Manon Carpenter to race Parkour Ride this weekend

Downhill world champ to race unique 10-storey mixed-discipline event this weekend

Published: October 2, 2014 at 1:00 pm

MTB Downhill World Champion Manon Carpenter has been confirmed for this Saturday’s Parkour Ride, a mixed-discipline, timed race over a 10-storey circuit in London’s Tobacco Docks.

Twenty-one-year-old Carpenter will join more than 100 amateurs at the event, as well as top pro riders from various disciplines including UCI BMX Supercross Champion Liam Phillips; bronze medallist from this year’s BMX World Championships, Tre Whyte; MTB freestyle pro, Sam Pilgrim; newly retired Garmin-Sharp road pro David Millar; European Trials MTB champion, Danny Butler; and pro mountain bikers Ricky Compton and Tom Dowie.

Carpenter said: "It's definitely going to be a different challenge to what I'm used to, but most of the circuit is downhill so I should be OK. I'm looking forward to racing against the BMX and road riders so I'll see if I can take a few wins for MTB.”

A mix of road, BMX, MTB and fixed-gear riders have signed up to compete, with amateurs racing an afternoon time-trial in the hope of qualifying for one of the 22 places in the main evening tournament.

Competitors will then be seeded against the pros in a head-to-head eliminator over a specially designed 10-storey circuit, which has jumps, pinch points and chicanes. The obstacles will be strategically placed to super-charge the racing and give the riders a 'risk-and-reward' choice, to help them gain the edge over their opponents.

Riders and spectators will also be entertained by food, drinks and other attractions across the 10 storeys, as well as a dedicated music floor with DJs sets from the Red Bull Music Academy, through which the route runs.

Doors will open at 5pm, with the racing taking place between 6 and 11pm. Tickets are available at www.parkourride.com and cost £15 for adults and £5 for under 16s. Tickets will also be available to buy on the door.