R3 - Margam Park

Round 3 of the UK’s premier mountain bike series headed for a welcome in the hillsides as it visited the green, green grass of home, (well home for me at least!) as it pitched up for a weekend of hot XC competition in the much loved venue of Margam Park, South Wales.

Nestled in the outskirts of Port Talbot’s industrial hinterland, it boasts luscious terrain that belies its close proximity to one of the UK’s biggest steel plants, only when you reach the highest point of this course can you see the industrial heritage, shimmering against a backdrop of the Bristol Channel, nearly enough to take your mind off the agony of the vicious climbs ahead!

This popular venue boats punishing climbs, challenging descents, a herd or two of deer add into the mix a river crossing or two plus some techy sections and you have yourself a worthy battle ground crafted by course designer Paul Davis to extend each rider to their limits.

Liam Killeen –Elite Winner

“I’ve been trying to deal with aback problem these last couple of months, actually I’ve had it since the end of last season, it’s hampered the amount of riding I could do. For the last part of the season I should be good, I’ve struggled with consistency up till now. I’ve had masses of help from EIS, working with Phil Burke and we’re moving forward but very frustrating not being able to race at full strength at the world cups.

Riding round with Oli was good, Margam isn’t a place where you can take it easy, I’ve been coming here a good 12 years so I know it well and know pretty much what to expect even though they’ve changed a bit of it. It was a pretty straightforward race and pretty good to be out there with Oli.”

If you’d like to read the full report please click on the British Cycling button above.