The inaugural TDRY Guide Geo Park International Downhill Event was held August 26-28 in Qinghai Province, China. The event attracted over 80 participants, including 10 international riders.
The event included downhill, dual compressor and dirt jump events, all held beneath the dramatic backdrop of the stunning Geo Park. All courses were designed and built by international trail specialists Dirt Art, who brought in an Australian-based team lead by World Cup Champion Nathan Rennie, to deliver the works.
For the pinnacle event riders were greeted by a world-level downhill course, which included a wide range of elements, throughout its short 1km length. From the steep, exposed ridge lines at the top of the site, riders faced numerous drops, jumps bermed and flat turns, ensuring that only a true all- rounder would claim the title.
In the international professional class the downhill event was taken out by Australian rider Thomas Crimmins, who edged out brother Andrew Crimmins by 1.10 seconds to take the win. Ex World Cup Downhill Champion, and construction manager for the project Nathan Rennie showed that he hasn’t lost a bit of his legendary ability, slotting comfortably into a valiant 3rd place, just 3.2 seconds off the win.
The Guide Geo Park site showcases a side of China that not many would be familiar with, a rugged wilderness far removed from the countries large cities. All event courses capitalise on the unique and dramatic topography of the site, with the stunning landforms of the Park acting as backdrop for all events.
With a commitment to host the event again in 2017, the future of gravity- based mountain biking in QingHai Province is bright.