Take the best downhill course in the country, change it slightly, tape it 30 feet wide all the way down and openly invite entries to race 4 up on the first weekend of March. That's what the new operaters of the Innerleithen complex decided to do to celebrate their newest venture.

John Robson Leads Steve Barker

Colin Shearer and Steve Deas of ProBikesport were a little disappointed with the low entry for the 4 man event. Was it a lack of interest, the cold weather or maybe that everyone was scared sh~tless of what was in store?

60'ish riders braved what turned out to be a cold Sunday to race. The course, a variation of all the courses as always at Innerleithen, started at the end of the tunnel section.

From there it consisted of the old luge with a new improved berm to maintain the speed, this spat you onto the middle fireroad 4 abreast, then plummented down a near vertical chute before riding the fastest part of the course crossing Hardgreaves' corner and back onto the old bridle path below Emma's bus-stop.

A quick flick to the right and you were into the trees again crossing the contours at right angles. Next thing you knew you were back out again into the open and onto the bridle path that leads to the old minefield.

Littered with hidden stumps and roots by overgrown grass, the minefield is exactly that! This leads you to the old chute from years gone by.

Then it was on the gas as you utilised the cross country climb on the new 7 stanes project at Innerleithen, only this time going down instead of up, pass to the left of the bombhole before jumping off the berm into the final corner and the finish.

Times weren't important this weekend, it was balls that counted!

The stories and tales of overtaking manoeuvres further up the course came filtering down as each heat progressed...Steve Barker seemed to feature in most of them!

In the end after several rounds it came down to 8 men in the finals. The Sub 19 category was dominated most of the day by the likes of Ben Reid, Jason Carr, Gary Forrest and David Young all who progressed into the final with ease. David Yound took the win ahead of Gary, Jason and Ben.

The 19 & Over class had John Robson, Steve Barker, Mark McIver and David MacKinson all progress with ease into the final play. Robson and Barker pushed and pushed all the way until Robson crossed the line inches ahead of Barker. McIver and MacKinson played catch-up in thrid and forth.

Sub 19

1. David Young (ProBikesport)
2. Gary Forrest (The Hub)
3. Jason Carr (ProBikesport)
4. Ben Reid (descent-world)

Over 19

1. John Robson (Development/Mr. Big)
2. Steve Barker (Mr. Big)
3. Mark McIver (Morewood)
4. David MacKinson

The fun wasn't over just yet as Colin made the top 2 from each final head for the top once more to decide the "King of the Hill". All 4 appeared at the bottom together but first across the line was John Robson followed by Forrest, Barker then finally Young. One of the best races yet, if you weren't there you missed out. Big thanks to Colin, Steve and all the volunteers who made it possible....when's the next one guys?

Jason Carr and Ben Reid

David Young and Gary Forrest

Elbow to elbow - Robson v Barker