Blazing sunshine, a bone dry downhill track and efficient
uplift. This rare combination provided the perfect backdrop for the 2013 RAF
Downhill Team training event.
The group was split into two groups of eight: one advanced
and one intermediate. Obstacles included: rough sections of bedrock, tight
switchbacks, fast berms, vertical drop offs, long gap jumps and a twenty foot
cliff face. Riders were coached in body position, line choice and “pump”: the
art of generating speed without pedalling. The results were visibly apparent by
the end of each day with riders carrying more speed smoothly through sections
of track where previously they had been nervous and “sketchy”.
During the bike set up brief, Neil stressed the importance
of running the correct tyre pressures front and rear depending on the
conditions. Without exception, tyre pressures were adjusted and the results
were startling. Despite the razor sharp bedrock shredding rubber, the group
escaped relatively puncture free when compared to other trail users. Of course,
Cpl Ian Churchill (RAF Leuchars) proved the exception to this rule by blowing a
tubeless tyre after dropping off the cliff and bravely clearing both “doubles”
accompanied by the hiss of high pressure air escaping from a rapidly developing
“flat”!
The 16 members of the RAF Downhill team were accommodated at
the excellent Joint Services Adventure Training Centre at LLanrwst. The weather
conditions were perfect with clear skies, high temperatures and dusty trails.
Downhill mountain bike racing is extremely competitive and
every advantage and opportunity must be exploited. It is not unusual for ten or
more racers to finish within one second of each other. It was a rare
opportunity for the RAF team to train with an instructor of Neil Donoghue’s
pedigree and quality. His insights into race techniques and strategies were
invaluable, providing a solid base on which to build for the future. The
training event would not have taken place without the hard work and dedication
of Sgt Nick “Pops” Larkin (RAF Benson) and the support of the RAF Sports Lottery.
The RAF DH Team competes nationally in the Combined Services
Racing series which comprises the Pearce Cycles and Scottish Downhill
Association series. In recent years, we have faced stiff competition from the
Army and Navy. For the 2013 season, the team has secured a strong support
package: Haven Distribution have supplied World Cup winning Devinci Wilson
bikes, Decade-Europe provide clothing and equipment support from leading
manufacturers like Royal Racing and 100% Goggles, Burgtec have provided British
built handlebars and stems, J-Tech offer the team discount on vital suspension
set-up and servicing and RSD Sports have designed distinctive new team jerseys.
The team is always on the lookout for new talent from within
the RAF. For further information contact: dhsec@rafcycling.org.uk
