Matt second, Joe fourth, Sam fifth in the South West mud-fest.
It was a great start to the 2013 race season for Team Chain Reaction Cycles/Nukeproof at the first round of the British Downhill Series in Combe Sydenham, Somerset, as Matt Simmonds took second place, Joe Smith finished fourth and Sam Hill fifth.
Unfortunately the usually fast flowing track was ruined by the bad weather, as Team Manager Nigel Page explains: “As the track is fairly flat with tight corners at the top section, the rain turned it into a strength-zapping pedal fest. You had to try and stick in the deep ruts all the way down and pedal through the deep mud to keep your speed going. The bottom half of the track was running a lot better and faster though which was good for the spectators.”
“The queues for the uplift were very long and slow, so unfortunately Sam didn’t get a practice run on Sunday morning, denying him the chance to see how the track had altered since Saturday’s practice.”
Matt Simmonds, riding on the number one plate after winning the overall title last year, was on a mission at Combe Sydenham and smashed out a super-fast run to place second just behind Gee Atherton. Joe Smith had a great run to bag fourth place and another podium for the team. Sam Hill made a big mistake on the top of the track but had a fast run after that to place fifth and a position on the podium. A great effort for a guy who hasn't seen mud since last year!
Nigel added: “All in all it was a great start for us. Having Sam Hill on the team has brought a whole new dimension. The fans were lining up all weekend for a photograph, signature and chat. One guy even came up to Sam whilst he was queuing for food with three Troy Lee Designs jerseys he had with Sam's name and a big number one printed on the back for him to sign!
“Sam never gets a minute’s peace but he is a true ambassador and never turns any fans away. That is why he is the number one rider with the fans worldwide.
“It’s going to be a good year for the team and we are going to be getting after the titles!”
