THE third round of the HSBC UK National Downhill took place in Caersws last weekend with the best riders in the world rolling into Powys.

The track began with a steep top section leading into dusty berms and rocky, chute descents added to the mix in the lower half of the track.

Caersws is a track that the riders love, and with the dusty conditions there was plenty of opportunities for riders to slap turns and create massive dust explosions.

County Times: Downhill championship action in Caersws. Picture by Tim Evans.

Downhill championship action in Caersws. Picture by Tim Evans.

Once again, following on from the fantastic support the riders received in the last round in Scotland, UK Downhill fans were out in force to cheer, heckle and have a good time watching the racing.

In the male juvenile category, George Madley claimed first place with a solid three-second lead ahead of William Pugh in second and Nathan Diwell-Wilson in third.

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The ever-impressive Dom Platt from Atherton Racing was crowned victorious in the male youth category with a round still left to go.

Bradley Shield’s once again claimed the top of the podium in the male master’s closely followed by Michael Vickers in second and Sam Wood in third.

County Times: Downhill championship action in Caersws. Picture by Tim Evans.

Downhill championship action in Caersws. Picture by Tim Evans.

There was some fast, close racing on show in the elite men’s field with just one second separating the podium positions.

Roger Vieira not only pipped Adam Brayton to first place by just three-tenths of a second, but the Brazilian also took the overall win for the Elite Men’s series.

In the women’s junior field, Aimi Kenyon stormed to victory with a 9-second lead claiming first place ahead of Anna Craig in second and Nina-Yves Cameron in third.

Stacey Fisher took first place in the elite women’s race ahead of Melanie Chappaz in second and Katherine Sharp recovering from her injury at the World Championships and taking home third.

County Times: Downhill championship action in Caersws. Picture by Tim Evans.

Downhill championship action in Caersws. Picture by Tim Evans.