Published at 16:15, Tuesday, 30 October 2012

REECE Langhorn is aiming to reach the peak of perfection in downhill mountain biking.

Title
Author
Copyright

Description

Despite taking up the sport only a year ago, Langhorn has shown spectacular ability in the sport – racing at speeds of up to 40mph and displaying great technical skills and agility to become British downhill senior champion.

The Barrow rider with nerves of steel has also competed in world championship rounds in Norway and France after earning qualifying points in Bulgaria.

Langhorn, a motocross rider before turning from petrol to pedal power, has never looked back after switching sports following some encouraging words from his dad Mike.

The 24-year-old Network Rail worker is now preparing for the season ahead where he will look to advance from senior to expert rider with the ultimate aim of competing in the elite championships.

Langhorn, of Almond Walk, Barrow, who is thankful to Grizedale Mountain Bikes for supporting his quest, said: “I used to do motocross from about 11 until I was 16 then I just fancied a change, something different, a new challenge. I knew a few lads who did it and I got the bug from there.

“My aim next year is to win the downhill series again, the British championships and see what I can do in the world cups, hopefully qualify.”

Races are held on steep, downhill terrain, resulting in high speed descents and, most commonly, with extended air time off jumps and other obstacles.

Riders start at intervals, often seeded from slowest to fastest, and courses typically take two to five minutes to complete.

Langhorn rides a Santa Cruz V10 carbon and practices his skills in the Lake District and in County Durham.

“I am out every weekend and I train pretty much every day on a road bike,” he said.

The season has just finished but Langhorn aims to keep his fitness levels up over the winter period in preparation for his new campaign. Workshop manager Lee Rayton, of Grizedale Mountain Bikes, who help in the sponsorship of Langhorn, said: “It’s pretty good for him seeing as it’s his first year.

“He’s good, he’s from a motocross background and this being his first year he has picked up a lot and learning as he goes.

“He’s obviously used to having handlebars between his arms. He’s got the ability to get up to the top and the determination.

“It’s like everything, it’s not the easiest thing to get into because everything is driven by money and a lot of the lads are funded by parents.”

Langhorn added: “I would like to thank Lee Rayton and Darren Howarth for picking me to ride in their Team Grizedale MTB and for all the help and support, also my riding partners Dale Russell and Adam Brayton, who have helped me throughout the year.

“My sister Kelsey Yung for the fitness side at Freestyle Dance Martial Arts Studios, and a massive thank you to my dad and mum Karen for massively supporting me travelling the country. Dad is always by my side helping me with everything.”

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk