TEAM NORCO INTL. - World Cup DH #1- Ft.William, Scotland Ft.William, Scotland - June 7-9, 2013 - The first round of the UCI World Cup Downhill was held this weekend in the Scottish Highlands under sunny skies.

Known as one of the roughest most physically demanding courses on tour, Ft.William terrain tests riders and equipment alike. Bryn and Jill were up for the challenge in an action packed 3 days of riding and racing. Supporters were out in the thousands as well, lining the 1.75miles of man-made trail all the way to the grandstands and Jumbo-tron TV at the bottom.  The men's average speed was about 23mph proving that this was a pinned event right out of the start. Qualifying on Saturday was exciting, with jill coming in 6th after being stuck behind the rider and having to pass, and Bryn 40th with a small bobble. For race day, both riders were ready and upped their times, but ultimately finished in 8th and 36th. With a little more sleep, and back in the rythem of racing, the team looks to keep attacking for podiums.

Jill had this to say,,, "I really enjoy this place. Looking at the track vs. riding it were 2 completely different experiences; the bike just handled business and the speed blurred out the rocks. I felt really good, just found myself braking a bit too much in the final trying to hold on. Race runs at World Cup pace take some getting used to, so I'm gonna let it go a little more at the next one. " Bryn on the last jump section before the finish.. New to the program this season, Reg Brench, a veteran mechanic from the UK, proved to be an asset at the first round keeping bikes and pits looking ace. Big thanks to REG!!!!! DOWNHILL RESULTS: PRO WOMEN 1. Rachel Atherton - GBR 2. Manon Carpenter- GBR 3. Emmeline Ragot- FRA 4. Myriam Nicole - FRA 5. Morgane Charre- FRA 6. Floraine Pugin - FRA 7. Emilie Siegenthaler- SUI 8. Jill Kintner- USA 9. Tracy Hannah- AUS 10. Zarja Cernilogar - SLO

PRO MEN 1. ATHERTON Gee - GBR 2. MACDONALD Brook - NZL 3.SMITH Steve - CAN 4. BLENKINSOP Samuel- NZL 5. HANNAH Michael- AUS 6. HILL Sam- AUS 7. HART Danny- GBR 8. MINNAAR Greg- RSA 9. BRYCELAND Josh- GBR 10. Williamson Greg - GBR ... 36. BRYN ATKINSON .. 79. Rhys Atkinson (Bryn's Brother) The team now heads to Val Di Sole, Italy for round #2 of the UCI World Cup……

Team Norco International is supported by: Norco Bicycles, Red Bull, Crankbrothers, Fox Shox, Shimano, Renthal, Bell Helmets, Sombrio, Maxxis, Stevens Pass Bike Park, 5.10, e.13, Oakley, Jet Black trainers, PotentrX health and performance, Susan @ High Performance Nutrition, Motorex, Cane Creek, Fi’zi:k, Camelbak, Alpinestars protection, and Park Tools.

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