RED BULL HILL CHASERS

Taking a bow - The winners have their podium fame.

Event: Red Bull Hill Chasers

Where: Park Street, Bristol

When: Saturday 18th February 2012

The age old underdog story came to life on Saturday 18th Feb as 16 biking enthusiasts took on 16 elite riders in an uphill battle in the heart of Bristol. But professional or amatuer, one question still stands....which bike discipline is the best uphill?

The event ran a series of gruelling head-to-head knockout rounds with bike enthusiasts from BMX, mountain bike, road bikes and fixed-gear putting in their best work in front of a 6000 strong crowd. The head-to-heads were paired randomly, with each of the 16 elite riders competing against one of the 16 aspirational riders. 

However, it was no easy ride for the elite as each biking enthusiast battled hard in the hope of bringing the underdog story to life, and when one of the elite competitors was forced to retire the finals were in sight.

Michal Prokop (Multi World Champion and Red Bull athlete) set the fastest time of the day of his 4X mountain bike but unfortunately had to pack up his bike for the day after his chain broke just before the quarter finals. He said:

"This was a unique race for me. Where else can you compete against so many different bikes?! Even though my chain broke I still had an awesome time taking on the enthusiasts!"

The semi finals were to determine all for the underdogs, with the intensity high it was and elite vs enthusiast showdown in both races. Ben Simmons took on elite rider Gareth Montgomerie whilst John Whittington fought Lewis Lacey for his chance in the finals.

Against all odds the enthusiasts won, both sporting road bikes all the way to the final. With it all to play for, the two finalists battled it out in one last uphill struggle. It was a close race, but Ben Simmons pedalled his way to the crown with a blistering final time. 

After getting his breath back Simmons said he was," shocked and surprised" at his win, especially as he'd travelled to Devon earlier that day to take part in another cycling event! "I've never taken part in anything as short and punchy as this before in such a great location. Its so exciting. It's a tough race and I never thought I'd win but hopefully I'll be back to do it again next year."

The event was a high success in a crowded Bristol street with large crowds staying to the end to watch the journey unfold. I have to give credit to the efforts Red Bull put in to create an event that doesn't only involved the competition itself, but an all round experience for everyone involved. I think its fair to say it really does give you wiiings. 

RESULTS

1st Ben Simmons

2nd John Whittington

3rd Gareth Montgomerie

The final stretch