British Extreme Championship - Tong, Leeds.

Sunday 23rd January 2011; Fast Eddy Racing British Extreme Championship

Paul Edmondson from Fast Eddy Racing had devised the idea of a British Extreme Championship for the first ever time, hosting some of the world's current best extreme riders, with current World Enduro Champion David Knight and former multiple World Trials Champion Dougie Lampkin.

Although, the main competitive challenge was expected to be between David and Dougie, there was no lack of talent and experience with the likes of Graham Jarvis, Paul Bolton, Tom Sagar, Greg Evans, Jonny Walker and Danny McCanny.

Paul Edmondson had designed an exceptional course at the well-trod Tong Farm, with multiple hard and easier routes to cover most abilities with the usual time penalties for taking the longer easier sections. Each lap ended and centred around an 80ft, slab rock climb taking riders a much shorter route to the finish but for some, a more painful and eventful experience.

The event consisted of a 1hr practice/qualifying first thing in the morning (which was enough to send some home or decide to spectate), and this set the start order for the two main 1hr races later in the day. For racing the two main events, riders were set off in groups of 5 on a live engine start, 5 seconds apart- fastest first.

Stan Watt from Front Row GB was on the Edmondson Racing KTM250XC, and a steady qualifying saw him start from the 6th row for both races. As race one got underway, Stan set off with a little too much determination to stay with the pack, which inevitably was going to lead to silly mistakes costing time on such a technical course.

As riders left the start area, they were treated to general woodland going through the trees before dropping down a good descent into a rock strewn stream bed, which would be encountered a number of times throughout the lap. An initial climb out caught the unaware, followed by another descent onto the well-publicised waterfall with a double drop onto larger rocks.

A long run along the stream bed and a tricky diagonal climb took all riders to another decent across the stream bed and an extensive awkward climb, followed by a 12ft vertical drop back into the stream, which again led to an awkward 60ft rock ascent.

The course opened up and returned to the stream bed for a couple of minutes of flowing riding before reaching the next test across the stream bed and a difficult steep climb followed by a gentle wet rock climb to about the half lap distance and first forestry road. This allowed the bikes to open up for the first time and typical enduro going was enjoyed for what seemed like 30seconds before into another tricky testing climb, which caught all but a few top abilities.

Another short flowing run, led to a 8ft vertical drop into the stream, which was followed upwards (obviously) to clear out over some rocks followed immediately by a 3ft log crossing.

The course was now leading back to start and would flow for another 30 seconds before another descent followed by a tricky root strewn climb, taking the ridders to the 80ft slab rock climb as a shortcut to the finish if the rider could accomplish it. Otherwise a lengthy easier route which led to the same rock run finish for all the riders.

At the front, David Knight showed everyone the way finishing the first race 5+ minutes ahead of Dougie Lampkin and in the 2nd race, lapping everyone apart from Dougie and Graham Jarvis. Overall a resounding victory for Knighter with Dougie 2nd and 'Special' Greg Evans taking an excellent and possibly surprise 3rd.

Stan from FRGB, finished 12th in the first race but with a little composure put together a better alround performance in race 2 to take 10th and finish 10th overall across both races.

''A really enjoyable and physical event, which was a real pleasure to have the opportunity to take part. The Edmondson Racing KTM250XC was faultless and perfromed exceptionally in this arena. The perfect bike for this type of racing''. (SW)

A great event with a great course attracting over 3,000 spectators on race day. A big well done to Fast Eddy Racing for getting it all together but the detail in the lap has to be applauded for maximum enjoyment.

GET ANOTHER ONE SORTED!!

A special thanks to the following;

Derrick Edmondson from Edmondson Racing for all the help
Anthony Charles for some line spotting
Paul O'Connell for general arse wiping and spannering
Carl for watching
Neil Ruffle
and Abii for the mutiple cups of tea and general all round supporter for the weekend

FRGB