Top skateboarders on way to try for World Cup points
THE CREAM of gravity racers are heading for the hills around Beachy Head to compete at the UK leg of the World Downhill Skateboarding Championships and pick up World Cup points.
Will Stephenson, 21, is from Worcester and is currently ranked number two in the UK and number eight in the world at street luge. Ready to compete in Eastbourne, Will is tipped to finish in a high position after coming second at Argonnay in France just two weeks ago, his best result to date.
With Eastbourne's Speed Days following on from the Argonnay event that saw team Great Britain achieve first and second position for the first time ever, the Eastbourne event could see another triumph for team GB if Will keeps up his speed on the super fast Beachy Head Road.
Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism Cllr Susan Morris said, "We are very excited to be hosting Speed Days for the third year running in 2009 and judging by the line up of competitors, the event is very popular with riders from around the World. Set on the spectacular South Downs with great views over Eastbourne and the Channel, spectators really are in for an action-packed three days with the chance to watch a closely fraught international competition before their eyes!"
Another British competitor hoping to pick up World Cup points is Robert Borek, 15, one of the globe's most promising and young downhill skateboarders. Tipped to make a real impact at Eastbourne's free Speed Days event in just two weeks, Robert is travelling down from Bristol and is set to impress crowds as he whizzes round the high speed straights and sharp corners reaching speeds of up to 80kmh.
But with more than 150 riders signed up in total, Will and Robert face tough competition from their overseas counterparts, including the World's official fastest boarder, Chris McBride who is travelling all the way from the USA to take part.
Organised by the council which works in partnership with the International Gravity Sports Association (IGSA) and UK Gravity Sports Association (UKGSA, Speed Days is completely free to spectators.
The event takes place in just two weeks' time from August 21-23, with qualifying sessions on the Friday and Saturday followed by the final races on Sunday. Riders will be put through their paces in five categories including Downhill Skateboard, Classic Luge, Street Luge, Downhill In-Line and Gravity Bike.
There will be on-site car parking with regular bus services running between the event site at Beachy Head and Eastbourne town centre.
For more information on Speed Days 2009 visit www.visiteastbourne.com or call 0871 663 0031.
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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