Sunday May 27, 2007
Ae Forest, Scotland

Santa Cruz Syndicate’s Steve Peat placed second in the downhill in the second round of the British National Series race in Ae Forest, Scotland today amidst a well attended international field of riders. Gee Atherton takes the win. The NPS Series is becoming a hot stop for the top world cup racers to keep their skills honed between world cup rounds, and this race included Nathan Rennie, Greg Minnaar, Julien Camellini and all the top British downhillers.

The race itself was very successful, resembling a mini-world cup, but in a more relaxed atmosphere. The weather was rainy, then dry, more rain and drying, but all the top guys had the same track conditions. Peat describes the track as, “Fast, physical and technical, a 2 minute 12 second track. I was second place qualifier yesterday behind Gee. Today my race got off to a slow start, taking me awhile to get into it, then I made a few mistakes in the technical section costing me the win.”

In the junior category, Peaty protege Josh Bryceland took the win and his time was 4th overall, and impressively ahead of Greg Minnaar.

Syndicate’s Nathan Rennie’s race ended with a severe impact with a tree, injuring his shoulder.
Rennie says, “I’m hoping that I’ve only aggravated a previous injury, but it may be that the AC joint and ligaments have been pulled for a bit of a separation. I think it might just be a week or so to lay off it and I’m hopeful that I’ll be able to race at Champery in two weeks.”

Up next is the invitational downhill event Wheels of Speed in Willingen, Germany, with a good chance that Rennie will be a spectator. Then on to the UCI World Cup Downhill in Champery, Switzerland with high hopes that Rennie will be able to compete.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Santa Cruz Bicycles
SRAM
Rock Shox
Truvativ
Avid
Kenda
DT Swiss
WTB
Crankbrothers
Lizard Skins
Clif Bar
Troy Lee Designs
Chris King
Five Ten

Ae Forest,Scotland
DH

“I smoked Nathan by 2.642983853 seconds on a one minute track! And I dedicate this win to Rob and Lepa. The boys did good cuz they had the three b’s leading up to this race (beach, beer, bikes…)”.

What can we say other than Steve Peat rules the downhill in Lisbon as he wins the downtown event for the 6th year in a row, obliterating the nearest competitor by 2.624 seconds, and that is teammate, Nathan Rennie. If you could say this was a great romp for the Santa Cruz Syndicate, you would be correct. It was brilliant that Santa Cruz Bicycles owner, Rob Roskopp was on site to witness the brilliant moves of his team into first and second place at this amazing downtown race!

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LISBON, PORTUGAL
DH

Sunday May 13, 2007
Vigo, Spain

Marc Beaumont, MBUK Santa Cruz rider, wins his first UCI World Cup Downhill in Vigo, Spain today. Santa Cruz Syndicate’s Steve Peat squeaks onto the podium with the rapidly changing conditions coming in 4th position. David Vazquez from Spain thrilled the home crowd with his outstanding 2nd place performance, followed by Greg Minnaar, Peat, and Sam Hill. Weather ruled this race, and the rain that was forecast during the week actually arrived, with bits of sun one moment, to hail, to sun to rain, to more rain, then sun.
In yesterday’s qualifier, today’s winner, Marc Beaumont suffered a crash and just made it into the show qualifying in 75th position. Starting his race about 1:00 pm today, he had the best of the days changing conditions and sat in the hotseat until the end. He says, “I was 75th yesterday and I was in no fit state to race today with my shoulder and knee. I just rode solid and risked nothing. Still I have a hard time realizing that I won, it is taking some time for it to sink in.”

Syndicate mechanics, Doug Hatfield and Rick Clarkson had their work cut out for them. With dry and wet condition tires set up, they were at the top of the hill changing wheels back and forth as the conditions changed. “We set up for wet, then dry, then changed back to wet, then dry, and the race started up wet, and it ended dry,” said Doug and Rick.

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May 12, 2007
Vigo, Spain

Santa Cruz Syndicate’s Steve Peat wins the qualification race at the UCI World Cup Series downhill event held in the seaside city of Vigo, Spain. Steve tested himself and the field, as he was the first rider to roll down the hill kicking off the first race of the series.

Steve says, “It’s good to get the first qualifying run of the season out of the way and to take my new Santa Cruz V-10 into top spot. It’s a bit weird having qualifer on Saturday before the final on Sunday, but qualifier is always strange at the first World Cup because you don’t how fast you’re going, or the others until then. They changed a fair bit of the track from last year. It got rough through practice then the track settled in for qualifying.”

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VIGO, SPAIN
DH,4X

Date. August 4/5th 2007. Venue. Wharncliffe Woods.

Charity. Weston Park Hospital Cancer Appeal.

“Yes” we got the go ahead to have fun in Wharncliffe woods again, for those of you that didn’t make it to our event last year, now is your chance.

Reason.

1. 1.Its for a well worthy charity (Weston Park Cancer appeal).
2. 2.You get to dress up weird and ride round some amazing trails in Wharncliffe forest, come on you know all need an excuse, to dress up that is.
3. 3.The only chance you will get to ride against Steve Peat this year.
4. 4.Did I mention its for Charity and you can dress up?

Categories. Fancy Dress Fun/Novice/Kids/Girls/boys/Mums/Dads and the rest. The highlight of the weekend, race will start at 3pm and be 2 laps of a shorter course than last year. The funnier the costumes the better. Come and race Steve Peat if you fancy your chances.
Expert/ Senior. This race will take place on Sat morning and be more laps of a shorter Course than last year.

Party. For those of you that witnessed it last year, you know what you are in for. Those that didn’t just think about the 3 Bs‚ĶBands, BBQs and Beers or should that be bikes?
There will be camping available for everyone too.

Website. You will be able to download entry and sponsorship forms from the following website and get all the latest info on the race running up to the event.
www.wharncliffeweekender.com

Directions. The race is situated in Wharncliffe forest, Sheffield, South Yorkshire.
From the North Come off the MI at Junction 36 turn right towards Sheffield, At the next roundabout (McDonalds on the right) take the A616 towards Manchester. Follow for approx 1 mile once you crest the top of the hill there is a left turn signed Wortley, Huddersfield, Penistone. Turn left then after 50 Yards take the first right on to Woodhead Road. Follow for approx 3 miles. You will pass Rainbow hills Dog Kennels on your left, take the next right on to a dirt track. Follow signs for event parking and camping.

From the south Exit the M1 Motorway at junction 35a follow A616 straight over first roundabout then straight over second roundabout (McDonalds on the right). Then follow above signs.

UPDATE

If you cannot ride or attend the Wharncliffe weekender on August the 4/5th then you can still show your support buy making a donation to this worthy cause, please click on our Just Giving link below.

http://www.justgiving.com/thewharncliffeweekender

Cheers……………………Steve

This weekend was the Sprint Avalanche cup race in Lyon France, the format was 2 Qualifying runs on Sat and 2 DH runs on Sunday with the fastest time being the winner. With the first World cup coming up next week a few of the big hitters decided to race this event, among them were Greg Minnaar, Cedric Gracia, Fabien Barel,Mickael Deldycke, Filip Polc, Matt Simmonds, Karim Amour.

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Lyon France
DH,4X