Sebastian Hertler Wins Bo Peep!
Sebastien Hertler on his way to winning the first Euro Downhill Series race of the year. Photo Marc Dean
Alciston, East Sussex, England -Sebastian Hertler from Germany triumphed at the recent IGSA Euro Series round at Alciston England. Ranked 48th in the World, the Lush Longboards sponsored rider had a fairly easy run through the early rounds of the final day’s 64 man bracket. He ran up against Torbjorn Sunde in the semi final and it was here that the close racing was expected. Bo Peep takes no prisoners and favours the lighter riders, at over 100kg Sunde would have to ride an impeccable race to challenge Hetler who is much lighter that the Norwegian currently ranked number 8 in the world and the highest ranked rider present, Hertler took the semi with ease.
In the final Herlter faced likeable Swede Adam Persson who should have challenged him hard, but Carnage Corner took it’s toll, and Hertler passed the finish with Persson several seconds behind. Mattias Borg earned third place by beating Sunde in the Consolation Final.
Jr II racer Dean Mondt won the Top 10 Shootout. Photo Daisy Martin
For the first time in the United Kingdom, a King of the Hill competition was held by the organisers. The top ten qualifiers in the Open Downhill class raced against the clock for a £100 prize. At this point a young Dutch rider, not seen before at an IGSA event, Deen Mondt aged 16, took top honours, beating firmly established Names such as Hertler and Sunde who pushed too hard and fell. Mondt’s cool head and warm friendly approach impressed all who met him. He has only been involved with downhill racing for six months and has to be the European Junior to watch this season. Young Brit, Richard Ward took top honours in the Junior class, winning his first IGSA event, followed by Mondt.
Kim Edwards won the Women's Class. Photo Marc Dean
Kim Edwards, Anna Richardson & Mary Crossland formed the Women's DH Podium. Photo Norman Kinnish
The women’s class was not strongly supported, which may reflect either the scary nature of Bo Peep’s infamous steepness, or the need for the downhill community to nurture and support new female riders. Brit Kim Sweet raced her socks off and cleaned up in the class. A long time supporter of the UK scene and cover girl of last years Ladies of Logboarding calendar. Kim’s performance was strong and consistent. It would be great to see her take this kind of showing to some World Cup events this year. Anna Richardson finished in second place followed by Mary Crossland in third.
Mikel Echegaray-Diez dominated in both Street Luge and Classic Luge. Photo Marc Dean
In Classic and Street Luge Mikel Echegaray-Diez thoroughly stamped his increasing authority on both classes with a double win. Local man William Stephenson was beaten into second place in Street Luge with Italian Roberto Marasca taking third place in Street Luge and second place in Classic Luge.
Echegaray-Diez, Marasca and Stephenson on the Street Luge Podium. Photo Tyler Shoemaker
The elevation of the event to Continental status saw a strong band of international riders respond with 42 of the 93 strong field coming from countries other than the United Kingdom.
Bo Peep Hill is a narrow course so heats were run to a dual format. The race is organised by local girl Liz Kinnish with assistance from her Dad, IGSA Race Director Norman Kinnish. The weather stayed dry for first qualifying and racing but the second day was wet. Liz decided to not run the second qualification run in the light of the wet conditions, as there was little chance of times being improved. Those riders who wanted to risk a soaking were able to freeride all day, and the opportunity was taken up by a surprisingly large contingent of hardy racers who played in the wet.
Liz is keen to thank all the sponsors and volunteers who contributed to a great event, much loved by riders who enjoyed the beautiful East Sussex landscape and the hospitality of the locals.
Bo Peep is set to return next year, but with better camping and sanitary facilities.