wales
A ‘wee’ Irish man, also having great success at Worlds. Jacob Dickson: his whips aren’t that ‘wee’
Credit: Isac Paddock
Bike Park Wales
With no Sam Dale all eyes were on Simmonds, 3rd place for him However he clocked the fastest time through the speed trap
Credit: Isac Paddock
Bike Park Wales
Scotty Mears — the light was poor under the trees but bright kits made riders easy to spot
Credit: Isac Paddock
Bike Park Wales
Taylor Vernon — celebrating his 18th birthday by getting on the top step
Credit: Isac Paddock
