Double British Championship win for Derbyshire Weightman brothers
The brothers have celebrated a double win.
Eddie (17) and Oliver (20) Weightman from Breamfield near Wirksworth, both became British Trials Bike Champion at the BikeTrial Federation National Championship on Sunday, June 28.
Derbyshire BikeTrial Centre hosted the championships for the 6th consecutive year. Riders from throughout the Uk headed to the hills above Wirksworth to compete. The day commenced with classes from under 10s to ‘Masters’, more mature riders, many in their 40’s 50’s and 60s.
Courses were set over five sections, with each age category following a route specifically designed to challenge them at their level. After a lunch time break the competition continued with Intermediate, Expert and Elite riders.
Eddie Weightman rode in the Expert category. Over two hours, three gruelling rounds of five sections, each with six obstacles, he negotiated sharp edges, tall leaps and tight pivots with skill and composure on his purpose made trials bike. Despite a fall early on in the competition, Eddie came away unscathed to retain his British title. Spectators described Eddies distinctive riding style, that combines growing strength with technical ability as ‘almost balletic’.
Oliver Weightman rode in the Men’s 26” Elite category. Entering the competition ranked world number two with a series of strong results this season, Oliver had his eye on the podium. But with the world number one, Charlie Rolls from Cambridgeshire, also competing in his category the elder of the Weightman brothers had to stay focused.
Known in trials circles for the strength of his riding style, on a course punctuated with tough obstacles, Oliver Weightman, took every section in his stride with only a couple of minor faults and many impressive, gravity defying leaps, he claimed the top spot.
The Weightman brothers look forward to taking their successes into the next international competition in Poland on August 2. Watch live on YouTube through the UCI.