ancillotti

New Blog Site

2010-03-08T20:34:00.003Z

http://www.ancillottiuk.blogspot.com/

NPS Finals Innerleithen

2008-09-25T09:34:00.003Z

As a result of an unexpected venue change, the National finals took place at Innerleithen in Scotland. The track was tight 'pinball with trees' being the most used description; a real challenge for everyone especially those with wide bars, many finding it difficult to keep good speed and rhythm.

Youth rider Pete Robinson took 18th in Junior Jack Geoghegan found it hard to find his flow placing 33rd, Ali Wilson continued his run of strong results this season coming in 6th. The experts saw Rich Thomas come in 33rd after going for a high score on the wooded pinball section of the track.Tom Deacon put in a fantastic run to take 4th in Elite.

In the series overall category standings we had Pete in 15th with some consistently strong results, Ali 7th again the result of hard work and consistency, Jack 23rd, Rich 2nd with some very strong results over the season, and Elite rider Tom in 13th. Well Done Guys!

Racing Roundup - NPS Moelfre & English Championships

2008-08-14T19:28:00.008Z

More Racing news for you all, The English Championships took place at wet Hopton and the NPS rolled into Moelfre last weekend. At Moelfre a few new sections had been cut into the hill too spice up the track. Wet weather made the event a bit damp but the racing was close none the less. Pete Robinson took 26thin Youth, Rich Thomas 1st in Expert. Tom Deacon flew to 4th in Elite, Ali Wilson pinned his way down the track to take the top spot in Juniors.

At the English Champs Pete took 13th in Youth whilst Rich continued his run of top results in Expert claiming 2nd, Tom Deacon pushed hard putting in a flat out run to take 1st in Elite and the English Champ title.

Racing Roundup

2008-08-05T23:07:00.003Z

Read up on all the results from the teams racing at the National Championships and Pearce Cycles Summer Series Rnd 5. More...

Racing Roundup - Caersws Cup & NPS Rnd 3

2008-07-09T22:45:00.002Z

The Latest news and results from two great weekends of UK racing with Team Ancillotti UK More...

Pearce Cycles Rnd 4 - Bala

2008-06-18T18:01:00.004Z

Another top weekends racing at arguably the best track in the UK More...

UCI Worldcup Rnd 2, Fort William, Scotland

2008-06-09T19:12:00.006Z

We had some strong finishes by Team Ancillotti UK riders Jack Geoghegan and Tom Deacon at Fort Bill. More...

NPS Rnd 2 Innerleithen, Scotland

2008-05-27T19:51:00.006Z

Those of you keeping an eye on the NPS results sheets will have seen a another great weekend for the team. Podiums and top placings across the board. More...

UCI Worldcup Rnd 1 - Maribor, Slovenia

2008-05-12T13:59:00.003Z

This weekend saw the Brits out in force for the first round of the UCI Worldcup in Slovenia. Team riders Ali Wilson, Tom Deacon and Jack Geoghegan where among them. Racing was very close with many riders being within fractions of a second off each other, making qualifying an achievement in itself on the dry and rocky track. Jack made the cut coming and put in a blinding run to take 65th in the finals beating some big names in the process. Well Done Jack!

Racing Roundup - Pearce Rnd 2 Hopton, NPS Rnd 1 AE Forest

2008-04-30T16:14:00.001Z

A double header here for all you racing fans this week, last weekend saw the second round of the Pearce Cycles summer series at Hopton. A muddy course made things interesting but racing was still flat out. An even muddier finishing field was a challenge for everyone both in the morning and on leaving. Who else needed tractor assistance? More...

New Team Rider

2008-04-18T12:48:00.002Z

It gives us great pleasure to announce today that Elite rider Tom Deacon will be riding for the Ancillotti team this season. We would like to take this opportunity to welcome Tom to the team.

Latest News

2008-03-31T18:44:00.002Z

Against a strong international field Ancillotti rider Ali Wilson takes 10th in Juniors at the opening round of the Maxxis Cup in Gouveai, Portugal. Windy conditions on the top of the course made things tricky for race runs. Never the less the race proved to be a great opener to the beginning of the international race season.

Pearce Cycles Summer Series - Rnd 1

2008-03-14T22:25:00.006Z

The first summer race of the year took place at Bringewood on the weekend of 1st - 2nd March. Jack Geoghegan, Rich Thomas and co-factory rider Pete Robinson where in attendance and the team were looking forward to getting into racing again after the winter off-season.

Jack after looking fast throughout practice suffered a couple of crashes in his race runs coming in 13th in Junior. Rich rode well to take 11th in Expert and Pete took stepped things up to take 9th in Youth.

Latest News

2008-01-16T20:52:00.000Z

This week we regret to announce that Joe Smith will not be continuing to ride for ancillotti this season. After many successful years with the team culminating with a fantastic ride at the Worlds in Fort William. Joe has joined the newly formed Tomac racing team for 2008. We would like to take this opportunity to wish Joe the best of luck for the future.

Our full team line-up for 2008 will be posted shortly.

Team News

2007-12-22T15:40:00.000Z

After a fantastic season riding for the Ancillotti team, top elite rider Matt Simmonds has got himself a new ride on a brand new international team for next season. We at Ancillotti UK would like to wish Matt the best of luck for the future.

In other news we can confirm that Jack Geoghegan and Ali Wilson will be continuing to ride for the team in 2008.

Tredz Downtown Street Race, Cardiff

2007-10-22T18:04:00.000Z

What better way to round of the season, but with a downtown race! a downhill race through the streets of a Penarth, Cardiff to be exact. More...

CRC NPS Rnd 5 'The Finals', Innerleithen

2007-10-17T20:14:00.000Z

It was a dry weekend in Scotland for the NPS Finals; with a really loose, technical and flat-out fast track. The scene was set for some great racing. More...

Dragon DH Rnd 4, Gethin

2007-10-02T21:39:00.000Z

Just a quick update today we've had another weekend of top results for the team; at a slippery and rocky Gethin. Matt Simmonds placed 3rd in Elite with a super quick time of 3.04.639 only fractions off second place. Rich Thomas had a good ride to take 3rd in Expert. Junior rider Jack Geoghegan took 5th with Co-factory rider Pete Robinson taking 12th in Youth. Well Done Guys!

UCI WorldCup Finals Maribor, Slovenia

2007-09-19T16:54:00.000Z

Photo by: Frank Bodenmueller

Last weekend the Finals of this years World cup series were held on a classic 'old-school' downhill track in the mountain's of Slovenia. After a few days of flat-out practice, Matt Simmonds seeded 17th and came in to bag a fantastic 14th in the Finals on Sunday. Placing him 23rd in the world series overall standings. After a fantastic performance the week previous at the World Champs, Joe Smith seeded in 72nd and come the finals put in a strong ride to take 50th.

UCI World Championships, Fort William

2007-09-13T11:48:00.000Z

Well, what a week it’s been in Fort William, the biggest race of the season and the biggest mtb event ever held in the UK. More...

CRC NPS Rnd 5 Caersws, Wales

2007-09-13T11:47:00.000Z

The last national before the worlds went down on a dry and dusty track in Wales, steep and loose was the name of the game here. More...

World-Champs Selections

2007-08-20T10:45:00.000Z

Jack Geoghegan and Matt Simmonds have been selected as reserves for the GB team for the World-Championships in Fort William this September.

Masters World Championships, Pra Loup

2007-08-20T10:05:00.000Z

This weekend saw the Masters World Champs take place in Pra Loup France, this event saw a big turnout of British riders. Among them Team riders Alan Blood, Paul French and Jules Coventry. Sunday's racing saw Jules Coventry take third in Womens ( 30-39) Paul French second in Men (40-44), Alan Blood eighth in (45-49) he had been leading the field until a crash on the lower sections of the track.

BC NPS Rnd 4 Moelfre, Wales

2007-08-15T13:20:00.000Z

Moelfre NPS was bright, sunny and flat out fast. With a good turnout of spectators coming to enjoy the event at the most spectator friendly track in the UK. More...

Team News

2007-08-15T13:08:00.001Z

Great news in today, Joe Smith has been confirmed as a member of the Junior team representing GB in the WorldChampionships this Septemeber. Master rider Alan Blood will be racing in the Masters WorldChampionships in Pra loup France later this month. Keep your eyes peeled for a full report.

A word from the Boss

2007-07-26T12:29:00.001Z

Well, I have just returned from the Austrian world cup. It was fantastic to see the amount of British riders there with so much talent. It was disappointing however to see how many of them are wasting their talent by not working hard enough to achieve what they are really capable of More...

Dirt Interview

2007-07-26T12:25:00.000Z

Joe Smith appears in this month's Dirt magazine (Page 102-107) with an interview as part of the regular 1.04 track feature.

BC National Championships, Rheola

2007-07-22T12:30:00.000Z

Whilst I was out riding in France, the rest of the team had a wet weekend for this years national champs. With rain in the weeks leading up and rain over the weekend itself. Rheola is a technical challenge in these conditions; the rutted and rooty wooded sections which make up the majority of the track become slick with no room for error. More...

UCI Nissan Worldcup Rnd 4, Shladming

2007-07-09T09:27:00.000Z

Shladming Austria one of the hardest and most technical tracks in the world, a very steep track offering a natural challenge, criss-crossed with roots and tree stumps. Played host to the fourth round of the UCI Worldcup series. After strong practice runs Junior riders Joe Smith and Jack Geoghegan (fresh from third place on the podium at the German IXS race the weekend before at Leogang) just missed out on qualifying for the finals. Matt Simmonds qualified comfortably within the top 80 and went on to take 36th overall.

European Championships Selection

2007-06-30T21:02:00.000Z

Great news just in today Matt Simmonds and Joe Smith have been selected for the GB Team for the European Championships in July.

Dirt Interview

2007-06-30T19:48:00.000Z

Check out the mini interview with Matt Simmonds in this months Dirt (as part of the Ae Forest NPS coverage) for his view on the development of the new NPS series and other interesting topics.

Race News

2007-06-25T22:31:00.000Z

Great news in today Matt Simmonds goes 33rd in the finals of Worldcup Round 3 in Canada. Closer to home on a wet welsh hillside riders where racing for the title of Welsh Champion. In Junior Joe Smith defended the title he has held for the last two years but a crash saw him take third on the podium but still retain his title as Welsh Champ. Experts and Rich Thomas was flying to a well deserved second. Co factory rider Pete Robinson takes 7th in Youth with a set of cracked ribs to boot. Well done Guys!

Picture Courtesy of james@ukbikepics

UCI Nissan Worldcup Rnd 2, Champery

2007-06-11T08:20:00.000Z

This weekend the Worldcup circus rolled into Champery, a new venue for the worldcup and home of arguably one of the hardest tracks in the world. Steep and tight only just begins to describe this track riding it clean in the dry took incredible skill. More...

CRC NPS Rnd 2 AE Forest, Dumfries

2007-05-28T17:07:00.000Z

Ae Forest in Dumfries is short, rocky and fast starting out at the top with fast open single-track broken up with corners More...

SDA Rnd 2, Dunkeld

2007-05-24T09:39:00.000Z

Veteran Paul French flew down the super technical track to take first; Dave Young was out with an injury but the Elite category saw Fergus Lamb take a well deserved second place on the podium with a time of 2.16

Pearce Cycles Summer Rnd 1, Caersws

2007-05-18T21:29:00.000Z

A wet weekend at Caersws for the first round of the pearce summer series; saw team rider Stefan Thomas take a well deserved 11th in Youth and Co-factory rider Matt Kemp take 19th in Expert. Click Here for a Pic...

UCI Nissan Worldcup Rnd 1, Vigo

2007-05-13T13:14:00.000Z

The rain in Spain hasn't dampened our spirits, we've had some incredible results just in from Vigo; Matt Simmonds takes 14th on the same second as Cedric Gracia and Joe Smith takes 27th at his first ever world-cup placing him just behind Nathan Rennie. A special mention goes out to Marco Miliviniti the Italian ancillotti rider who took an awesome 1oth place.

Unfortunately the competition in Saturdays semi-final was so fierce that Jack Geoghegan just missed out on qualifying for today's final; losing your rear mech 30 seconds into your run would slow anyone down.

Dragon DH Rnd 2 Mountain Ash

2007-05-09T14:11:00.001Z

Just a quick report today; the team had another great weekend at the second round of the Dragons More...

Sprint Avalanche, Lyon la Sarra

2007-05-09T14:03:00.000Z

Matt Simmonds headed over to France last weekend for the invitational Sprint Avalanche event in Lyon, bagging himself a fantastic 25th place in the mixed conditions against some truly world-class competition.

NPS Rnd 1 Innerleithen

2007-04-24T08:58:00.000Z

The team have just got back from the first NPS race of the year, held over the border in Scotland. We had a great weekend all round; with the icing on the cake being Matt Simmonds fourth place finish in the Elite. More...

Cloud Cover Summer Series Rnd 1

2007-04-16T21:50:00.001Z

Rich Thomas, back on the bike after injury. Rode to 11th in Senior and 2nd overall in the optional chainless run last weekend, at the first round of the Cloud Cover Summer Series at Avill Ball.

Dragon Downhill Rnd 1 Abercarn

2007-04-10T14:09:00.000Z

Abercarn was dry, steep and dusty offering the perfect course and the perfect conditions for an awesome race. More...

Formula Brake Sponsorship

2007-04-05T19:35:00.000Z

It gives us great pleasure today to welcome Formula brakes as a new sponsor for the team. For more information please visit www.formula-brake.it

Astonhill: The Future

2007-03-23T14:10:00.000Z

News just in for those of you worried about the future of the south's premier mountainbike area. It is now going to be taken care of by local bike shop Buckingham Bikes who have taken the tender for both the hill and a new bike hire shop in Wendover woods. This is great news, heres looking forward to a long and succesfull future for a site we all know and love.

Get Well Soon

2007-03-21T09:57:00.000Z

Best wishes go out from all of us at Ancillotti UK, to Veteran rider Phil Smart who broke his neck last week whilst riding at Hopton.

Weekend Racing Roundup

2007-03-19T19:50:00.000Z

News in from two races for you today, whilst riders got to grips with a new track and interesting weather at Hopton, across the channel Matt and Joe where enjoying their first international race of the season at Gouveia. More...

Matt Simmonds Interview

2007-03-07T14:11:00.000Z

Check out the interview with Matt in the first issue of brand new e-zine Wideopen
www.wideopenmag.co.uk

Relentless Energy

2007-02-27T20:08:00.001Z

A big thank you goes out to George and the rest of the Relentless team for hooking us up with some drink to take on the road 'No Half Measures'. More...

Briliant Polishes

2007-02-25T18:03:00.000Z

If your looking for a solution to keep your pride and joy looking it's best then the guys at Briliant are the people to talk to, with a huge range of some of the finest polishes, waxes and paint care protection products avaliable anywhere, all of which produce a quality and depth of shine which is second to none. More...

Pearce Cycles Winter Series Rnd 2 - Bringewood

2007-02-19T20:21:00.000Z

The race this weekend was rather special. It's not everyday after all that you get to rub shoulders with two times world champion Fabien Barel and fellow countryman Julian Camellini. More...

Marzocchi Race Service

2007-02-12T12:16:00.000Z

We are very pleased to confirm today that we will be providing official Marzocchi Fork Support at NPS Events in 2007, in partnership with UK importers Windwave. Look out for double sided posters for the free 'Drop in Clinic' around the race sites.

The 'NEW' 2007 Nationals

2007-02-04T20:29:00.000Z

With the national series under new management it promises to be a good year to be an NPS competetitor with lots of prizes, visiting pro riders in the form of Greg Minaar and Matti Lehikoinen, and on the spot support from some top companies.

Ancillotti UK are proud to be sponsoring the series with cash prizes for the winners of various categories. We'll see you trackside check out www.npsdh.com for more.

Pearce Cycles Winter Series Rnd 1 - Hopton

2007-01-23T15:47:00.000Z

The first round of the ever popular Pearce cycles winter series kicked off at Hopton last weekend. Would you believe the series has been running for seven years now!! With a huge turnout of riders the stage was set for some fast paced racing. More...

Seat Altea Review

2007-01-08T18:32:00.000Z

We took the new Seat Altea for a test drive down to the Bridgnorth Downtown Race in October. It's safe to say we where very impressed. More...

Ancillotti Interview on SDH

2006-12-27T10:30:00.000Z

Those of you who are regular to the southerdownhill forum may have seen the Ancillotti UK riders Interview with Joe and Matt already, but for those of you that havent. Follow the link to www.southerndownhill.com to check it out.

Seasons Greetings

2006-12-23T10:55:00.000Z

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us at Team Ancillotti UK.

Psssttt...2007 ODI Product Preview

2006-12-12T21:14:00.000Z

The nice folk over at Ison distribution have sent us a preview of the new range of ODI grips. Weve been running ODIs on all the team bikes for sometime now and its safe to say theres nothing quite like them in terms of quality, design and of course grip.

Extreme Elements

Two brand new designs are out for 2007 the Extreme Elements loc-on designed to give the ultimate control under the worse conditions featuring a new grip design and a small flange to help keeps your hands perfectly in place; snow, rain, mud you name it this grip shrugs them off just what you need for riding in the UK. The new Cross Trainer loc-on offers the perfect marriage of comfort and control soft enough to use without gloves whilst still offering exceptional grip.

Cross Trainer

The classic ODI bar end plugs have also had a redesign which will be available with all loc-on grips next year. The new snap cap is neat and understated and can be fitted without tools. It snaps directly into a groove on the loc on clamp keeping your bar ends well and truly plugged.

Snap Cap End Plugs

Check out the full range at www.ison-distribution.com or www.odigrips.com

NACC Winter Series, Avill Hill

2006-11-28T18:57:00.000Z

I know i said things had started to slow down on the riding front but for some hardy individauls the wet and cold weather doesnt spell the end of the racing year. In fact their are plenty of regional winter races being run at the moment so if your after some fun grab your bike and get out there.

This weekends race took place on a brand new track recently built by the organizers NACC Events and a dedicated team of local diggers and shapers, team rider Matt Simmonds had driven down to enjoy the fun. The track was fast and rooty with some sections made particularly interesting by the damp conditions. Despite the sun putting in an appearance for the racing.

The Senior category was a tough one that weekend with three world cup level riders in attendance including Matt some blisteringly fast times where being set. Matt put in an awesome run aboard a borrowed bike to take first ahead of Ashley Mullane and Ben Baker. Well done Matt.

Team News

2006-11-22T16:44:00.000Z

Some very good news in this week. Scottish Elite rider Dave Young will be riding for the ancillotti team again in 2007.

A bit Quiet...Or is it?

2006-11-22T16:31:00.000Z

Well the race season is well and truly over for this year, but rest assured whilst things are quiet on the riding front as the winter weather sets in; theres still lots going on behind the scenes getting everything ready for the new year. Remember to keep checking out the blog for all the latest team news.

English DH Championships, Bratton

2006-10-23T21:18:00.000Z

Riders rolled, slipped and slid into Bratton near Minehead for the English Championships on the 22nd of October, the last major points scoring event of the season. The venue had not been the first choice of location to host the event and the track itself was short descending through the woods with some sections made really hard work by the conditions, a small drop sent you flying down into the finishing field. The weather was awful; strong winds and pouring rain qualified the event as one of the wettest this year.

As Practise started it soon became clear that spikes would be the tyre of choice to keep you upright, even so the damp open corners in the final field section saw many a high speed slide out. Getting through this section clean was a real challenge and during practice a lot of fun was had seeing how far you could drift.

By the time seeding runs were underway the heavens had opened and things started to go downhill from there. No times were available from the seeding runs and amidst rumours of plans to cancel the race the atmosphere in the pits was one of confusion. Organizational issues saw riders, who weren’t taking advantage of every available piece of shelter, milling around in the torrential rain, trying to find out what was going on.

The finish field was by this time thick with mud and partially flooded whilst the track was in places underwater. Under difficult circumstances hats go off to the BC Commissar who made the call to allow second runs to go ahead for those who wanted them. Many took the opportunity and braved the elements a second time for the chance to improve on run one.

It now emerges that the race timing cable had been broken so no results were available on the day. The organizers had logged riders start and finish times into the computer and calculated the results over night. Come Monday morning riders where anxiously checking out the NACC Events website to find out how they’d done.

In the Elite category Matt Simmonds took the win and the title of English champion, Ashley Mullane (Cove/Shred) took second with Jamie Faulkner taking third. Nick Geoghegan of Astonhill/Ancillotti put in a fantastic ride to take first over Jason Davies and Bradley Shields who took second and third respectively in the Juniors.

Youth saw Jack Geoghegan (Astonhill/Ancillotti) take second only a few seconds off the top spot which was taken by Marcus Williams, Harry Molloy rode hard to take third.

Well done guys for a fantastic weekend of racing under less than perfect conditions.

Team News

2006-10-20T22:34:00.000Z

Great news this week where very pleased to announce Matt Simmonds has signed up to ride for the Ancillotti team again in 2007.

New Team Member - Stefan Thomas

2006-10-18T15:23:00.000Z

This week it gives us great pleasure to welcome another new face to the team. Youth rider and two times Midlands DH Champion Stefan Thomas. Welcome aboard Stefan.

To find out more about Stefan check out his Rider Profile...

Ancillotti Bikes: For Sale

2006-10-16T18:58:00.000Z

Seen the team bikes at the races and want one for yourself; well nows your chance listed here are all the second hand bikes and frames we have available at present; please contact us on 077529 14077 for more information.

We have Avaliable:

Three 2005 Ancillotti Tomaso DHP Complete Bikes - Team Spec Hope, Shimano etc. Repainted and Fully Serviced. Frame and Shock carries a full 12 month Race Warranty.
£2200.00 each

&

One 2004 Ancillotti Tomaso DHP Frame Only - Repainted and Fully Serviced. With full 12 months Race Warranty. £1050.00

24 Seven Downtown Street Race, Bridgnorth

2006-10-14T19:17:00.000Z

The team headed down to Bridgnorth in Shropshire yesterday to take part in the UK's first downtown street race an event which Ancillotti UK are proud to be supporting as a main sponsor. It was the perfect oppurtunity for showcasing the sport of downhill to the public giving them the oppurtunity to enjoy mtb racing minus the mud and of course was great fun for the riders; thousands of spectators turned out to enjoy the racing every vantage point was packed to bursting with people cheering on the racers. Its safe to say the atmosphere was like no other race weve ever attended. A big prize fund and tons of product prizes where up for grabs for the fastest guys down the course.

The sun was shining as we rolled into the town after a trip down in Bill's speedy new Seat Altea. Things where just startimg to get underway, practice was in full swing up in the town. The track was estimated at around 35 seconds long, it wound its way steeply down from the start at the church shooting you over steps and round some super tight corners before flying down to the picturesque finish by the river.

Joe and Matt had come down to enjoy the fun, and come racing they both put in fantastic rides. Matt put himself up their with the Worlds best taking second behind Gee Atherton, earning himself a cool £300 for his efforts.

Joe after only getting a chance to practice twice in the morning flew down the course to bag himself the Youth number one spot and the Ancillotti £50 fastest Youth time of the day prize cheque as presented by Andy. After twelve months of organisation the event was a huge success a Big thanks goes out to the organizers especailly Chopper, the people of Bridgnorth and of course the huge number riders who turned out to take part.

Well done guys, it was a great day. Heres hoping it paves the way for many more races of its kind across the country.

Midlands Super Series Rnd 6 'The Final', Kinnerton

2006-10-12T19:47:00.000Z

The final round of the Midlands Super series had riders rolling into Kinnerton to enjoy a weekend of fantastic racing and Steves trademark campfire. The race was buzzing with a massive turnout of riders; plenty of tractors where on hand to whisk you to the top lucky riders managed to get several runs in on Saturdays practice day.

The sun was shining on Sunday morning but conditions where tricky with some sections being axle deep in mud, after the pouring rain of the days before. Digging out your Mud tyres was the order of the day. On track where the mud stopped the super slick roots saw you pinging off all over the shop. The track was very hard to ride well with every section offering a new challenge, finding the right line and keeping the flow going was a must.

Team rider Matt Simmonds used his local knowledge to his advantage taking the Elite win in the racing. When the points where tallied up he ended the series in fourth place.

Joe Smith set the fastest Youth time in run one but a slip up at the start of the course saw him lose the flow he took to the podium in second only four seconds of Sam dale on the top spot. Joe took second overall in the series missing out on a trophy by only a few points.

Fergus Lamb had made the long drive down from Scotland for this round and left with a smile on his face taking the number one spot in the Experts and a bottle of Fenwicks with him.

Well done guys for a great weekends riding, that ends the 2006 Midland Series until things start again next year. Well see you there.

New Team Rider - Alistair Wilson

2006-10-07T16:46:00.000Z

It gives us great pleasure this week to welcome Alistair Wilson to the team, currently riding in Youth Ali has had a great year at the races finishing with an 8th overall in the NPS rankings as well as some fantastic finishes in the SDA series. Welcome aboard Ali.

Ali takes to the air at Fort William NPS- Pic Courtesy of David Dower

24 Seven Downtown Street DH Race, Sunday 15th October

2006-10-07T16:08:00.000Z

The Downhillers are taking to the streets, if you want to be part of it get yourself down to Bridgnorth in Shropshire next Sunday which after many months of organization is hosting the first ever official Downtown Street race. Ancillotti UK are proud to be supporting this event as one of the main sponsors. The team will be there riding so come over to the tent and say, Hello.

The race aims to raise the profile of downhill to people both within and outside the sport. We want everyone to come down and have a good time; be you spectating or riding come down and show your support. Racing takes place on a short downhill track winding its way through the winding streets of the town flying down steps, round corners and over jumps to a picturesque finish by the river.

Some of the UK's top riders including the Athertons, and Scott Beaumont will be attending.

£1000 of prize money and £2000 worth of product prizes are up for grabs.

For More information and Entry Forms log onto:

http://www.nps4x.com/joomla/index.php

Race Format:

Sunday 15th October 2006

10.30am -11.00am set up and final preparation of course

11.00am – 1.30pm practice runs for riders and press call

2.00pm – 5.00pm race & photo call

5pm onwards prize giving and after-party at the Rugby Club

Check back Soon for a Full Report

Racing Roundup: SDA Rnd 5 'The Finals', Innerleithen & Dragon DH Rnd 12 & 13, Mountain Ash

2006-10-03T19:37:00.000Z

Weve a big double helping of race news for you guys this week; the fifth and final round of the SDA series took place at old favourite Innerleithen after the venue change from Glencoe. With a new technical route being taken down the hill riders found themselves in new territory filled with slick roots and tricky off-cambers all broken up by savage breaking bumps finding the right line through these sections was vital. The weather stayed fine but conditions on track stayed slippery especially on the open section.

Fergus Lamb took the Experts with a fantastic time of 3.19. Dave Young put in a flat out run powering down the track to take the Elite win with a blistering 3.10, Paul French was back dominating the masters taking the win with a 3.33.

Fergus went on to take the series title in Experts with maximum points from his perfect season of first place finishes earning himself a big stack of Mojo vouchers and some lovely silverware for his efforts. Dave took second overall in the Elite series also taking home a trophy. Well done guys.

Down in Wales the final two rounds of the Dragon DH series took place at a wet and muddy Mountain Ash. The rain made the conditions for racing very tricky, never the less the competition was as fierce as ever with some blistering run times being set.

Team rider Matt Simmonds took first both days setting a time which placed him second fastest overall over the weekend he bagged himself a pair of shiny new Marzocchi dirt jam forks.

In Youth Joe Smith and Jack Geoghegan rode brilliantly. Joe took second on Saturday and a third on Sunday where his time placed him sixth fastest overall. Jack Astonhill/Ancillotti took a fourth with a strong run before stepping it up on the Sunday to bag third. When points where totalled up the Youth overall series went to Joe standing on the top spot with Jack joining him on the podium in third.

Juniors saw Nick Geoghegan Astonhill/Ancillotti take to the podium a total of three times over the weekend. Taking a third on Saturday with a fantastic run where his time placed him seventeenth fastest overall. Sunday saw another great run and Nick on the podium again taking third. He jumped onto the podium once again for the overall series places where he took a well deserved third place.

That ends the 2006 SDA and Dragon series, Well done to all the guys for two great final races. See you next season.

NPS Rnd 5 The Finals, Fort William

2006-09-26T18:50:00.000Z

Riders made the long drive up to Scotland for the National Finals last weekend and what a weekend of contrast it was sun one day and pouring rain the next. Thats Scottish weather for you !. Fort William is a fantastic course one of the best in the UK and was the perfect choice to host the end of the 06 series; hard in the dry but in the wet its whole other game entirely. The change in conditions from the dry Saturday seeding run conditions caused problems for some; with riders coming off everywhere the medics where kept busy.

Racing kicked off with the top of the course covered in thick rain cloud. Despite the weather the racing was fantastic.

Youth saw some brilliant riding with Joe Smith taking third. Astonhill/Ancillotti rider Jack Geoghegan put in an amazing run to both qualify and finish in second, his first national podium but definitely not his last. Joe took to the podium again when all the points had been added up taking the Youth overall title he took home a big piece of silverware. Jack finished of the series ranked twenty-second overall.

Joe Youth Overall No.1

Fergus stormed the Experts taking the win by 10 seconds over second placed Liam Mason, but just missed out on winning the overall series ranking second.

In Junior Nick Geoghegan came away bruised and concussed after a huge slam on the Tissott jump, pedalling in over the front in 9th gear after his shifter snapped off. Still setting a time fast enough to take fifteenth. He finishes the series ranked tenth overall. Tony Tousamalis put in a great run to finish tenth and finished off the series ranked eighth. Rich Thomas ranked twenty first in the series.

Jules Coventry finished the series ranked ninth in the Womens.

In Senior Matt Kemp Astonhill/Ancillotti put in a strong run to take twelfth in the race and had clocked up enough points to finish seventh overall.

Elite saw Matt Simmonds ride hard to take ninth place on the day and rank third in the overall standings. Matt also took home a nice piece of silverware for his mantelpiece. Dave Young flew down the track coming away with a well deserved seventh and an eighth in the overall rankings.

Well done guys for a great weekend of riding and for a great series. See you next season.

Sad News

2006-09-20T18:48:00.000Z

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of Bills mother on Tuesday 19th of September 2006. From all the Ancillotti team we offer Bill, Sue and Rob our condolences and our thoughts.

Astonhill Rnd 2 DH3, Wendover

2006-09-20T17:58:00.000Z

Astonhill was the place to be over the weekend; the last race under Ian Warbys careful direction was taking place on DH3. After nine years of running races and developing the hill Ian is now moving onto a new challenge.

As such the event was as much about saying thank you and goodbye to Ian and Mike as it was about the racing. Ian and the crews hard work kept everything running as smoothly as possible making sure everyone had a great time. There was a fantastic turnout with lots of new faces mingling with veteran astonhillers and as always the competition was friendly yet fierce. The atmosphere in the car park pit area was great with Relentless Energy on hand providing free samples in very generous quantities and trade stands from Balfa UK, Kenda and DMR to browse and of course the ancillotti team tent.

DH3 is an old favourite; the perfect mixture of open fast and jumpy at the top and tighter and more technical towards the bottom. With some small modifications to two of the corners at the halfway point to improve the flow of the middle section; with some rain during the week the track dried out nicely for the racing which made for some super fast times being set from the start.

The Hardtail category saw Nick Geoghegan astonhill Ancillotti again competing in two categories, Riding flat out to take the win setting a blistering time of 1.30.24 seconds first run coming in 8 seconds up on second placed Lee Huskinson with Captain Codpiece taking third.

In Juvenile Pete Robinson put in a fantastic run to take fourth despite feeling under the weather.

Youth saw Jack Geoghegan astonhill Ancillotti put in a flat out run take first and Ancillottis £50 Fastest Youth Time of the Day Prize over Harry Molloy while Marcus Williams on his first visit to astonhill took third.

In the Junior category Nick Geoghegan set a time good enough for fourth fastest overall and took to the podium for the second time with Jeremy Callow taking second and Jack Graham in third. I had great fun seeing how fast I could go.

The womens category saw a good entry this weekend; Nicky Belton took the top spot on the podium aboard her Ancillotti with Rachel Lewis taking second and Renee Diwell third.

In the Senior men category a massive seventy three riders where entered but it was Joe Achilles who took the top spot ahead of Mick Ridgway in second and Matt Kemp astonhill Ancillotti put in a fantastic run pinning it to third.

The Elite category saw some super close racing with the top three separated by only points of a second; Chris Sinden took the top spot and the other £50 Ancillotti prize for fastest time of the day; with Ancillotti Team Rider Matt Simmonds taking second and Ross Searle third. Team Manager Andy Ayres kept it lit to take a well deserved sixth place.

A Big Thanks go out to Ian, Mike and the rest of the Astonhill crew for all their hard work and for a fantastic day of racing and to all the guys for some brilliant riding.

Masters World Championships, Canada

2006-09-16T19:18:00.000Z

Jules Coventry made the trip out to Canada to compete in the Masters World Championships taking place at Sun Peaks Resort. After spending a few days prior to the event riding the fantastic trails on offer in Whistler. Jules put in a fantastic ride to take 6th on the brand new and untried track. Well done Jules.

Youth European Championships Metabief, France

2006-09-11T09:22:00.000Z

News in from Metabief in France where the first ever Youth European Championships where held during the week of the 23rd - 27th of August. Team rider Joe Smith was out representing GB and Ancillotti UK as one of two Youth DH riders selected to attend; as both riders selected are in contention for a place on the Junior team for the World Championships at Fort William next year, this was the perfect chance to gain some invalauble international race experience. The track at Metabief was a real tough one but Joe put in a fantastic ride to take second. Well done Joe.

Joe Tests Out His New Bike

2006-09-04T17:07:00.000Z

Heres a few pics of Joe testing out his new Team bike

MSS Rnd 5 Kinnerton, Wales

2006-09-04T11:19:00.000Z

The fifth round of the Midlands Super Series took place at Ancillotti Team Mechanic Steve Parrs hometrack. The track was super technical with ruts, breaking bumps, flat out corners, stumps and seemingly never ending root sections and of course plenty of mud; but get your lines right and it proved to be such good fun to ride. With conditions a bit on the wet and slippery side it was also a real challenge for everyone. Major Features included a big slightly hipped road jump into the finishing field, possibly a faster line but not many riders attempted it.

Steve was organizing this event and kept everything running smoothly, at the end of the event everyone left with a smile on their face. Matt was given a white knucle ride on the back of Steve's quad when the Elite riders pitched in with track maintenace after Saturday's Practice.

Sundays racing saw Team Rider Matt Simmonds take to the podium this weekend with a fantastic third in the Elite category. Well done Matt.

National News- SPS Ltd to Organize 2007 NPS

2006-08-29T18:51:00.000Z

Great news for all you racer heads out their Ancillotti Team Mechanic Steve Parr (in his fourth year as Co-cordinator of the ever popular Midlands race series) and Descent-world's Si Paton of SPS Ltd have succesfully put in a bid to become the organizers for the British Cycling National points series in 2007. With their extensive knowledge and experience of what makes a good race event you know the nationals are going to be the place to be next year, We'll see you there. Good luck to them both in their new venture from all of us at Ancillotti UK. Click the link below to read the whole story http://www.descent-world.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&Itemid=130&task=view&id=411

Racing Roundup: Scottish Champs, Dunkeld & NPS Rnd 4, Caersws

2006-08-28T09:15:00.000Z

Two great weekends of racing took place while I was away, and as promised we’ve got a double helping of news for all you race fans. Racing took place at two tracks which both offered a feast of flat out technical riding.

A wet weekend in Scotland saw Dave Young take a fantastic first place in the Scottish Champs at Dunkeld claiming himself the coveted title of 2006 Scottish Champion and some fine silverware for his mantelpiece. Team mate Fergus Lamb also set a blistering time (the fastest Expert rider time) and joined Dave on the combined senior podium in second. Paul French was back on his bike taking a well deserved third in Masters. Tony Tousamalis took a fantastic third in Juniors only a few seconds off the top spot.

Dunkeld is an unforgiving track, almost all natural and super technical to the last with steep and rocky being the name of the game here. Major features include three of the steepest rockiest shutes in the UK made even trickier by the wet conditions; and some gnarly rock drops and tricky root sections which taken at race speed aren’t to be trifled with. Get over the back off the bike and hold on tight and you know its going to be a bumpy ride.

The weekend after riders headed due south for NPS Round 4 taking place at a dry and dusty Caersws. Yet again it was another great weekend for the team; Jo took the Youth number one spot by two seconds flying down the course at warp speed and sprinting flat out to the line. Matt Simmonds put in two impressive runs to take fourth in Elite with a time of 2.11.976 only a few seconds off the number one spot.

Following the track used at last years national after the jumpy top section the track enters the woods and things get steeper from there on in. You have to be over the back and ready to tackle severely off-cambered sections with big root fields, and breaking bumps and sudden drops into berms thick with dust where you could catch the drift; all with some nice big jumps thrown in for good measure.

The sun was out this weekend and with only a small spell of overnight rain conditions remained dusty if a little sketchy in places where the ever present dust saw riders wheels disappearing from under them.

Juniors saw Tony Tousamalis ride to seventh and astonhill/Ancillotti rider Nick Geoghegan come in to take a well deserved eighth.

Fergus Lamb took ninth in Expert category riding hard to set a time of 2.19.828

In Senior Matt Kemp of astonhill/Ancillotti rode hard to take a well deserved sixth place in the face of some stiff competition.

Jack Geoghegan of astonhill/Ancillotti was also on it this weekend seeding fourth fastest in Youth he pinned the top part of the track only to crash heavily in the wooded section hitting a tree flat out and putting himself out of the race. Unlucky for Jack.

A big well done to all the guys for two awesome weekends of racing, check back soon for reports from the final round of the SDA at Innerleithen and the fifth and final round of the Nationals taking place at Fort William.

Stolen in France- Matt Simmonds Team Bike

2006-08-08T15:48:00.000Z

Weve just heard some bad news from Matt in France the Ancillotti van was broken into on Saturday night and Matts bike was stolen, whilst he was enjoying a weeks riding in the Morzine/ Les Gets area before heading over to race in the upcoming round of the Maxxis Cup. If you are in the area please keep an eye out for it, We are offering a substantail reward for its safe return, if you have any information please contact Bill Henson on 07752914077 or email jdmarriott@hotmail.co.uk.

Contact

2006-08-07T13:41:00.000Z

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Dragon DH Rnd 8 & 9 Taff Buggy, Wales

2006-08-02T17:19:00.000Z

Taff Buggy saw some fast racing last weekend along with some changeable weather conditions varying from grey and overcast to bright and sunny.

The Track itself was short but very fast, and was for the most part open rocky descents, fast berms, drops and bumps and some tricky jumps. In the places where the track did cut briefly into the woods riders were faced with steep sections interspersed with the odd root and plenty of ruts to keep them focused.

Conditions were good for racing; a bit greasy in places on day one, but dry and almost dusty come day two. Gusty winds were a problem all weekend especially on some of the larger jumps with many a crash brought about by the wind catching you mid- flight. Highlights included a short but unexpected track invasion on the top section by a flock of local sheep which held up a few riders during practice.

Racing on day one saw fantastic performances take place under the steel-grey skies Nick Geoghegan flew down the track to take second in Junior with a time which placed him twelfth fastest overall, Jack took first spot on the podium in Youth setting a blistering time of 1.49.807
Matt Kemp took put in a strong run to take eleventh in the Sport Male category.

For a bit of a laugh after race runs Saturday afternoon also saw the return of the chainless race, with riders pumping down the track and setting times close to their race times with chains, Nick took eighth, Jack got twelfth and Matt took thirteenth.

Day two saw clear skies and bright sunshine and more fantastic rides from the astonhill/Ancillotti boys Jack Geoghegan again taking first spot in Youth, with Nick taking second in Junior, Matt took sixth in Sport Male.

Well done guys for another weekend of fantastic riding, Rounds ten and eleven take place on the 2nd and 3rd of September at Wentwood.

NewsFlash

2006-08-01T21:42:00.000Z

Its official, team rider Joe Smith will be representing his country and the team as one of the two riders selected to compete in the Youth European Champs (the first event of its kind in the history of the sport) in Metabief, France from the 23rd to the 27th of August. The selected riders are also in contention for selection onto the Junior GB team for next years World Champs at Fort William. Well done Joe, check back soon to find out how things went.

MSS Rnd 4 Caersws, Wales

2006-07-26T13:37:00.000Z

The fourth round of the Midlands super series at Caersws saw another dry and dusty race, one for all you fans of the drift. Racing took place on the old track with a few changes made to keep riders on their toes. A fast rolling super technical challenge, mixed up with big open jump sections for variety.

The track was super steep and dusty all very loose and sketchy in places, following people down in practice you had no chance of seeing any obstacles as roots, rocks and bumps where all obscured behind clouds of dust; you dont see that every day. With loads of lovely corners which you could; yes you guessed it drift round all flat out. With a very efficient uplift running the only thing limiting the number of practice runs available was You!.

Conditions stayed perfectly dry and dusty for the racing despite the best efforts of a downpour on Saturday evening.

It was a good weekend for the team with Jo Smith making best use of his local knowledge, posting a time not far off the Elites and taking the win by two seconds over Sam Dale.

Jules Coventry took first in Master Womens, taking the win by 10 seconds this weekend over second placed Renee Diwell, with a time of 3.14.1.

Team Mechanic Steve Parr took a well deserved second place only a few seconds off the top step in Veterans between Martin Crockett in first and Keith Wilson in third.

Matt Kemp of astonhill/Ancillotti was also in attendance riding hard to take seventeenth in the ultra competitive senior category.

Well done guys, roll on round five which will be taking place at the newly built track at Kinnerton on the weekend of August 26 th.

Euro News - Matt's French Excursion

2006-07-22T16:54:00.000Z

Matt Simmonds began his journey out to France yesterday in the ancillotti team van to sample some of the riding on offer across the pond. Matt will be enjoying a weeks riding in the Alps before heading over to the Maxxis Cup race taking place in Montegenevre. Good luck to Matt, we hope you enjoy your trip.

Components

2006-07-22T11:48:00.000Z

Looking for our reviews of vans and cars check this out

Shimano Saint

The people at Shimano did something very right when they developed the Saint Brake designed for extreme use; namely free riding and downhill riding. Shimano has a reputation for developing innovative high performance products and the Saint is no exception.

The Saint brakes set-up can be found on all the Ancillotti team bikes and have performed brilliantly race after race in all conditions.

Saint Lever, perfect shape, perfect performance

For our test we tried out a pair of Saint brakes featuring saint callipers, XT rotors and new saint levers. First impressions were good; the design is sleek and well thought out. Nothing too bulky, a fresh clean look, nothing over the top just pure performance whilst still looking brilliant. Ergonomically designed levers are perfect for either one or two finger braking and feel very comfortable under your digits. With the first impressions stage of the test out of the way we took them up to test them out at the trails on astonhill in Wendover.

Performance was spot on right from the very beginning reliable stopping power exactly when you need it. We noticed the Saints had a more slightly more gradual lever feel than other brakes we’ve experienced where the power is very on off, I prefer my brakes to be a bit less harsh when applied so they felt perfect and your still safe in the knowledge that the powers right their when you need it only a pull of the lever away. During this short test no real problems with heat build up where noticed. We love them there everything you’d ever need in a brake and much more besides.

Check out www.ultimatepursuits.co.uk or www.shimano.com for more information.
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Mojo 999R Cartridge kit

The mojo 999 cartridge kit for the Marzocchi 888 forks couples Marzocchi's amazing performance with Mojo's extensive suspension and tuning know how. visit www.mojo.co.uk for more information. (more details to follow soon)

Rider Feedback

Hi guys,

A few weeks ago I received the new set of 999R mojo cartridge forks from mojo of course.
I put them on my bike just after the world cup at Fort William so the coming weekend I had the chance to use them at Round 3 of the World Cup in Germany. The track at Germany is renowned for having big jumps so I was looking forward to seeing how the forks would work.
Rolling down the first few runs I noticed that the forks were a bit harder than the old 888s I had used previously. The 999r forks where a lot better for the course at Germany due to its big jumps and a bit of pedalling also the rebound on the forks has been set perfectly not to quick not to slow.

I’m really looking forward to trying out the 999R forks on a really rough course such as Fort William or Schladming Austria although I have just raced them at the latest midlands round at Bala Wales where the course consisted of big drops fast rough sections and steep turns where I managed to bag myself a second place not to far of Marc Beaumont. I put it down to the forks and the bike.

Thanks Matt.
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Formula Brake Test

The nice people over at Windwave, importers of Marzocchi and other top brands, have recently started bringing in Formula brakes to the UK. We were lucky enough to get sent a set of Formula Oro brakes, as used by World Cup Champion Greg Minaar, to try out on one of the team bikes.

Team Mechanic Steve Parr, self confessed fan of all bike parts shiny and new got the opportunity to put the brakes through their paces. Scroll down to read Steve’s review.

Rider Feedback

After a day at Bill Henson’s house stripping down the new 888 forks in preparation for the 2006 season, Bill handed over a nice new shiny set of Formula brakes with 200mm discs. He asked me to put them on my bike and test them out. On seeing these nice new shiny bits they quickly made their way onto the Ancillotti, and although my initial thoughts had been "Don't think these will match the Saint brakes power or feel" I fitted them pretty easily and quickly, shimming the mounts so they were drag free and went around to my local DH spot, Kinver, for a play.

First run out they weren't as powerful as the Saints, but have now bedded in fully and they feel a lot more powerful than the Saints. The lever is slightly wider than the Saints so gives a comfy feel to it. There are some niggles though, you need an injector to bleed them if you lose fluid at any time and when I tried to adjust the lever reach the allen key rounded off inside the shaft, so have had to leave the reach alone.

Summary

They aren't as cheap as the Shimano Saint brakes or as maintenance friendly as you need an injector kit to bleed them, but on the plus side the lever feels better and the system seems more powerful than the Saints. So if you are looking for really powerful brakes that not many people will have on their bikes go and get a set fitted, but don't forget the bleed kit.

For more information visit www.windwave.co.uk or www.formula-brake.it

Fat Face National Championships Moelfre, Wales

2006-07-13T11:34:00.000Z

Jo Smith takes flight

Coming to a hillside near you...

This weekend Moelfre plays host to the three day long National mtb Championships. With riders from all over the country from downhill, 4x, trails and XC all competing at the same venue the scene is set for a fantastic weekend. The organizers promise a big and exciting event with beer, and fireworks almost more of a mtb festival than a straight race. The team are on the road today making the trip down to be ready for Fridays downhill qualifiers. See you there!

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Where back and its official. What has to be the ultimate mtb festival took place last weekend, namely the Fat Face national mtb Championships at Moelfre in Wales. A three day event with riders from downhill, 4x, trails, and XC competing for the coveted title of national champion in their respective categories.

We rolled into the race site late on Thursday evening to set up camp. The atmosphere was brilliant despite a few small organisational niggles, and with most people camping on site there was always someone around to talk to, new people to meet and things to do. Everything was very relaxed with hours of practice for all the disciplines before any racing took place.

Jack Geoghegan astonhill/ancillotti

The downhill took place on a very long yet pretty much straight down track. It was high speed all the way featuring flat out corners, braking bumps and jumps. Major features included the infamous ‘Big Bertha’ - a massive jump onto a loose off-camber landing which loomed near to the top of the course. The conditions were very dusty and the track got pretty cut up as the weekend continued. Some corners in particular where very loose and dusty and caused a lot of problems with peoples wheels just sinking sending them off over the bars.

The uplifts where running smoothly all weekend allowing riders time to get up to nine practice runs of the course in if you were quick on Friday. Riders were hitting the bottom section faster and faster as they became more used to the nature of the course. The weather was gorgeous with not a cloud in sight and it was baking hot all weekend. Qualifying runs kicked off around 4.00pm when the heat was less extreme. Everyone on the team qualified highly except for Matt Kemp of astonhill/Ancillotti who had suffered a really unlucky crash on the top section of the course meaning he just missed out on getting into the Sunday final runs.

Big air from Dave Young

The combined Ancillotti and astonhill team pit area was the place to be between runs, the pit was buzzing with activity with both Andy and Steve working on the team bikes making sure everything was running perfectly after every run. Rich Thomas had also come down for this event but with an arm still strapped up from a nasty crash at the World Cup in Willengen it was only to spectate and enjoy the event.

After qualifiers were over it was time to head up to the 4x to relax and watch the floodlit racing, have a drink and reflect on the day as the 4x racers battled their way round berms, slid round flat corners and over jumps shoulder to shoulder. A very atmospheric way to end the day.

Factory Ancillotti line-up

Saturday and it was time for the Youth, Juvenile, Women and the Juniors and Seniors who had not qualified for Sunday to take to the track to decide who would be taking home the national champ jerseys. Youth saw defending champion Joe Smith take second in Youth coming in with a time less than a second, 0.688 of a second to be exact, off the number one spot. Jack Geoghegan astonhill/Ancillotti rode hard to take sixth. Jules took a well deserved first place in Master Womens coming in thirty-four seconds up on second placed Renee Diwell.

Another chance to chill out this evening after the 4x finals. Fat Face the title sponsors of the event laid on a fantastic party with a spectacular firework display and glowsticks. I think its safe to say a good time was had by all.

Tony T speed crouch

Sundays saw final run for the top 20 junior and top 50 senior riders who had qualified on Friday, Matt Simmonds after looking strong in practice flew down the track and took tenth in senior, Nick Geoghegan astonhill/ Ancillotti put in a fantastic ride to take eigth in Junior, Dave Young got knocked off line after going huge off the last jump coming into the final section of the course he managed to hold his bike on track and cross the line with a time quick enough to take sixteenth in Senior, unluckily after really fast run in qualifying a big and really unlucky crash on the top section of the track saw Fergus Lamb unable to complete his final run.

Well done to all the riders for yet another fantastic weekend. Thats all for now folks, check back soon for more racing news.

European Masters Championships, Commezzadura -Val -di -Sole, Italy

2006-07-12T19:58:00.000Z

Jules Coventry retains European Masters Championship title......

Weve just had some great news in from team rider Jules Coventry who recently returned from Italy after succesfully defending her European Masters Championship title. Congratulations Jules from all of us at Team Ancillotti UK. Scroll down to read a report on the event.

This weekend saw Jules heading out to the European Downhill Championships held in Commezzadura-Val-di-Sole, Italy. Her first international event of the year facing her first goal........ to defend her European Masters Championship title. Unlike last year where competitors were treated to a bone dry and dusty track, this year it was damp and greasy with rain most afternoons! It is incredibly steep in places, littered with rocks and roots and with more line choices than Imelda Marcos has shoes!! Most of the riders agree that this is one of the toughest tracks in the World and to back them up it was announced this weekend that it will host the World Championships in 2008.

....The track claimed many a victim this year, me included, after a 'slam dunk' from a root caused me to land heavily on a rock in Friday mornings practice session. I took the full force of the crash through my left hip, I was in agony and unable to walk properly, but even more determined to come home with a medal for my pain! Taking it steady in the semi-final to avoid aggravating my hip I put in a clean run, and finished in second place. The final wasn't without it's worrying moments, feeling the pressure of competing against previous World Champion and good friend, Petra Wiltshire, I suffered a bout of nerves and crashed in one of the first corners, which thankfully had the positive effect of focusing my mind!! I crossed the finish line in one piece and then had a nervous wait in the hot seat to see if Petra could beat my time........... I felt sick as the seconds ticked by........ she crossed the finish line 9 seconds slower......I was absolutely thrilled to have won, but also glad we both in one piece too!!

My aim for 2006 is to win all three major championship titles, National, European and World. So that's one down and two to go.... the National Championships are this weekend in Moelfre, Wales. I'm praying for a dry race...... I haven't been treated to many this year so far.......... and we're camping.......
Finally I'd like to say a huge "THANK YOU" to my friends, family and sponsors for all their support. An even bigger thanks to Chris for coming out to Italy and being my tech support, psychologist, psychic, doctor, driver and (by far the most important) best mate - You're ace you, thanks for not saying I was a complete nutter when I woke up fretting after I'd dreamt I had the wrong tyres on, even if you thought it!!!

Jules

SDA Rnd 4 Fort William, Scotland

2006-07-11T10:37:00.000Z

The Monster Track is Back...

Fort William, Scotland is arguably the hardest and certainly the longest track in the UK, and host for Round Four of the 2006 SDA series. On the weekend the conditions were relatively dry with only a few isolated spots being wet enough to cause problems in the grip department. The track itself was typically fast and rugged, featuring nearly all the sections used for the World Cup held here a few weeks ago, the open top section being the perfect example; big ruts and rocks pummelling body and bike before the middle wooded section, which over the World Cup weekend was so slippery it was only the mud which was keeping riders upright, was dry but still a little sketchy when some of the bigger roots became involved, before exiting into a rock garden which spat riders out onto the high speed motorway section of the course, a lung busting flat out pedal broken up by jumps of varying degrees of big, before dropping into the finish area absolutely exhausted but grinning like a maniac to check your time. Congratulations you've conquered the beast.

With two more rounds left there is still everything to play for in the race for the overall title. Team riders Fergus Lamb and Dave Young were representing this weekend. Fergus was on it, and carried on his domination of the Experts, setting a time of 4.25.321 a massive 21 seconds up on second placed Phil Ashbridge, taking first and 50 series points to add to his so far perfect score.

Dave Young looked smooth and fast all weekend and when racing came he put in a fantastic ride to take a well deserved first in Elite with a time of 4.24.781 coming in five seconds up on Chris Ball who took second.

The astonhill/Ancillotti boys were a long way from home but made the long journey count with some brilliant riding, In Junior Nick Geoghegan astonhill/Ancillotti took fifth spot and Scottish rider Tony Tousamalis took fourth. Well done to them both.

Youth also saw Jack Geoghegan astonhill/Ancillotti take fifth in the face of some fierce competiton with an impressive time of 4.58.848.

Well done to all the guys for yet another fantastic weekend. The next round in the series takes place at Dunkeld to decide who takes home the coveted title of Scottish Champion. Before then we have the Fat Face National Championships at Moelfre in Wales, this very weekend. See you there!

Dragon DH Rnd 6 & 7 Mynydd Du, Wales

2006-07-04T16:32:00.000Z

The Darkness and the Light...

Another weekend, another race, namely rounds six and seven of the Dragon Downhill series which took place at the legendary track at Mynydd Du. Set in a tranquil location deep in the heart of the Black Mountains. Known for having conditions which almost constantly border on wet, it was a nice change to find some sections were actually dry. What makes this track special is the almost constant steep gradient of the track and the sheer number of roots all the way 100% natural, technical to the last and a severe test for any rider.

Descend down out of the darkness of the woods into the finish area and the sun was shining and despite a few crafty midge attacks quickly repelled by liberal applications of jungle formula insect spray, the pits were buzzing with everyone happy to be riding and racing.

Team riders Matt Simmonds and Jo Smith were in attendance for the weekends racing. In Elite Matt took to the podium twice, his first run time on Saturday of 3.00.018 had seen him in the number one spot, unfortunately a nasty crash saw him unable to finish his second run which placed him second on the podium only .307 of a second off the number one spot. His impressive time also bagged him second fastest time of the day. Sunday saw him take third spot, again not far off the top step with a time good enough for sixth fastest overall.

Youth saw Jo put in some fast runs to take a third on Saturday and a well deserved second on Sunday with a time which placed him 11th fastest overall. In the face of some stiff competition he also maintains his overall points lead in the series.

Nick and Jack Geoghegan of Astonhill/Ancillotti had made the trip to Wales for the racing. Nick took third both days in Junior, coming only a few seconds off Ralph Jones who took first, and Nikki Whiles in second. Jack took a well deserved sixth in Youth both days.

Well done to them all for another great weekend, the next race in the series takes place at Taff Trails, 29th-30th July put it in your dairies.

Fun in the Sun

2006-06-29T18:23:00.000Z

If you go down to the Woods Today...

Nick and Jack Geoghegan of astonhill/ancillotti paid a visit to Prestwood yesterday, to check out the trails and riding spots on offer.

Jack Small drop at the Nailers Track's

Nick rides a steep chute at the Backwoods

SDA Rnd 3 Pitchifie, Aberdeen Scotland

2006-06-25T10:51:00.000Z

The Summer of Mud...

Last weekend was another double header race weekend whilst team riders from the south where racing the MSS at Bala, the Scottish contingent of the team where riding a new and fantastically difficult track at Pitchifie for the round three of the SDA series. However, whereas in the south we where experiencing hot weather and dry conditions, in Scotland the heavens had opened soaking the track and making grip a hard thing to come by for the most part.

The old open top section drops riders down through the heather and over some local granite outcrops before a rock jump which sent you flying blindly into the soaking wooded section. The track started to drop into a very steep gulley, and things got very tricky from this point onwards soaking wet roots and boulders where major features along with the mud which made it very difficult to ride any of the sections clean. Rock drops on to wet roots make for very sketchy landings sending riders sliding everywhere before taking on the sketchy rock garden an almost impossible section to ride well, before the final rock jump sent you flying into the open and towards the finish.

Onto the racing and Fergus took first in Experts tearing down the track and setting a time, a huge 11 seconds up on second placed Graeme Forrest. As well as maintaining his overall points lead in the series. Dave rode hard to take second in Elite, coming in only a few seconds off first placed Chris Ball. Tony Tsoumalis rode to a well deserved fourth in the Junior category only a few seconds of the podium with an impressive time of 2.33.605.

Well done to them all for some great riding roll on Fort William in only a few weeks time for the fourth round of the series…

MSS Rnd 3 Bala, Wales

2006-06-23T16:03:00.000Z

Here Comes the Summer...

Round 3 of the super series saw riders taking a break from world cup fever, to come ride a classic course which had not been used as a race venue for almost two years now. Set in an idyllic location, the track itself featured some typically rugged welsh terrain with an wide open and recently cleared top section to get the riders warmed up before dropping down and entering the middle woods filled with some tight dusty corners and roots before the bottom finishing field taped with wide flat corners perfect for drifting the bike round before the sprint to the finish line opened up before you a few minutes of drizzle towards the ends of practice made this section a challenge for the first runs, brilliant fun and perfect for riding flat-out all the way in almost any conditions.

The summer is well and truly here and the dry weather made the track dry out super quick leaving conditions near perfect for the rest of the racing, the dust which had build up in places only encouraged riders to hit sections harder in an attempt to spray up the biggest dust cloud. Couple the fun to be had on the track with the relaxed, chilled out atmosphere in the pits and you have a recipe for a fantastic weekend.

Team riders Joe Smith, Jules Coventry, and Matt Simmonds where all in attendance, along with Team Mechanic Steve Parr who also took to the track for the racing. Each of them earned themselves well deserved places on the podium in their respective categories over the weekend.

Youth saw Jo Smith a ride to third place with a time of 2.56.745 only a few seconds of the top spot after a mechanical in the form of a snapped chain. Matt rode hard and fast to take a well deserved second in Elite, coming in between Tom Braithwaite in third and only a few seconds of Marc Beaumont in first.

Master Women saw Jules put in another fantastic ride, to take first spot on the podium coming in 30 seconds up on second placed Suzy Osborn.

The Veterans saw Steve Parr on the podium in second with a time of 3.14.340 only 0.793 0f a second off first placed Martin Crokett.

Well done to them all, for yet another great weekend and another set of fantastic results.

Vehicle Reviews

2006-06-13T18:39:00.000Z

Seat Altea

We took the new Seat Altea for a test drive down to the Bridgnorth Downtown Race in October. The car’s mainly going to be used as a management vehicle for the team and will soon be stickered up with Ancillotti logos. Look out for it alongside the Ancillotti van at more races near you very soon.

The Altea was created to be a cross between a five door hatch and an MPV and with a very reasonable price tag you get quite a bit of car for your money. The inside is very comfortable with wrap around seats perfect for the longer journeys we make to get to the races. A major plus of the car is the sheer amount of space you get inside. Loads of head room, and plenty of space for luggage on top of storage for all your extra bits and bobs as well.

On the outside the car has a refreshingly different look to it. The design sets it a world apart from your average hatchback/MPV. Nice touches to be noted include the sculpted front headlights. Our Altea came in a cool metallic silver colour which looked great.

Alongside its sporty good looks and performance, the Altea also has safety covered scoring an impressive five star Euro NCAP Rating. So how did it feel to drive, well nice and solid would best describe it and the car never suffered from lack of power when you put your foot down, another plus.

You can tell Seat has a racing team from the design of the interior and the steering wheel in particular, yet the car still remains very practical for every day driving and these little features make driving it all the more enjoyable.

For more information visit your local Seat dealer or log onto www.seat.co.uk

........................................................................................

VW Transporter

I would just like to say thanks to the guys at wayside VW for letting me test drive there new toy fresh from the box.

Arranged for the national at Pen-y-bont-fawr to take as a spare van along side the ancillotti stickered T5 Transporter that we already have, but with the national now postponed till later in the year, i took the beast out for a gentle trip to Cwmcarn in Wales. This new T5 Transporter has been modified to look like the new Sportline model that has just been made available to buy from most van centres.

It is has 170 bhp, lowered 50mm, alloy wheels, colour coded bumpers, rear spoiler, front spoiler and is just the best looking van i have ever seen. If i could have had a £1 for every person that looked at me i would be a millionaire! forget your fast sport, petrol thirsty and now very common cars. Vans are now it!

Its hard to write a full report on how good this van is other than to say go and book a test drive NOW! If you want people to look at you and wonder why a big black van is over-taking them in there Golf GTI's and all the like. This is the tool you need!!

Once again thanks to Andy Cole and everyone at the Wayside van centre for putting this van together and allowing me to drive it! I have to tell you one thing, when i picked the van up i was told it would make me smile! All i can say to that is in fact it made me cry! (WHEN I GAVE IT BACK)

Contact andy.cole@waysidegroup.co.uk

UCI MTB World Cup Rnd 3 Willengen, Germany

2006-06-09T15:08:00.000Z

Club Mud...

Barely a week after the World Cup in Fort William, the world's best riders were on the road again to the next round of the World Cup series which was taking place in Germany. Racing on a completely manmade course, featuring gigantic 30 foot+jumps, big drops and massive rock sections, the airtime available on some sections of the track brought new meaning to the word 'big'. This round saw another wet race with downpours which did their best to put the last rounds weather to shame. As such the course was muddy, very slippery and badly cut up after a few days of practice.

Two members of the team were out racing this weekend. Rich Thomas and Matt Simmonds had made the journey out to make their mark on Europe and were unfaised by the monster track. The first big jump section at the top of the course was very tricky with wet take offs and landings. Matt spent a whole morning hitting this section aiming to perfect it for racing. Unfortunately, on another big jump section at the bottom of the course Rich crashed hard and broke his arm taking him out of the racing for the weekend.(See News Update for the full story on Rich's crash).

Matt looked strong throughout the rest of practice and in the morning qualifiers; come racing he put in a very strong run to take 56th place overall. Very well done to Matt and again a big Get Well soon to Rich.

Interview with Tomaso Ancillotti

2006-06-06T20:01:00.000Z

The Ancillotti family have been involved in bike design and manufacture for four generations. Firstly with motorbikes and then mountain bikes, and they haven’t looked back since. At the recent World Cup in Fort William we caught up with one half of the father and son team behind Ancillotti bikes, Mr Tomaso Ancillotti, who was over with two members of the Italian Ancillotti race team.

'Tomaso Ancillotti'

J: Tell us a little bit about yourself, how did you get into making mountain bikes ?

T: My Father worked as a motorbike designer, and what really got us interested in mtb, was when we saw a Downhill race in 1992. We saw what we could do for these bikes to make them better. There was not enough suspension so we sat down and developed a bike with more suspension than anything else available at the time. It was really my own interest in mountain biking which made me convince my father to start making mountain bikes. The bike’s reputation has been built on word of mouth by people who like the quality. We don’t advertise ourselves through magazines - we depend on the quality of the design and the product to sell themselves.

J: Do you race competitively yourself ?

T: Not really any more. I raced my first Downhill race in 1993 and I raced in the World Championships in 1994. I came 26th at the 1998 World Cup at Nevergal. I don’t race like that any more, though I’m still a good rider. To be the best there is so much training involved and that doesn’t really appeal to me. I’ve been riding for thirteen years and I just want to have fun when I ride.

'Tomaso DHP Models own'

J: Where is your favourite place to ride ?

T: For me the Alps, I rode in Les Gets last summer and that was good.

J: Who do you admire and why ?

T: Two people stand out for me:

Nico Volliouz- he was a teacher of the sport
and
Fabien Barel- for his bike riding skills.

J: Was there any bike which helped influence the design of the Ancillotti bikes ?

T: Not really. Other frames aren’t necessarily designed to give the absolute top performance, instead they are designed for mass market appeal, not to be raced. They meet the needs of the company giving them a bike to sell, but this is not necessarily what is best for the riders to race. Not us, we make performance race bikes, designed through direct feedback from riders participating in races. Some of our designs were influenced by motocross bikes.

J: Where do you see Ancillotti going in the future, Have you got any new projects planned ?

T: To maintain our focus on quality we look to keep developing and continuously improving our bikes each year. Small changes to the design are made to increase the performance and the quality of the bikes. We still have bikes from each years’ design at the factory and people can come along and try them all and decide which years’ model they like best and find what works for them. We want to stay small so we can maintain our focus on quality, handmade performance products.

J: What’s your favourite bike product ?

T: Suspension

' A Winning Design'

J: What’s your favourite Ancillotti product ?

T: The Pull Shock. We work a lot on the shock, developing it and making it better. Suspension is very important and I believe it’s what makes the bike and if it’s not done well then the bike isn’t a real full suspension bike. There’s always something new to learn, or change to make it better. That’s the challenge I like.

J: How would you describe your role in Ancillotti ?

T: Well it’s me and my Father. I do the designs and my father makes the tubes and the shocks and builds the frame. We see each bike through from the initial design to the final finished product.

J: What bikes do you own ?

T: One of each Ancillotti, I’m very lucky.

J: (laughs) Yes you are, Thank you very much for taking the time to talk to us.

'Trick Bits'

News

2006-06-03T12:07:00.000Z

Get Well Soon...

Weve had some bad news in from the guys out at the World Cup at Willengen in Germany, Richard Thomas has broke his arm and has just had an operation in which it was pinned and plated, it was a very unlucky crash for Rich, which occurred on one of the truly gigantic manmade jumps towards the bottom of the course, the combination of the wet weather and the sheer size of the jumps with wet take offs and landings is making it a real challenge. From all of us at team Ancillotti UK heres a big get well soon to Rich.

In other news, Matt Simmonds is now running a brand new set of shiny mojo 999 forks on his team bike. The mojo 999 cartridge kit for the Marzocchi 888 forks couples Marzocchi's amazing performance with Mojo's extensive suspension and tuning know how. We'll keep you updated with how they perform over the rest of the season.

Team Ancillotti UK Videos

2006-06-02T13:25:00.000Z

Stars of the small screen...

Just Messing Around

2006-06-01T17:13:00.000Z

Flick the style switch...

'Jo Smith - one footer'

Matt Simmonds - New Fan Club

2006-05-30T16:02:00.000Z

People Person...

Team Rider Matt Simmonds showed that as well as being a brilliant rider, he's also got great people skills, pictured here in the team pit area at the Fort William World Cup last weekend with members of his newly formed 'fan club'.