Extra UK

News

Titley wins UKGE Series for BAB Intense

Author: Extra UK | Fri, 12 Sep 2014

The UK Gravity Enduro Series came to a close at the weekend at Grizedale Forest in the lake district, and what a series it has been! Over the last 6 months the Bad Ass Bikes Intense riders have battled through all weather conditions on some of the most challenging mountain bike trails in the UK. The final at Grizedale was a fitting test to finish the series with around 1000m of climbing over a 38 km route, featuring 5 stages to test fitness and bike handling skills to the max. Stages 2 and 4 were especially spectacular, freshly cut down the west side of the hill, they both finished on the shores of Lake Coniston.

The big news of the weekend for B.A.B. Intense was Andrew Titley winning the Masters UKGE title, widely considered to be the most competitive class in UK Enduro racing. This completes an amazing season for Titley, which has also seen him win the National DH Title. However, this wasn't a straight forward season by any means after sustaining a broken shoulder blade in a crash at UKGE Round 2 in Innerleithen. Somehow, fuelled by adrenaline, Titley managed to hold on to 3rd place in that event. As a result of the injury, Round 3 at Afan was a pretty dark place for Titley, but probably the most important race of the season, salvaging some crucial championship points. Back to winning ways at Rd 4 in the Dyfi Forest and then 2nd place at Grizdale secured the title - keeping his cool (most of the time) despite the pressure and a puncture on stage 4.

Joe Finney, also in the Masters class, had a storming ride to 3rd place overall in the series after improving his results progressively towards the end of the season and finishing 2nd at Round 3 in Afan. Rich Wood finished 11th overall in Masters, narrowly missing out on a top 10 due to a split tyre on a transition at Round 4, this resulted in a time penalty for missing his start time. Both Joe and Rich had some storming rides in the One Industries Mini Enduros, where they both scored podiums this year.

In the Vets class Andy Saddler finished 6th overall following mixed fortunes in UKGE - the two extremes, a win at Afan followed by a DNF at Dyfi due to a mechanical. Despite this Andy has an incredible record in 2014 - 10 podium finishes out of 14 races entered! The training will continue through the winter on a watt bike in his garage - no doubt he'll break out like a caged animal next season. In Grand Vets Matt Hending managed to finish in the top 10 overall in the series following 4 consistent races, but didn't finish the Grizdale round due to a mechanical on Stage 3. Better luck next year Matt.

Last but not least Rob Box Cooksley, owner of Bad Ass Bikes, was out getting loose with the youngsters in the Pro Elite class in what turned out to be his final professional appearance. Box bowed out in style making the Elite podium in his final race.

All in all, it has been an amazing season for Bad Ass Bikes Intense with 24 podium finishes, 8 wins, a Masters British Downhill Series overall win and a DH National Championship Gold Medal (Andrew Titley - Intense 951 EVO) - spread over 6 riders.

"it's been a successful year for all involved with Bad Ass Bikes Intense - grass roots racing at its best. We're fortunate enough to have some amazing sponsors and to be riding the best dedicated race bikes available. A huge thanks to our sponsors and all who have supported us along the way - Intense Cycles, Clif Bar, Ergon, Novatech, Crank Bros, Topeak, Extra UK and Bad Ass Bikes." B.A.B. Intense spokesperson.

Andrew Titley on the Intense Carbine 29er "it's just the sort of bike that gets me excited about riding everyday. I was unsure about riding a 29er at first, but as soon as I got on the carbine I knew it was going to work... in-fact, I knew it would help me win! It's a confidence inspiring race machine."

Bring on 2015!!"