Weightman comes home with silver from the last UCI Trials World Cup of the season
In Cordon France on Sunday 14th September a field of over 50 Men’s 26” Elite trials bike riders from all over the globe competed in the last of a series of three World Cup competitions this year. Wirksworth local, Oliver Weightman, the youngest rider to compete in the 26” category, came a triumphant second.
Weightman started his second trials bike season as an Elite rider, 5th in the world rankings, below his two GB team mates and two Spanish riders. But with increasingly strong performances across the three World Cup competitions and securing this Silver podium position he has managed to finish the series in 3rd. A huge achievement for this incredible young rider.
After a strong semi final, Oliver entered the final day of competition in 4th place. With six riders qualifying for the final, and the highest qualifier having the advantage of competing last, this meant he would ride third.
After downpours in the morning of the final day, the weather cleared up in-time for the 2pm start. But this did not give enough time for the ground to dry, making for a muddy, slippery course for all the riders and an exciting, albeit low scoring final.
Oliver, the older of the two trials bike riding brothers from Derbyshire, was not put off with a little mud and stayed composed throughout. Making the most of his power and skill to negotiate a challenging course and work his way up the points. Weightman entered the last section in second place, and delivering the strongest performance of all the riders in that section, secured his spot on the podium. Finishing just 20 points behind GB Team mate, Charlie Rolls.
Oliver’s younger brother Eddie Weightman, 16, also competed in Cordon. Although still a junior, Eddie has decided to try his hand in Elite competition this year. The younger of the Weightman brothers has chosen to ride in the, highly competitive, 20” category. Eddie had a great first round which meant he qualified for the semi-finals, as the highest qualifying British rider. On a tough course he managed to improve on his position from earlier in the year finishing a credible 18th.
With increasing interest in this sport and viewing numbers more than doubled this season, all eyes will go to the final international competition of the year, the UCI Urban Cycling World Championships, 4-8 November in Riyadh. The UCI will once again stream the final on their YouTube channel.
As their successful season comes to a close the Weightman brothers thoughts turn to a winter of training at Derbyshire Bike Trial Centre, ready for next season. Both Eddie and Oliver are seeking sponsorship that will allow them to dedicate the time they need to continue riding at this Elite level, against the best in the world and regularly securing a podium spot. If you would like to sponsor these world class athletes get in touch with Oliver and Eddie via their social media.
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