Our Sponsors

We have a race team


< Back to all news articles

 

We have a race team

Posted on 09 Mar 2014

BikePark Wales race team from Aspect Media on Vimeo.

Supporting local racers and giving them the necessary tools to compete to the best of their ability has always been an aim for the team behind BikePark Wales, realising this just six months after opening, with such a strong team is a real bonus.  The intention in years to come is to grow the team with a focus on nurturing young talent.

The team was pulled together late in 2013 after discussions between BikePark directors Martin and Rowan and the two other team riders revealed a common goal.  All the riders wanted to be part of a team that would provide great equipment and support as well as a great venue at which to train, and of course some good times during the season with an emphasis on fun and solid results.

The team got together for their first official ride at BikePark Wales on a sunny day in February to dial in their new bikes and get the banter flowing.   Leon set the scene for the rest of the day by sending an enormous huck on the "Locomotion" trail that left everyone scratching their heads.  Rowan showed he still has the skills that earned him the reputation as one of the UK's most stylish riders, whilst Duncan and Martin both made their intentions for the upcoming DH and Enduro season clear with some solid riding.  Most importantly, this first get together set the scene for good times during the rest of the 2014 season and it was all captured on film.

The Team


Rowan Sorrell-DH/Enduro

After several years out of the race scene proper during the planning and building of BikePark Wales, Rowan is looking forward to a season of DH, Enduro and fun times racing and riding in 2014, fresh off the back of winning the masters BDS category and welsh champs he steps back up into experts for the year for a new challenge and will be looking to repeat results such as 7th at the Trans Provence and 21st at the Mega Avalanche in the increasingly popular Enduro scene.

Martin Astley-Enduro

Like Rowan, Martin has taken a step back from racing in the last couple of years to spend time on the development of BikePark Wales.  For 2014 Martin will be back racing and has taken the decision to step down from the elite enduro category and sand bag the Masters category where he knows he now belongs.  Highlights from Martins racing past include podium finishes at UK gravity enduros, mini enduro wins, top tens at Maxi Avalanches as well as top 35 finishes at the Megavalanche. Martin will be focussing on UKGE and select EWS races and can’t wait to spend more time on the bike in 2014.

Leon Rosser-DH/Enduro

Team nutcase, cage fighter and all round nice guy Leon will be racing elite DH and enduro for BPW.  Leons aggressive and powerful style and do or die attitude make him a great rider to watch and he is a real asset to the team.  One of Wales’ fastest riders, Leon will be looking for that elusive Welsh Champ title in 2014. 

Duncan Porter-DH/Enduro

After a strong 2013 in the expert DH field Duncan will represent BikePark Wales at both DH and enduro events for 2014.  Highlights in 2013 including first overall in MIJ Taff Buggy series and 12th at Dyfi UK Gravity enduro in the elite cat have Dunc well set for a great year.


BikePark Wales would like to thank all of the team and Bike park sponsors for making the team possible. Mercedes Vito Sport, Trek, Mojo, Shimano, MBUK, iXS, Sun Ringle, Answer, Continental and Swift Credit.

BikePark Wales is the UK's premier mountain bike destination with trails to suit all riding styles and abilities.  If you spot one of the team riders training at the park feel free to stop them and ask them to direct you to their favourite trails.  There are options to pedal up as well as a fast and efficient uplift service.


 



Receive news, special offers and event invites!

 

Quick book