Athertons Dominate UK National

Athertons Dominate UK National
May 1, 2008

courtesy Dan Brown / Team Animal Commencal

The womens elite field was as strong as it comes in the UK with former World Cup Champion Tracy Mosely and World Cup regulars Helen Gaskell and Ffion Grifthis all present. Tracy set the bench mark in the finals going under the 3 minute mark with a 2.59 leaving the remaining two riders a lot to do. As number 2 seed Helen Gaskell came into view it was obvious she wasn't going to top Moselys time, but following and nearly catching Helen was Rachel! as she dropped into the finish she clocked an amazing 2.44 a clear 15 seconds ahead of Mosely. Not only had she smashed the womens field but she had also posted a time good enough for 30th overall!

This was the second Atherton cleansweep of the year, is it a sign of things to come as we head into the World Cup opener? Elite Men: 1. Gee Atherton 2:23.640 2. Dan Atherton 2:26.644 3. Marc Beaumont 2:27.444 Elite Women: 1. Rachel Atherton 2:44.986 2. Tracey Moseley 2:59.337 3. Helen Gaskell 3.09.473Dan and Gee had a lot to do to match Rach's win but with all but Steve Peat present it was going to prove difficult. As the last 3 riders were on course it was Tom Braitwaite sitting in the hot seat his time of 2.32 was the fastest of the day so far. Dan hit most of his lines and was pleased when he took a huge chunk out of Toms time with a 2.26, with just 2 to go Dan was feeling good. World Cup winner and number two seed Mark Beaumont came close with a 2.27 good enough for second but not enough to beat Dan. Battling through the deep mud Gee clawed 3 seconds from Dan giving him the win with a 2 min 23 second run.

Rachel Atherton
Photo credit Ian Linton

Dan Atherton
Photo credit Ian Linton

Gee Atherton
Photo credit Ian Linton