Mexican Goodness in Taxco Urban Downhill

November 1st, 2013 10:36am

There is no doubt that Urban Downhill produces some of the greatest videos, photos and downright awesomeness on the gravity scene. I don't know any rider who looks at the imagery where the thougth doesn't cross their mind about the potential consequences of catching a bar on a handrail or having a stray dog take them out at 30MPH on a steep concrete staircase. And that is part of the alure. Every video I come across I watch it 10 times dreaming I was there, hitting that huge stepdown in town square to the screaming thongs of locals who came out to watch these crazy bike riders. While Valparaiso may have put the sport on the map, Mexico, New Zealand and other countries are now throwing down equally legitimate events. This past weekend Taxco Mexico (two hours outside of Mexico City) held their Downhill Taxco Event. While last years winner Brenden Fairclough flatted almost immediately costing him a chance to defend his title, there were plenty of other fast dudes from all the lands on hand to test their abilities. Here is that story from our esteemed Mexican reporter.

This 25 and October 26 of Taxco streets were jammed because of the the urban downhill race bike end of the world more "Downhill Taxco 2013" event which brought athletes from more than 15 nations.

 
Thirty-nine riders descended from highest point of the magical town, past the "Christ Monumental" having as final destination "Plaza Veracruz", for a total of 2 km to go reaching up to 60 k / m speed.

Photo: Alfredo Martinez.

 
The circuit consisted of different ground conditions, starting in a wooded area to subsequently enter into an urban route, challenging small alleys, stairs, curves, jumps, a kiosk and finally had to go through a set of ramps that formed one of favorite sections of the audience, the "Best Trick" or Best Trick.

Photography: Francisco Lisci

 

"Downhill Taxco 2013" featured a format that included two rounds down the clock in which the participants had to perform in the shortest possible time, counting for qualifying the best times of these two races, another segment to qualify was "Best Trick "carried out once the competition, where only a few brave souls dared to rise to more than 4 meters high and within 3 seconds perform acrobatics in the air trying to impress the judges.

Photo: Alfredo Martinez

Among the favorite athletes was English Taxco Brendan Fairclough Monster Energy team, champion of the 2012 edition "The environment we live in Taxco is incomparable unlike other circuits around the world, this route is very funny and wild, unfortunately one of my tires burst at the beginning of fall so I lost some time, but this motivates me to come back next year and be crowned again, "said Fairclough.

 
In the category of international descent Polc Pilip Slovenian positioned in first place with a time of 3.00.40, in second place was the Marcelo Colombian Bernardo Gutierrez with 1.3.16 and 3.3.51 Cross decisegundos Brazil.

Photo: Rodrigo Cruz

 
Ten participants were segment "Best Trick" resulting in first place Antoine Bizet (FRA) who captivated the audience and judges performing the first off ramp one "Backflip" to subsequently perform a "Frontflip" in the second ramp, Geoff Gullevich (CAN) was second and Gerardo Flores (MEX) third.

 

 
The most renowned Mexican this adrenaline event were Luis Guillermo Cervantes, Adrian Martinez and Erik Gollaz, who showed that the Mexican scene is growing progressively Downhill coming to grips with elite class athletes.

Photo: Rodrigo Cruz

 
The State of Guerrero, the Secretary of Tourism Promotion, Triangle Sun, Palacio Municipal de Taxco, Mexican Cycling Federation, and Monster Energy Drink Ocesa were responsible for paralyzing two days this magical town leaving all memory attendees a fun and exciting international event "Downhill Taxco 2013".

 
Photo: Rodrigo Cruzximo

Final Note: If you have ever been lucky enough to spend time in the real Mexico you are lucky. The people are as passionate about their sports as any country I have been to. It may not be the richest country compared to the states, but the people are awesome and welcome the athletes with all their heart. On a rider level, the local scene of Mexican riders is really getting strong. I can't wait unitl we see on the World Cup Circuit.

Mitch Ropelato tosses his goggles to the very appreciative crowd.

Taxco locals showing their appreciation for the visitors. This is how a race should be. Well done my friends to the south. Well done.

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