European cycling a first for England
May 19 2008 by Brian Daniel, The Journal
A MAJOR European cycling event came to Northumberland at the weekend – the first time it has been held in England.
The Saab Salomon Avalanche Trophy 2008 was held at Kielder Water and Forest Park yesterday and on Saturday, attracting professional and amateur cyclists.
A smaller than expected crowd came to watch but those who did were not disappointed.
Saturday saw the staging of the Border Raid, a 31-mile round trip to Newcastleton Forest over the Scottish border and back, organised by the Bike Place of Kielder and Trail Reivers. Just under 100 competitors took part.
Yesterday was the main event, with around 200 male and female riders taking part in the second leg of a five stage Euro-competition which is one of the continent's top off-road competitions.
Frenchman Gerome Clementz was first across the finish line in a time of 22 minutes and 22 seconds.
He was followed just two seconds later by fellow Frenchman Gregory Doucenze, and third place went to Spaniard David Vasquez Lopez, who completed the course in 22 minutes and 32 seconds.
The first Englishman to finish, in 13th place and a time of 24 minutes and 18 seconds, was Danny Hart.
The Enduro endurance section of the trophy took in Kielder's new Deadwater red and black grade trails – denoting difficult and extreme conditions – which peak at 2,000 feet, making them the highest in England. Competitors took part in seven different sections – a series of time trials, like car rally racing, with different routes for top riders and those of lesser ability.
Kielder came after stage one of the trophy in Lyon and will be followed by sections in Italy and Spain.
Well known mountain biker Clive Forth helped bring the event to the county.
Kielder Castle car park was turned into a bike village over the weekend with trade stands, bike demos, a barbecue and other bike-themed events providing plenty of atmo.
Alex MacLennan, Forestry Commission recreation and tourism manager, said: “It is quite a scoop for Kielder to be the second stage of a European trail. It was not only a first for the region, but a first for the country. The competitors have enjoyed Kielder and the North East region.
“There was an overwhelmingly positive response to the track. We are hoping this will result in more high profile events coming to Kielder.
“We are all really pleased with the event.”
