Since 2003, a local downhill (DH) mountain-bike community has been evolving in Israel. This community has yet to produce any world-class competitors – the nature of trails and single tracks available for DH competitions in Israel are no match for the lengthy and high-speed trails found in Europe or in US bike parks. Despite this, 2006 featured the first national mountain bike downhill competition and the domestic scene is buzzing.

Earlier this month, the second national championship was held in the traditional location (as far as a second appearance can be considered a tradition) in Manara Cliffs.

Around 120 competitors signed up, geared up and trained hard. Without a qualifying round, the competition was split into two main categories, first registered, first served; Elite – featuring the professional or semi-professional riders, being the fastest, most skilled group on the track; All Mountain – an amateur group of weekend warriors, including myself, wishing to get a taste of the competitive downhill world.

'Those who rarely leave All Mountain biking in order to brush up with the true downhill experience are the most likely competitors to benefit from such an event.'


With one defined goal – achieving a safe and non-stop run from start to finish line, equipped with a six-inch free-ride full suspension machine (Commencal Supreme 6.3 2006, slightly modified) instead of a true downhill machine, and with very little competitive experience and zero chance of making it to the podium – I eagerly signed up.

In order to spare you the suspense, it seems I actually did pretty well by managing to keep the exact same position I got in the first championship of 2006 (for those seeking a challenge, a hint to the specific position is found in the headline).

So why do I bother? I believe amateur riders like myself who rarely leave All Mountain biking in order to brush up with the true downhill experience, are the most likely competitors to benefit from such an event.

A word of warning. For an amateur, competing in a downhill event without obtaining good knowledge of the track is not wise. Even with the slow finishing time of 4:04 (compared to 2:30 for the top of the Elite category), I had to be at my best on the track. To reach that point required getting acquainted with problematic spots, picking out optimal lines and repeating the track as much as possible. But, of course, practice makes perfect.

All in all I managed about 10 practice runs before the contest – not enough I concede, but I do not get better opportunities to analyse any track to such a detailed level.

Another major benefit from the practice sessions is sharing. It's pretty amazing to see riders aged 14 to 50+ all having one common topic of discussion, and anyone can contribute. An original line to quickly pass the rock garden or some great tips for the steep right switchback at mid-course, you can learn from just about anyone.

When the top 10 Elite riders make their fly-by runs, just step aside and watch for a free lesson on how true downhill should be performed. At the end of the day, studying the track, repeating practice runs and the shared knowledge by other riders will make you ride downhill better. It's as simple as that.

The atmosphere isn't great only on practice sessions. From there and into competition day, riders assist each other in more then just advice. Coffee and refreshments are also shared, along with bike parts and even complete machines - just so that everyone can finish the race. A community at least as much as a competition.

The bottom line is the pure incentive to practise, learning from the experts and certain personal improvement, as well as knowing that competing contributes to the development of the sport. All these promise the amateur riders more than the rest – a certain victory, in fact.

Special thanks to gailisstudio.com and Adi Mayaan for the article photo.