FiveTwo Race Team
Latest news and gossip from the team
2012 Teaser Edit- Quick Clips yo!
WELCOME TO THE TEAM - MATT CHARTER!
Without a doubt, Matt is one of the nicest guys on the 4x circuit and his quality attitude and approach to the sport will be a great addition to the team!
Matt will be racing 4x for the team in 2012 in the junior category and will be on board the Dreamliner (soon to be called Sortie 4x) and will also be part of the online media presentation - The Bandito project!
Matt recently popped up and collected his Bandito - see pic for his current Bandito Build!
Welcome to the team pal! x
Matt will be racing 4x for the team in 2012 in the junior category and will be on board the Dreamliner (soon to be called Sortie 4x) and will also be part of the online media presentation - The Bandito project!
Matt recently popped up and collected his Bandito - see pic for his current Bandito Build!
Welcome to the team pal! x
Rob Welch - New Tricks on a New Ride!
Rob is loving his new bike courtesy of Diamondback - The 2012 Assault! BOOM. He learnt handplants on his new weapon on saturday night = check out the picture for evidence if you doubt the boys new trick bag addition! x
Rob has found the move onto the 26inch Assault really easy - he is absolutley in love and trust me when you see his edit in 2012 - he has made this bike simply an extension of his expression!
Rob would like to thank Diamondback, john lee and FiveTwo Race Team
Watch out for this guy in 2012 - he is gonna be huge!
Rob has found the move onto the 26inch Assault really easy - he is absolutley in love and trust me when you see his edit in 2012 - he has made this bike simply an extension of his expression!
Rob would like to thank Diamondback, john lee and FiveTwo Race Team
Watch out for this guy in 2012 - he is gonna be huge!
John Lee - Sortie 4x (Dreamliner) Build & Ride
John just sent this over....... swore over 3 times when he told me on the phone - happy is best served with a Bike!
WOW - so hyped mate - Just got given a complete bike from Diamondback, the one I used in the photoshoot - Brand manager Jason told me the other day I could have it - and I thought he was pulling my leg - but would you bloody believe it I am now on my way to the local dirt jumps to go shred the living daylights out of my new ride!
Its possibly the best thing a sponsor has ever given me!
The bike rides like a ninja turle fresh after watching Kill bill 1 and 2! This bike is gonna get sent and I love it! Super short and low geometry - Tapered headtube, stiff frame which was my only concern after having many fishtailing full sus rides in the past.... This bike is the dog danglies and the fishes teeth!
Thanks to all the guys at Diamondback especially Jason and Geoff for making my christmas better than it could have ever been! I love my new bike x
WOW - so hyped mate - Just got given a complete bike from Diamondback, the one I used in the photoshoot - Brand manager Jason told me the other day I could have it - and I thought he was pulling my leg - but would you bloody believe it I am now on my way to the local dirt jumps to go shred the living daylights out of my new ride!
Its possibly the best thing a sponsor has ever given me!
The bike rides like a ninja turle fresh after watching Kill bill 1 and 2! This bike is gonna get sent and I love it! Super short and low geometry - Tapered headtube, stiff frame which was my only concern after having many fishtailing full sus rides in the past.... This bike is the dog danglies and the fishes teeth!
Thanks to all the guys at Diamondback especially Jason and Geoff for making my christmas better than it could have ever been! I love my new bike x
ROBBIE AND MAX - WE LOVE OUR BIKES! XXX
Thanks Diamondback - we love our Accomplices! Robbie and Max. xx
Josh Searle - Diamondback Bandito - Build & Ride
After building my bike up last week, I finally got to ride it this weekend, unfortunately the night before it had been snowing so it was super slippery to ride in so I couldn’t ride to full potential but that’s what happens in winter doesn’t it :) I found that the bikes geometry was perfect for me and makes it super comfy riding, I also found out that the Banditio is much lighter than my previous bike which means it can travel further and faster. The gearing on the bike is perfect it means I can get great acclleraton into things and a perfect top speed as well, overall I think that the bike is an amazing, super comfy, super fun bike to ride and definatley look forward to riding it when al the snows gone :D
Josh
Robbie Taylor - Diamondback Accomplice - Build & Ride
Robbies been getting his wheels of the Diamondback off the floor well and truely and is hammering his new steed as hard as possibly can! In under a week he has found his place with the bike and they are a perfect match! We can safely say that if this bike lasts him the year, then the bike has got more guts than a pheasent caught sleeping on the road! Good Job Rob - keep it up!!!
John Lee - Diamondback Bandito Build and Ride
John Lee recently set up his Diamondback Bandito ready for some winter Dirt riding and after a quick build and test it was off out to a few local spots to give her a quick run out! The bike is really light compared to my last bike and I am super impressed with its short / stiff back end - it jumps nice and low!!!!! John has added some Marzzochi Team editon 4x forks and DMR wingbars to make it a wee bit more hardcore for hitting the outdoors on! Watch out for more and a mini edit of him riding it on his garden pumptrack soon! Cheers Diamondback I love it
Max Robertson - Diamondback Accomplice - Build & Ride
Max took the afternoon at Terminal 1 yesterday to build up his new Diamondback Accomplice ready for the winter months. After a few tweaks here and there, he was shredding the park like he had been riding his new bike for ages. Blogs, pictures and video edits soon to land from Max - watch this space!!
New Edits, Blogs and Pictures on the way!
Keep yo eyes peeled as we have so much content from the team on the way!
Bikes, Bike, Bikes - Diamondback sign team for 2012/13
Today was a great day! The First Batch of Bikes for the MTB and BMX guys arrived today. 5 Bandito singlespeed play MTB`s and 4 Accomplice BMX`s have ensured we will have plenty of fun over the winter months! Thank you Diamondback so much for these - we cannot wait to ride them and have fun on them. Blogs on each bike and its adventures on the way very soon for all you to read and watch! x
Check out the new team line up in the Action Sports Page- 4 More Riders to be announced very very very very soon! Team edit coming January 2012!
We are so excited to be annoucing a bigger, louder team for 2012 - its gonna be action packed with riders in MX, MTB, BMX, ROLLERBLADE, SCOOTER and SKATEBOARDING! The edits will be bi monthly capturing the action from the teams year with the aim just to have alot of fun and make our sponsors proud - and who knows we may pick up some silverware and trophys along the way - The team are looking great and we are so greatful to our confirmed sponsors for 2012! Heres to next year and watch this space! x
Action Sports Team Revealed at Demo at Terminal 1
And boom - here we go the announcement of the action sports team who will all be at Nass 2012 together and competing in rollerblading, mtb, bmx, skateboard and scootering - please welcome Ollie Garner, Dan Ingham, Robbie Taylor, Rob Welch and Bob weston to the 52 Action sports team! Huge thanks to new clothing sponsor NURD for sorting the team kit out asap! x
The re-birth of 52 Race Team
Exciting changes are on the way..... a team of 16 will take over in 2012! THE PICTURE WILL GIVE YOU A CLUE!
4X Season Ends with awesome Results!
Suzy takes the win in the 2011 series and Jess just misses out on 3rd by 2 points!!
Fab news
Suzy Lacey Takes the Elite Female 4x NPS series for the 2nd year in a row! After a wet weekend sof racing she kept her grip and managed to stay ahead again of her close in points rival Nichola Anderson from Team Naked Racing. This result shows Suzys Consistancy again and she will be missed by us next season!
Team points - Our aim was to be a contender for the series and we were nudged around all season - this weekend saw the Team come 5th overall!
Jess Greaves - In her first real season of racing Jess has done really well - she took 3rd on the days racing in a dramatic A finals racing and has managed to finish 4th Overall! Incredible results for her!
Dom Barden got knocked out in qualifying but thanks to a strong season of racing we saw him take 8th overall in the series!
Thanks to our sponsors for your awesome support and we look forward to next season with you! x
Suzy Lacey Takes the Elite Female 4x NPS series for the 2nd year in a row! After a wet weekend sof racing she kept her grip and managed to stay ahead again of her close in points rival Nichola Anderson from Team Naked Racing. This result shows Suzys Consistancy again and she will be missed by us next season!
Team points - Our aim was to be a contender for the series and we were nudged around all season - this weekend saw the Team come 5th overall!
Jess Greaves - In her first real season of racing Jess has done really well - she took 3rd on the days racing in a dramatic A finals racing and has managed to finish 4th Overall! Incredible results for her!
Dom Barden got knocked out in qualifying but thanks to a strong season of racing we saw him take 8th overall in the series!
Thanks to our sponsors for your awesome support and we look forward to next season with you! x
Lee Gratton VS The Beast - Llangollen National Champs
So fiveTwo fans this weekend was the national champs from the worlds steepest track at llangollen. I arrived at the camping field early Saturday morning ready and rearing for a day of fun and adventure. Practice started an half 8 and I was in the uplift trailer at 2 minutes past. Closer inspection of the track revieled my first fears,the track was the hardest thing I have ever had to race on! After my first run which was more like a controlled skid from top to bottom I went back to the race pit to re-hydrate.I felt better about it hearing that every one was feeling the same,worried. The more runs I did though the better I felt.I stuck with wet geax tyres pretty much the whole day even in the dry,I needed all the stopping power I could get! As I finished my last practice run I felt as happy as I could be about rinding down a cliff edge,lol. After food in llangollen in was back to the van for an early night. Race day was here,I only had time for 1 run before my seeing run and everything went pretty well.I didn't make any big mistakes and was a clean as I could make it. My race run went nearly as good,a few stalls in corners and a little spill but all in all not bad. The only downside is that at the minute I have no idea where i've finished,its complicated at champs races. Im sure I won't be threatening the podium steps but I was happy knowing I did the best I could do. I'll let you all know on my final position as soon as I do,for now thank you and goodnight. As always thank you to all my sponsors for there ongoing support.
Jess Greaves at Harthill
Jess well in the mix! #216
Harthill British 4X RD4 and National Champs 2011
So the biggest UK 4X weekend of the year is upon us! I have been looking forward to this race since ft bill, which felt like years ago! I went up on Friday to Wrexham BMX track with the 2010 national champ Katy Curd for a play; we had both had a tiring week so after a few laps of pumping, manualling and jumping we were shattered!
Saturday morning we headed up to the track for Rd4 of the British 4X series. It wouldn’t be a British race without a bit of good old British rain! It looked like the rain had helped the track as it was looking in better shape than when I saw it on the way back from ft bill! I did a casual 1st run as I usually do to scope out and get a good feel of the track. I liked it and this put my mind at ease as I was in 3rd place overall in the series and wanted a podium result to keep that top 3 spot. Throughout practice, I couldn’t decide whether it was quicker to jump the small line on the 3rd straight or pump the pro line. Everyone I spoke to had different opinions! In the end I decided pumping the pro line would be best for me as jumping is not my strongest point and it was quite windy and slippery and both the berms going into it and coming out of it were quicker!
Motos swung round and I had that usual 1st moto nerves! I felt that I was about to see the one and a half slices of toast I had forced down that morning come back! In my 1st moto I was up against 2010 series champ and team-mate Suzanne Lacey and Redhill queen Cara Murray! I knew these two would be tough competition for me as its always close fun racing with them! My initial snap was good as I expected, but I couldn’t get my elbows out in the 1st corner! I wasn’t aggressive enough to hold these girls off and they disappeared! So I followed on their tails to come 3rd. 2nd moto was against Katy and Cara, I was in gate 2 with Katy on my left and Cara on my right. I led, to my surprise, to the 1st corner, where I could see Katy on my left and Cara heading straight for me on the right! I thought we were all going down and was bracing myself for the crash! The next thing I knew I could hear Cara going down and was somehow still on the bike? I panicked and manualled the next jump thinking Katy was right on my tail, until I got the bottom and they were both nowhere to be seen!
In the next two motos I just about managed to get enough points to get into the final. I was up against Katy, Suzanne and Nichola Anderson. I knew it was going to be tough and after an average gate I still wasn’t aggressive enough in that 1st corner! I was happy with 4th though as it got me some good points for the overall series which I am still in 3rd place.
That evening there weren’t enough girls for a category at the pump race which was a shame as it looked like a lot of fun. I enjoyed watching it though and was dragged into the exploder competition against team-mate Dom Barden to explode an inner tube! I lost, but I think we all know that if there wasn’t already a hole in my tube that I would have won haha!
Sunday was the big race day, the National championships. If you win this race you get to wear the coveted national champ’s jersey for the next year. This was done on the world cup format of a timed qualifying run followed by knockouts, quarter finals, semi finals and eventually finals! It was pouring with rain all day and the track was perfect in practice! It was fun getting a drift on and the track wasn’t too boggy.
In the timed qualifier I was the very first rider up as the Ladies were 1st and I was the youngest girl there. I was the 1st to go last year as well and I remember being sat in the gate for about 10 mins while they sorted out the timing, getting increasingly nervous! So I got in the gate waiting to be told when we were starting (expecting another 10 min wait) when the next thing I know the beeps started going off. I panicked and tried to clip in and get ready but my shoes and pedals were clogged up with mud and I almost fell off the gate, it dropped and I froze just staring at it in horror when I was told that I don’t get a second chance! I panicked and spent up until the 2nd corner trying to clip in thinking that there was no way I would qualify. Got to the bottom trying to stop myself from crying as I had been told that the girls went straight to finals after qualys and I thought that I had completely messed it up. When luckily for me I was told that there was a problem with the timing system and I had been given a re-run!
I jetted back up to the top and I arrived just as Suzanne (being ranked no.1) was the last girl to go. I composed myself and got in the gate and clipped in immediately! After a terrible gate and almost coming to a complete halt on the 1st corner I was thinking that I had messed up yet another chance! I rode the rest of the track ok, but it didn’t feel like I was going particularly fast. At the bottom I found out that I had qualified in 3rd! Only a sec off Suzanne and a fair few off Katy, stoked! I was surprised as none of the other girls seemed to have had a disastrous run either! There was me thinking I was straight into the final only to find that we did indeed have semi finals! So all that was for nothing! I was up against Cara and Suzanne again in the semi final.
4hrs of solid rain later and it was semi finals time! By this time possibly everything I owned was soaked through! I was worried about my semi finals as I knew that both Cara and Suzanne were both very tough competitors. Lining up in the gate and the first straight was carnage! The track was so wrecked by this point, all down the 1st straight I was holding back and not fully putting the power down as my bike was squirming all over the place, water and mud spraying up in my face, going into that 1st corner was a war zone! Again I held off a bit in the 1st corner and they got out in front, tried a few moves further down but couldn’t get past. And I ended up in the B final. I wasn’t happy with this as after qualifying 3rd I knew I had the speed to be in that final and threw it away. By this point I felt that there was no point in me even being there, then as I was loading my bike onto the uplift trailer it drove off! So I sprinted up behind the trailer thinking that my final would be soon and had lost all energy at the top. Got in the gate for the B final in what were possibly the toughest conditions I’ve ever raced in! All the sand and mud was clogging up my bike and the brakes stopped working, I went to unclip my left foot on a corner and it was just stuck, things I was jumping in practice I couldn’t even manual now. I ended up in 6th place. My worst result of the year! I was pretty gutted after qualifying 3rd I knew I had the pace but that’s racing! Katy won the final which was amazing, all that riding in greasy Bath mud paid off! It was good to see the title go to a deserving winner! And well done to Suzanne for getting on the podium too! Overall I learnt a lot over the weekend and have a clearer idea on what I need to work on before the next race! A massive thank you to Katy for driving me all that way and putting up with me all weekend! And Thank you to the team and everyone who helped me out at the weekend, it’s much appreciated!
Jess.
So the biggest UK 4X weekend of the year is upon us! I have been looking forward to this race since ft bill, which felt like years ago! I went up on Friday to Wrexham BMX track with the 2010 national champ Katy Curd for a play; we had both had a tiring week so after a few laps of pumping, manualling and jumping we were shattered!
Saturday morning we headed up to the track for Rd4 of the British 4X series. It wouldn’t be a British race without a bit of good old British rain! It looked like the rain had helped the track as it was looking in better shape than when I saw it on the way back from ft bill! I did a casual 1st run as I usually do to scope out and get a good feel of the track. I liked it and this put my mind at ease as I was in 3rd place overall in the series and wanted a podium result to keep that top 3 spot. Throughout practice, I couldn’t decide whether it was quicker to jump the small line on the 3rd straight or pump the pro line. Everyone I spoke to had different opinions! In the end I decided pumping the pro line would be best for me as jumping is not my strongest point and it was quite windy and slippery and both the berms going into it and coming out of it were quicker!
Motos swung round and I had that usual 1st moto nerves! I felt that I was about to see the one and a half slices of toast I had forced down that morning come back! In my 1st moto I was up against 2010 series champ and team-mate Suzanne Lacey and Redhill queen Cara Murray! I knew these two would be tough competition for me as its always close fun racing with them! My initial snap was good as I expected, but I couldn’t get my elbows out in the 1st corner! I wasn’t aggressive enough to hold these girls off and they disappeared! So I followed on their tails to come 3rd. 2nd moto was against Katy and Cara, I was in gate 2 with Katy on my left and Cara on my right. I led, to my surprise, to the 1st corner, where I could see Katy on my left and Cara heading straight for me on the right! I thought we were all going down and was bracing myself for the crash! The next thing I knew I could hear Cara going down and was somehow still on the bike? I panicked and manualled the next jump thinking Katy was right on my tail, until I got the bottom and they were both nowhere to be seen!
In the next two motos I just about managed to get enough points to get into the final. I was up against Katy, Suzanne and Nichola Anderson. I knew it was going to be tough and after an average gate I still wasn’t aggressive enough in that 1st corner! I was happy with 4th though as it got me some good points for the overall series which I am still in 3rd place.
That evening there weren’t enough girls for a category at the pump race which was a shame as it looked like a lot of fun. I enjoyed watching it though and was dragged into the exploder competition against team-mate Dom Barden to explode an inner tube! I lost, but I think we all know that if there wasn’t already a hole in my tube that I would have won haha!
Sunday was the big race day, the National championships. If you win this race you get to wear the coveted national champ’s jersey for the next year. This was done on the world cup format of a timed qualifying run followed by knockouts, quarter finals, semi finals and eventually finals! It was pouring with rain all day and the track was perfect in practice! It was fun getting a drift on and the track wasn’t too boggy.
In the timed qualifier I was the very first rider up as the Ladies were 1st and I was the youngest girl there. I was the 1st to go last year as well and I remember being sat in the gate for about 10 mins while they sorted out the timing, getting increasingly nervous! So I got in the gate waiting to be told when we were starting (expecting another 10 min wait) when the next thing I know the beeps started going off. I panicked and tried to clip in and get ready but my shoes and pedals were clogged up with mud and I almost fell off the gate, it dropped and I froze just staring at it in horror when I was told that I don’t get a second chance! I panicked and spent up until the 2nd corner trying to clip in thinking that there was no way I would qualify. Got to the bottom trying to stop myself from crying as I had been told that the girls went straight to finals after qualys and I thought that I had completely messed it up. When luckily for me I was told that there was a problem with the timing system and I had been given a re-run!
I jetted back up to the top and I arrived just as Suzanne (being ranked no.1) was the last girl to go. I composed myself and got in the gate and clipped in immediately! After a terrible gate and almost coming to a complete halt on the 1st corner I was thinking that I had messed up yet another chance! I rode the rest of the track ok, but it didn’t feel like I was going particularly fast. At the bottom I found out that I had qualified in 3rd! Only a sec off Suzanne and a fair few off Katy, stoked! I was surprised as none of the other girls seemed to have had a disastrous run either! There was me thinking I was straight into the final only to find that we did indeed have semi finals! So all that was for nothing! I was up against Cara and Suzanne again in the semi final.
4hrs of solid rain later and it was semi finals time! By this time possibly everything I owned was soaked through! I was worried about my semi finals as I knew that both Cara and Suzanne were both very tough competitors. Lining up in the gate and the first straight was carnage! The track was so wrecked by this point, all down the 1st straight I was holding back and not fully putting the power down as my bike was squirming all over the place, water and mud spraying up in my face, going into that 1st corner was a war zone! Again I held off a bit in the 1st corner and they got out in front, tried a few moves further down but couldn’t get past. And I ended up in the B final. I wasn’t happy with this as after qualifying 3rd I knew I had the speed to be in that final and threw it away. By this point I felt that there was no point in me even being there, then as I was loading my bike onto the uplift trailer it drove off! So I sprinted up behind the trailer thinking that my final would be soon and had lost all energy at the top. Got in the gate for the B final in what were possibly the toughest conditions I’ve ever raced in! All the sand and mud was clogging up my bike and the brakes stopped working, I went to unclip my left foot on a corner and it was just stuck, things I was jumping in practice I couldn’t even manual now. I ended up in 6th place. My worst result of the year! I was pretty gutted after qualifying 3rd I knew I had the pace but that’s racing! Katy won the final which was amazing, all that riding in greasy Bath mud paid off! It was good to see the title go to a deserving winner! And well done to Suzanne for getting on the podium too! Overall I learnt a lot over the weekend and have a clearer idea on what I need to work on before the next race! A massive thank you to Katy for driving me all that way and putting up with me all weekend! And Thank you to the team and everyone who helped me out at the weekend, it’s much appreciated!
Jess.
Dom Barden Race Report @ RD 4 4X & National Champs!
Tom Gaffney Captures The Slidey Dom!
Round 4 of the national points series
We arrived at about 5.30 after having another somewhat slow jouney to arrive with little more than a light rain. I cheaked out the track and though this was going to suit me, quite pumpy, nice and fast and some good wide corners though the jumps could have done to be a lot bigger! But overall I though the team at harthill Had done well with the track from sorting last years problems. I got the track sorted out by the end of the night and was happy coming into Saturday.
Saturday night I woke up to a bit of rain coming down onto my tent and the wind blowing it around, though this didn’t worry me too much because of the sand that made up the track didn’t really get too bad in the wet though the last few corners were clay and you had to be a bit more careful.
Practice went well though and was feeling good. My motos were a little erratic with the a combination of wind and poor gate position. Though some how I managed to pull a second in a race that I crashed in and the first corner cause some problems on multiple occasions when I had to make lots of moves. I ended up with a first, a second and two thirds. As pour as these results were I decided I wasn’t going to let it mess with my head and was determined to give myself a chance of hitting the top positions of the podium. I had a good semi finished in 2nd, though this ment I had a bad gate chaice. The final was really quite crazy! I started in gate 4 which meant that I had no chance of getting on the inside with the likes of dan bateson, alex metclalf and jono jones inside me. I decided to try and keep myself out of the trouble and it almost paid off coming out of the second corner after everyone tried to get inside of each other, I was carrying speed around the outside but I was blocked and decided to be conservative rather than try and push through the 3 risking a crash, a mistake I will not be making again haha. I ended up having to follow the other guys down the track for the rest of the race almost taking third on the last corner and straight but messing it up and over clearing the double double line I was trying on the quad coming in third.
Sunday was a somewhat disappointment for me, having a good practice in the morning having my lines sorted from the day before and feeling confident!
It was shocking weather all day with the track just getting slicker and slicker. The difference in track conditions between practice and racing was massive my first moto was in first after having a good gate and managing to pull ahead, hit the corner after the berm and just washed out it was soaked wet clay and I just wasn’t ready for it. The second moto was very much the same story, in a comfortable second and washed out of the second last clay corner! I was annoyed and disappointed knowing I wasn’t going to get through with my very few points but iw determined to finish a race without crashing. I had a good gate got into second and took it slow! And had my first run without cashing! Phew, haha. As annoying and disappointing the raceing was it was fun to ride the track and I learn’t a lot from the days racing!
We arrived at about 5.30 after having another somewhat slow jouney to arrive with little more than a light rain. I cheaked out the track and though this was going to suit me, quite pumpy, nice and fast and some good wide corners though the jumps could have done to be a lot bigger! But overall I though the team at harthill Had done well with the track from sorting last years problems. I got the track sorted out by the end of the night and was happy coming into Saturday.
Saturday night I woke up to a bit of rain coming down onto my tent and the wind blowing it around, though this didn’t worry me too much because of the sand that made up the track didn’t really get too bad in the wet though the last few corners were clay and you had to be a bit more careful.
Practice went well though and was feeling good. My motos were a little erratic with the a combination of wind and poor gate position. Though some how I managed to pull a second in a race that I crashed in and the first corner cause some problems on multiple occasions when I had to make lots of moves. I ended up with a first, a second and two thirds. As pour as these results were I decided I wasn’t going to let it mess with my head and was determined to give myself a chance of hitting the top positions of the podium. I had a good semi finished in 2nd, though this ment I had a bad gate chaice. The final was really quite crazy! I started in gate 4 which meant that I had no chance of getting on the inside with the likes of dan bateson, alex metclalf and jono jones inside me. I decided to try and keep myself out of the trouble and it almost paid off coming out of the second corner after everyone tried to get inside of each other, I was carrying speed around the outside but I was blocked and decided to be conservative rather than try and push through the 3 risking a crash, a mistake I will not be making again haha. I ended up having to follow the other guys down the track for the rest of the race almost taking third on the last corner and straight but messing it up and over clearing the double double line I was trying on the quad coming in third.
Sunday was a somewhat disappointment for me, having a good practice in the morning having my lines sorted from the day before and feeling confident!
It was shocking weather all day with the track just getting slicker and slicker. The difference in track conditions between practice and racing was massive my first moto was in first after having a good gate and managing to pull ahead, hit the corner after the berm and just washed out it was soaked wet clay and I just wasn’t ready for it. The second moto was very much the same story, in a comfortable second and washed out of the second last clay corner! I was annoyed and disappointed knowing I wasn’t going to get through with my very few points but iw determined to finish a race without crashing. I had a good gate got into second and took it slow! And had my first run without cashing! Phew, haha. As annoying and disappointing the raceing was it was fun to ride the track and I learn’t a lot from the days racing!
DMR Pump Track Challenge Video
Riders point of view - Race Reports from their opinion.
Hear the riders side of what happened this weeked by heading over to the blog page to hear the views from behind the helmet and goggles!
One Venue - 3 Events - 6 Podiums!
Kieran sends the pro line!
Heading to a race knowing its gonna be wet, sticky, cold, windy, muddy, possible thunder and lightening, sand, grit and camping doesnt really make you feel like its summer - but when the podiums started rolling in - it sure felt like it!
FiveTwo Race Team had another stormer of a weekend with results this weekend at the National 4x Double race weekend - every single one of us took a Podium result!!!!!!!!!!
So over two days and 3 races we took a sweet 6 Podiums!!!!
Lots Of Pictures and Detailed Race Report on the way soon!
Results
Saturday Rd 4 NPS 4X
Suzy Lacey - Ladies - 2nd
Kieran Brown - Juvenile - 5th
Dom Barden - Junior - 4th
Jess Greaves - Ladies - 4th
Saturday DMR Pumptrack Challenge
John Lee - Open Category - 2nd
Sunday National Championships
Suzy Lacey 3rd
FiveTwo Race Team had another stormer of a weekend with results this weekend at the National 4x Double race weekend - every single one of us took a Podium result!!!!!!!!!!
So over two days and 3 races we took a sweet 6 Podiums!!!!
Lots Of Pictures and Detailed Race Report on the way soon!
Results
Saturday Rd 4 NPS 4X
Suzy Lacey - Ladies - 2nd
Kieran Brown - Juvenile - 5th
Dom Barden - Junior - 4th
Jess Greaves - Ladies - 4th
Saturday DMR Pumptrack Challenge
John Lee - Open Category - 2nd
Sunday National Championships
Suzy Lacey 3rd
Lee Gratton takes his first Podium - In XC!!
Normally more comfortable on a DH bike!
Well,well,well. Who would have thought that my first podium of the year would have come in the dark and dangerous land of cross country! I raced in the midlands xc round 3 at Hanchurch woods in the go race male category and only won it!! on flat pedals and baggy shorts!!! The race was over 3 laps and due to some dodgy pit crew work by my brother I ended up doing 4 laps as he forgot to tell me to stop,this xc game is confusing. I really enjoyed the race,the track was mostly fast and furious single track and on the technical downhill sections there was an A and a B line option,always A people doing it for dh! overall it was a sick day and I will be exploring this interesting new world further in the coming months. good times people,gratton out :)
Dom Race Reports and Suntour SR Duro Fork Review
Doms fairly new to the team, but my god can he shred it like he stole it! After sitting his exams and finishing for summer he recently caught some time to send us a quick summary of the last 2 races and also a review on the forks he is trying out - check the blog for a read and see what you think!
Dom gets shot for the first DMR Omen Bike Advert
This is so rad - FiveTwo Race Team Rider Dom was snapped in this picture by Thomas Gaffney earlier in the year and fantastically the pic was chosen as the image for the Omens advert in next months Dirt magazine! I know how stoked Dom is about this and that it means lots to him, I too had my first few shots in Knoxs Product catalouge earlier this year and it makes you feel ace! So sick!! Cheers DMR and well done Dom!
Coaching the community in Wales!
After a sunburning weekend, Im now back home relaxing after coaching 17 young people through various bike skills work shops. Our youngest rider was 5 and the oldest - well Jenny is retired, so a generously guessed 60! We have split the Young people into small groups and are working on some basic skill workshops upto advanced with some of the more confident young people. A great weekend away with some awesome riders - watch out though lads, the girls were flipping fast learners!! We are in Tredduyn in wales for the next month with a trip away to a BMX track in August to work towards - cant wait for the next session!
Girl Power at Redfest this weekend!
Lacey in Pursuit of Ms Murray!
Jess and Suzanne smuthered the podium at Redfest this weekend. The weather was good and the racing fierce as a house on fire! Suzy Lacey took 2nd and in 3rd Jess Greaves - well done girls!
BDS Llangollen - Beautiful Weather and Tough Times.
Lee pedalling his guts out on Llangollens tough final sprint
Just got a text from Mr Gratton himself to say a quick note from this weekend of racing in the glorius weather which blessed Wales - Not the best mate, enjoyed my run but made a couple of big mistakes, finished 33rd - race report coming soon......
Josh Searle becomes newest addition to the team for 2012
So as 2012 approaches we welcome on board young gunner Josh Searle! Josh will be working under the 52 development programme in 2011 trying some varied racing and doing some demos with the team before deciding what direction he wishes to go in his riding in 2012. He is currently aboard one of the limted edition DMR Reptoid frames and riding it hard as it can be on all manner of terrain! Check out the blog later for an intro to josh and see his Bio section in the team page! Welcome on board Josh!
Lee Gratton rides an Epic 24hr XC race - remember people he is a Downhill rider though!
So another race,but not any normal race! A 24 hour adventure through the molven hillside on a xc bike on the hilliest xc track ive ever ridden! Its called mountain mayhem for a reason! It started with a massive run which I somehow got nominated to do,then carrying on to the first lap.Each lap was 10 miles! So after we worked out our system of who was riding when in our team of 4 the hours flew by and lap after lap was done.We worked it so we could have 3 hours sleep in the night which ment that I had a lap a 4 am! its fair to say that that getting my kit on at 3-30am in the back of my van was a dark point in my life! although once I got out and amongst the lap it was good to see the sunrise. On and on the laps kept comming until my final 6th lap came round.I cant describe how happy I was to finish my final lap,and I can safely say this is the hardest thing I have ever done!we finished 35th out of 123,not bad for dh boys. This sort of race has tought me many things,the most important thing being, when on a 24 hour xc race wear padded shorts kids! Thanks to my bike shop cycleshack,matt,julian,mark and sketch for keeping me going for 24 hours,im off to get some sleep.night people :) Lee Gratton
Lee builds on his current position!
Another race and more god dam rain! It was hopton or slopton in the pearce series.Going into the race I was 8th overall in the senior class. Saturdays practice was glourious.It was going well getting lines sorted.All this went out the window when sunday came around and with it the expected monsoon. Come race time it seemed that my safe dry lines turned into make or break wet ones.I put one solid run down,just clean with not much speed involved which placed me in 19th.This left my second run as a death or glory effort,needless to say I finished in 19th.Onward and upward! next race in a 24 hour xc enduro! good luck everybody!!
Suzanne in Austria - World cup 4x round 3!
Suzy has been clocking up the miles this month with yet another large event race this time in Leogang Austria. The qualifying was super tough and the race was even wetter in the sticky slippy mud - but she rode hard and placed amazingly clocking a fantastic 15th place - well done Suzy!
Browns motorcross results keep flying in!!
With yet another pinned set of motos at his local MX track - Kieran punched the throttle hard in his final to walk away with yet another 3rd place finish and a flash piece for the mantelpiece. Congrats mate on a great finish and season!
Greaves and Lacey at Fort william world cup
The team gave the world cup riders double trouble this weekend as Jess Greaves and Suzanne Lacey headed over to Fort William to play with the experianced riders on some gnarlier terrain. Jess unfortunatly missed out in qualifying but still managed to place well in qualifying timed runs. Suzy broke into the semi finals but was squeezed out unfortunatly and didnt progress any further. You did great girls and should be very proud of your hard work and super sick riding!!!
Memorial event features FiveTwo Race Team
Last weekend the manager and newest recruit Josh headed over to seascale for the one year anniversary memorial event of the cumbria shootings to take part ina a community action day. The team provided demos, coaching and competitions for the young people to take part in and we had a great time shredding dirt with the fantastic local riders. Cheers for a fab weekend everyone and a massive thanks to the family unit of Searle for making it extra special. x
Afan - NPS 4X Round 3 - Another Washout!
The ladies made the best of a tough weekend and managed to scramble up some decent points by landing 3rd and 4th places in the elite female category. The lads struggled in the wet with mixed results in the motos all day. Dom, John and Kieran faced some brutal competitors and weather who knocked us for six by thrashing us into the mud in a variety of dodgy moves and some crazy muddy clogging..... Looking forward to round 4 and praying for nice weather!
Suzy has two top spot podiums in two weeks!
Suzy has been shredding the gnar recently in some Mini DH races on her DMR Omen to bag to first place finishes in two weeks of Downhill racing, not bad for a 4x racer!
At the famous Bull Track race on the 15th of May she bagged her first place to beat second place by over 4seconds - and remember all aboard a Hardtail unlike the other full rigs - clearing large doubles and road gaps on her faithful steed!
Then on the back of her win she slam up at Mr Blings Mini DH on the 22nd of May to take another easy win on the rough dusty track at PORC!
Amazing results - well done!
At the famous Bull Track race on the 15th of May she bagged her first place to beat second place by over 4seconds - and remember all aboard a Hardtail unlike the other full rigs - clearing large doubles and road gaps on her faithful steed!
Then on the back of her win she slam up at Mr Blings Mini DH on the 22nd of May to take another easy win on the rough dusty track at PORC!
Amazing results - well done!
Greene takes third
Jake finally breaks out in new race kit and takes 3rd at the new Birmingham BMX track for the midlands regional round 2. With some ace results in the moto`s he took the power to the finals and finished a fantastic 3rd place!!! Well Done Jake!
GET WELL SOON SCOTT SHEPHERD
We are all rooting for you to make a positive recovery fella - Love, Prayers and well wishes from all the Team, Friends, Family and our sponsors!!!!
A Weekend of Racing - But are thoughts are elsewhere....
4X Team - PORC - Round 2 of the NPS 4X
After a mixed bag of weather over the weekend and all of the team looking phenomenal in their new race kit on track unfortunatly I bear bad news only.
Racing had to be cancelled on Sunday at 4pm when one of my riding mates from Derby (not a FiveTwo Race Team Rider) Scott Shepherd took a really bad crash on the first straight of the infamous high speed straight.
I assisted Medics until 5pm when the Air Ambulance arrived At 6pm when Scott was taken to The Royal Hospital in London and has been in Intensive Care since. Early reports are not good and he is still unresponsive to the doctors. I cannot explain in words what I saw happen and know what Scott has to recover from, but I am sure you will join me in hoping him the best recovery he can get in this time!
Downhill Team - Ludlow - Pearce Cycles Round 2
Saturday was a wet and wild day on the soggy shropshire landscape of Ludlow. Those who know the track will be familiar with the tight, steep rooty nightmare which in the dry is fast and all out - but in the wet is a nightmare to navigate. After the course being re-riskassesed on Saturday the tracks route was newly taped out that night ready for racing the next day.
Partially dried up after a nights sleep in the van, Elliot Gill and Lee Gratton stepped out ready to fight the clock and the mud.
Lee Gratton battled hard - Seeded 9th and finished 12th in his final run aboard his new bright yellow Morewood summon bike.
Elliot Gill struggled but came back - After crashing in his seeding run he got back on in seeding to take 7th!!! A great comeback after a winter of injury!
After a mixed bag of weather over the weekend and all of the team looking phenomenal in their new race kit on track unfortunatly I bear bad news only.
Racing had to be cancelled on Sunday at 4pm when one of my riding mates from Derby (not a FiveTwo Race Team Rider) Scott Shepherd took a really bad crash on the first straight of the infamous high speed straight.
I assisted Medics until 5pm when the Air Ambulance arrived At 6pm when Scott was taken to The Royal Hospital in London and has been in Intensive Care since. Early reports are not good and he is still unresponsive to the doctors. I cannot explain in words what I saw happen and know what Scott has to recover from, but I am sure you will join me in hoping him the best recovery he can get in this time!
Downhill Team - Ludlow - Pearce Cycles Round 2
Saturday was a wet and wild day on the soggy shropshire landscape of Ludlow. Those who know the track will be familiar with the tight, steep rooty nightmare which in the dry is fast and all out - but in the wet is a nightmare to navigate. After the course being re-riskassesed on Saturday the tracks route was newly taped out that night ready for racing the next day.
Partially dried up after a nights sleep in the van, Elliot Gill and Lee Gratton stepped out ready to fight the clock and the mud.
Lee Gratton battled hard - Seeded 9th and finished 12th in his final run aboard his new bright yellow Morewood summon bike.
Elliot Gill struggled but came back - After crashing in his seeding run he got back on in seeding to take 7th!!! A great comeback after a winter of injury!
Greene and Brown get personal best results!
Jake Greene Leading the way!
This weekend saw Jake Greene take 1st place at Tiverton Regional BMX Race after destroying his category on a beautiful summers day - whilst he was on holiday in Devon!!!
Not only that though - Kieran Brown smoked the field on his MX bike to take a 1st, 2nd and 3rd in his motos - giving him enough points to take 2nd overall!! Boom
2 Happy riders - loads of happy parents and 2 personal bests!!
Not only that though - Kieran Brown smoked the field on his MX bike to take a 1st, 2nd and 3rd in his motos - giving him enough points to take 2nd overall!! Boom
2 Happy riders - loads of happy parents and 2 personal bests!!
FiveTwo hit Pump track opening and hook up with DMR sponsored rider Richard Alcott!
John hitting the track in reverse in his new Super G clothing!
TREUDDYN BMX/PUMP TRACK -OFFICIAL OPENING 17.04.11
Glorious sunny day welcomed a large number of people to the opening of first BMX/Pump track in Flintshire. Treuddyn Community Association had secured a substantial grant to help towards refurbishment of community hall, playground and new bike track. The pump track is one of longest in UK and was built by renowned contractors Clark and Kent Ltd. Cllr Jenny Smith, Treuddyn Community Council cut the ribbon to open the track and announced every rider over loudspeaker - quite a feat given the number of riders in attendance.
Following demonstration rides DMR rider and Five Two race team joined the many young and old in a BMX/Pump track train which saw everyone from toddlers, youths, mums and dads, and pensioners ’ rocking n rolling’ all over the track.
Special guests DMR Flow Team rider Richard Acott and Five Two Race team manager, John Lee had been invited to attend and demonstrate art of pump track riding. Clark Kent team riders led the way on BMX.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-13108287
Glorious sunny day welcomed a large number of people to the opening of first BMX/Pump track in Flintshire. Treuddyn Community Association had secured a substantial grant to help towards refurbishment of community hall, playground and new bike track. The pump track is one of longest in UK and was built by renowned contractors Clark and Kent Ltd. Cllr Jenny Smith, Treuddyn Community Council cut the ribbon to open the track and announced every rider over loudspeaker - quite a feat given the number of riders in attendance.
Following demonstration rides DMR rider and Five Two race team joined the many young and old in a BMX/Pump track train which saw everyone from toddlers, youths, mums and dads, and pensioners ’ rocking n rolling’ all over the track.
Special guests DMR Flow Team rider Richard Acott and Five Two Race team manager, John Lee had been invited to attend and demonstrate art of pump track riding. Clark Kent team riders led the way on BMX.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-13108287
 DMR Flow rider - Richard Alcott |  Sick set up! |
Lee Gratton Round 2 BDS Race Report
So five two fans,another national passes and another top 10 slips through my fingers! The story of the weekend was wall to wall sunshine and dusty tracks.saturdays practice was super fun,the kind of rinding that gives you that special feeling inside.As sunday came I was quietly confident.The seeding run went well and I was placed in 10th! I knew all I had to do was to sick another run in like that and a top 10 would be mine.But no! the crash in the national race run struck again! in an easy section which hadn't bothered me all weekend I was off,I finished 27th.I cannot put into words how frustrating it is! but every cloud,I know I have the pace for a top 10 soon,my seeding run proved it.I WILL HOLD IT TOGETHER,I WILL DO IT! gratton out.
Boom Episode 3 of The Underdog project is here!
Bang - its here, another Thomas Gaffney classic!
Too many podiums for one weekend!
Check out our Blog to read about the whole teams weekend of racing!
Grease Monkey Luke Joins The 4X Team As Mechanic!
Dirt Racer, Shredder and all round nice guy Luke Stanley has joined the team as our 4X race mechanic for the 2011 season. We are super stoked to have his special skills on the team and cant wait to tear up the season with him on and off the track. Lukes racing Senior this year so expect some interesting battles of
The Mechanic vs The Manager coming up!
Welcome on Board Luke!
The Mechanic vs The Manager coming up!
Welcome on Board Luke!
Kieran takes 3rd in his second MX race of 2011
Race report from a dads eye view
The butts track is located in Ashover in an old quarry. The track is very technical with some huge drop offs and steep climbs with jumps half way up.The track was also really rocky and bumpy to start. Kieran looked really solid in practice picking out his lines.
Due to a large number of crashes and several red flags which all resulted in ambulance trips to the hospital!!!! we only managed to complete one round of racing.
Kieran had a great start tracking 3rd after bend one. After the second bend he was running 2nd and looking really quick. He maintained 2nd for about 3 laps however he had a problem with his foot rest jamming in the up position so he ended up running an entire lap balancing on the tip of the rest which was amazing on that track!!
However he lost his 2nd place and ended up with a convincing 3rd
The butts track is located in Ashover in an old quarry. The track is very technical with some huge drop offs and steep climbs with jumps half way up.The track was also really rocky and bumpy to start. Kieran looked really solid in practice picking out his lines.
Due to a large number of crashes and several red flags which all resulted in ambulance trips to the hospital!!!! we only managed to complete one round of racing.
Kieran had a great start tracking 3rd after bend one. After the second bend he was running 2nd and looking really quick. He maintained 2nd for about 3 laps however he had a problem with his foot rest jamming in the up position so he ended up running an entire lap balancing on the tip of the rest which was amazing on that track!!
However he lost his 2nd place and ended up with a convincing 3rd
BDS Round 1 - Lee Gratton Race Report
Nant G Nationals Round 1 Race report.
So, the first national is upon us. A time to prove how well the winter training went.
See the blog for Lees full race report!
So, the first national is upon us. A time to prove how well the winter training went.
See the blog for Lees full race report!
Jess podiums in first ever DH race!
Preparing like a trooper all through winter for the 2011 season and our newest addition to the team has seen Jess really push herself and try many new things and opportunities. Last weekend saw her enter her First proper full length track DH race and First podium! What a result! See blog for more details and race report from our gnarly rider Jess Greaves!
Huge Congrats to Jess and lets hope the rest of the season carries on like this!
Huge Congrats to Jess and lets hope the rest of the season carries on like this!
Suzy's super dope 2011 DMR race bike!
Suzannes now also riding her shiny new bike - check out some shots of it here by Jeron Holy from her ride this weekend! Thanks to MOJO Suzanne was able to trick her beast out with Fox 2011 831's which are super sick in the face! Watch out for Suzy in 2011 as her ability is certainly something that which will show you how rad our UK girls are!
Suzy has a packed race calender this year and we cant wait to see what damage she is gonna do!
Suzy has a packed race calender this year and we cant wait to see what damage she is gonna do!
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FiveTwo hit Chicksands Bikepark with mates!
Dom and John 2011 Race Bike Images!
New bikes are now here - and Dom and John have been shredding them in prep for the first national 4x race in a few weeks time....
Johns ride is running Stock with the only addition being Geax Barro Mountain tyres and a prototype Microshift system - Green Thret rims and other anodised Green DMR lovely bits finish this bike off.
Doms Ride is running stock with the only additions being a Prototype suntour fork and Geax 2011 AKA tyres - Red Thret rims finish it off nicely
Johns ride is running Stock with the only addition being Geax Barro Mountain tyres and a prototype Microshift system - Green Thret rims and other anodised Green DMR lovely bits finish this bike off.
Doms Ride is running stock with the only additions being a Prototype suntour fork and Geax 2011 AKA tyres - Red Thret rims finish it off nicely
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Eventide Trailer
March 26th - Derby - Be there! Contact us if you need any info about coming!
Kieran's New Ride
And another 2011 race bike is here - Boom!
Kieran has gone for a sick build as he moves up from 24" wheels to 26". The reptoid frame is loaded with DMR trick bits and is rolling on some fresh Geax rubber. He loves the bike and trust me he is abusing it like he should be! Keep an eye on him this season as he will be rocking it super power to the gnar stylee!
Kieran has gone for a sick build as he moves up from 24" wheels to 26". The reptoid frame is loaded with DMR trick bits and is rolling on some fresh Geax rubber. He loves the bike and trust me he is abusing it like he should be! Keep an eye on him this season as he will be rocking it super power to the gnar stylee!
First race of the year
John Lee sneaking a 3rd place finish!
Getting rid of those first race nerves was top of my agenda today - the weather was appalling, my bike was still running simpley singlespeed and the track was fairly local and I was ready to see how winter training had gone for me. I was placed in the Over 30`s any bike category which comprimsied of 8 riders on BMX, Cruiser and me on a MTB. The competition was tight and boy did these guys know how to cut eachother up. In my motos I was gathering a whole bunch of 5th place finishes as my tactics in the race were not paying off at all - I adjusted my approach and decided the best way at this would be to get into the first berm as high up as possible and get through the jumps in front of a few more of the other guys. This simple move worked well and I came into the last straight just behind 3rd place - as i hunted him down through the last series of rhythm sections I just managed to take him on the line for 3rd place. Strength, recovery, sprints seem to have all been covered over winter and now the only thing remaining is my gate to work on - hopefully the training can kep improving for 2011 in the last few weeks as we approach round 1 of NPS 4x in April!
First New Bike Is Here For 2011
So Jess beats us all to the new bike this year - her DMR Omen is now fully built and she is loving it! The rest of the team are hot on her heels though, with Kierans almost finished in the shop and the rest of us heading to DMR HQ to collect in 2 weeks time, it wont be long till we are all on shiny new pieces of kit!
Boom! - Episode 2 of The Underdog Project is here!
2011 - Team Session
This weekend was the first time the whole team have all been together in one spot riding with eachother. Expect to see alot more pictures and of course video footage soon from our wet, muddy, fantastic weekend! See Blog and gallery for more action of the team!
EVS Neck Brace is here!
As you know from the past I really support neck braces and especially ones that at the top of their range retail at under £150! My EVS EVO RC arrived yesterday and all reports are very positive - it offers the same thing as any neck brace, its more than half the price of the Cheapest Leatt Brace model, and check this out - it has more stability and movement on offer than my Leatt! Huge welcome on board to EVS and an extra special thanks to Dave at Decade / Evs for getting my neck protected rapidly and for joining our sponsorship for 2011/2012. Be sure to keep an eye out for these beasties and I am sure that other team members and myself will let you get your hands on them if your interested in getting a close up or try!
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EvenTide Premiere this March
T.g`s Movie is coming this march - contact us here through the contact us page - and we can help you get a ticket! Team riders from FiveTwo Race Team and many other riders will feature in this winter MTB movie - premiering in Derby on March 26th - be there or at home watching something far less interesting!!!!!
The companies behind us in 2011!
2011 is gonna be a great year - we know this because we are stepping out into the world with some new sponsors with us but also we have some existing sponsors continuing their journey with us - for this, we are really stoked and just want the races to start now. With confirmation recently coming in from Dirt Mpora, Royal racing, EVS neck braces, J Tech and Urge helmets 2011 is already shaping us to be amazing!
Saying that though, sponsors from 2009/2010 have also kept us being able to walk into the season prepared for anything. Massive thanks to DMR, Knox, Pro Clean - who without we wouldnt be able to even think about running this team - your input, feedback, time and products are really appreciated and we love endorsing your products! We are extremly lucky to work with your products but al;so with you, the people behind it!
Saying that our product sponsors Gatorade, Eat Natural, Skeletal metal, Decade europe, Upgrade, Geax Tyres, Live Event Branding, Thomas Gaffney Photography, DMR Parts, GT85, Action Cameras, Roofbox.co.uk, RNR Goggles.
Cheers to all our sponsors and friends!
Saying that though, sponsors from 2009/2010 have also kept us being able to walk into the season prepared for anything. Massive thanks to DMR, Knox, Pro Clean - who without we wouldnt be able to even think about running this team - your input, feedback, time and products are really appreciated and we love endorsing your products! We are extremly lucky to work with your products but al;so with you, the people behind it!
Saying that our product sponsors Gatorade, Eat Natural, Skeletal metal, Decade europe, Upgrade, Geax Tyres, Live Event Branding, Thomas Gaffney Photography, DMR Parts, GT85, Action Cameras, Roofbox.co.uk, RNR Goggles.
Cheers to all our sponsors and friends!
FiveTwo RaceTeam launch Media Sponsorship with T.G!
We are really excited to announce that we have dipped our toes in deep and signed Thomas Gaffney for 12mths to support him in his photography in the UK mtb scene. Tomo is a legend and we are thrilled to be working with him in 2011! Keep your eyes peeled as we will soon be announcing dates for 2 very special nights where 100 people will get the opportunity to see the premiere of his first mtb film about winter riding. Welcome on board Tomo!
Team Training Weekend in Afan, Wales
So the last training weekend for 2010 has just been and gone. Luckily the snow held off and we only had a small amount of ice to deal with. With everyone in attendance and our newest rider Jess on board for a chilly weekend we headed off into the dark, cold wales with a simple plan - XC rides and 4X sessions with a life cycles premiere thrown on top for extra fun! Hit the blog page to read more about the trip!
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Proud to welcome our new rider - Jess Greaves to the team!
We would like to offically welcome Jess to the team for 2011! We are super stoked and thrilled to announce that Jess will join our ranks. A great girl on and off the bike sure to do great things in the biking world. The whole team are stoked to see Jess on board and become part of our family for 2011. Welcome on board Jess!
Jess Greaves joins our team for 2011! - Picture belongs to Chris Ratford!
Winter is here! - Snow edit feat John Lee - check it out!
Moving on and changing times......
As the year changes and time moves on things change - sometimes they are great and sometimes not so. Its with a sad face that we announce Claire pollard is leaving FiveTwo Race Team after getting herself all grown up with a full time job and wedding bells approaching. We will still be riding with claire and dont think for a minute this is the last time youll see her face around! Bye for now Claire!
More winter riding!
Some new air in the snow
So after work being cancelled and loads of other people being available to ride - this pic was snapped during a snow shredding session in Derby today. The venue was deeply covered in snow and after some mini digging and compacting we unearthed a beauty of a line that allowed us to get airborne. Cheers to the lads for the session and huge thanks and props to Dominic John for this rad picture!
Bonus Footage edit from Episode 1 of the Project....
Winter Racing!
Last weekend the trio of Lee Gratton, John Lee and Kieran Brown head to Cannock chase for some local racing. The weather was bitterly cold and the atmosphere tedious due to some terrible organisation from the event staff - however the track was fun and the racing was admirable!
Lee took a strong 5th place in the DH race only 1.1 seconds behind the winning time!
John took second in the Hardtail category - and fair play landed some big drops on his rigid steed!
Kieran Brown improved loads on the track over the day and finished comfortably in
Lee took a strong 5th place in the DH race only 1.1 seconds behind the winning time!
John took second in the Hardtail category - and fair play landed some big drops on his rigid steed!
Kieran Brown improved loads on the track over the day and finished comfortably in
White style!
We are currently experiancing snow in the UK! Check out this rad pic of Dom at Chicksands from the weekend!! Picture by the ridiculously talented Chris Ratford and his magic box camera!
Episode 1 of the Underdog Project hits Mpora and Dirt!
The Underdog Project coming soon on Dirt Mpora!
We are super stoked to announce that Dirt Magazine will be our articles home site - check out Dirt soon! - http://dirt.mpora.com/
Episode 1 coming soon - Lakes trip done!
Check the blog now to here about our amazing 3 days training in the lakes and to see some amazing photos - Episode 1 coming soon of The Underdog Project!
FiveTwo RaceTeam on Tour this weekend in Lake District!
FiveTwo Race Teams New Sponsor for 2011 opens this Sat!
We are proud to announce two things today - This Saturday our new sponsor Tri A Sport will be opening its doors at 10am followed swiftly bya 2 hour lesiurly cycle ride into the countryside for a brew and some cake followed by a chilled afternoon/evening back in the new shop premises in Dorden on Brown street, where the shop will be serving some italian food, juice and booze! Check out the new concept store as it begins its journey into the cycling market! www.triasport.co.uk
Five Two Racing Demo from Ian Harvey on Vimeo.
Jake Greene takes 3rd at the Mid Championships!
Jake seen here super stoked with 3rd place!
On the weekend Jake Greene was preparing hard on saturday for the Mid champs on sunday - we met up to ride together the day before his big race at his local track - Alvaston Bmx track. We had a great session riding together where we also filmed some sections of him for the new documentary we will be running very soon online for all to read! As sunday drew to a close on a bitterly cold day at Nuneaton BMX track - 7 riders turned up for the 9 year old Boys so it was run under the Grand Prix points system ie. 4 motos (not 3 motos and a final). Jake finished 3rd in the first 3 motos and 2nd in the final moto. Jake was super stoked with the win and is already focusing on his technique and training for next year as he hopes to get higher up on that podium again! Well done Jake and congrats!!!
The Underdog Project - Coming soon....
Episode 1 is coming this November.... But what is it?
FiveTwo Race Team will be followed on a 18mth long video documentary which will show the team racing, training and attempting to acheive goals they set in the Winter of 2010. The video will show the drama, reality, fun, hardwork and commitmnet that the team puts into racing every day. The video episodes will be around 10 minutes along and will be released every two months. Episode 1 launches on pinkbike, Vimeo, Youtube, Mpora and many more places on November 13th!
FiveTwo Race Team will be followed on a 18mth long video documentary which will show the team racing, training and attempting to acheive goals they set in the Winter of 2010. The video will show the drama, reality, fun, hardwork and commitmnet that the team puts into racing every day. The video episodes will be around 10 minutes along and will be released every two months. Episode 1 launches on pinkbike, Vimeo, Youtube, Mpora and many more places on November 13th!
Welcoming the new riders to the team!
Elliot left and Dom right
Signed 3 weeks ago and now ready to be let loose for winter training - Elliot Gill (Red, white, black) and Dom Barden (yellow) are our final additions to the team racers rosta in 2011. The pair are both 16 and have bags of talent ready to unleash on their categories in Youth DH and Youth 4X next season. Check the bios out now for more details on the individual riders.
 Elliot Gill - DH |  Dom Barden - 4x |
Kieran lands a trophy!
Our MX and 4X racer Kieran pinned it on sunday and came away with 3rd place overall - well done dude! With a 3rd position finish in each race, kieran raced with consistency and style to take home this well deserved piece of metal. You can tell he is getting used to his new bike and the extra horse power it has!
Lee Gratton Race Report
Grattons weekend wasnt the fairytale ending to the season that he had hoped for - check the blog for his mini race report - picture by Thomas Gaffney!
Please welcome Jake Greene to the Team!
We are proud to announce our newest and youngest Rider to the team is Jake Greene. Jake is an awesomely talented BMXer and at only 9 years old we think he really is one of the best up and comers around! Check out his bio on our BMX Team page
John turns to the Darkside over winter!
John has recently got his filthy mitts on a swish looking GT BMX and has joined the darkside as part of his winter training - check out the pictures and mini write up on the blog page!!
Suzy Lacey is the 2010 Womens National 4X Series Champion
Suzy took the series with a fanatsic day of racing - well done suzy and you really did earn this one! Read more about the race in our blog!
FiveTwo Race Team sponsorship window closed!
We have had a succesful start to our race season and we know 2011 will be the same. As many of you know we have been planning expanding the team for sometime now and Im afraid our rosta is now full. Please stop sending in race cv's and applications for the team as we really are maxing out our budget for 2011 already. Thanks for all the interest and we hope you all have a great winter getting ready for next year! Our new riders will be announced next week!
Gatorade sign FiveTwo Race Team for 2010/2011
We are super stoked to announce that we will be working with and using Gatorade in 2010 and 2011. We really are proper thrilled about this new partnership and we would like to offically welcome Gatorade as a new sponsor! Check the website out at www.gatorade.co.uk
Tales from the Bank Holiday
Taking time away from racing to train and have fun is ruddy important - check out John's time away up north in the Lake District over this Bank Holiday! Hit the blog button at the top of the screen for more details now....
National Championships and Round 5 of NPS 4X 2010
Suzy repping it with big air time
Suzy Lacey takes home silver and the mixed results from the rest of the team is showing alot of improvements from this years previous rounds - read the story in the team blog!
Lee sneaks a top 30 result at the BDS Moelfre Round
Lee was our solo ambassador at Moelfre Hall this weekend and man he was cooking! He earned himself a top 30 position which is a great start by any standard for his first season racing DH in the BDS series. Race report up now on the teams blog!
Suzy gets another top spot podium in DH!
Suzy has really found her feet on the DH scene recently and nothing reinforces this statement more than another gold medal in a female competitive class. Check out her race report in the team blog!
661 Mini DH and NPS 4X Write up and results!
Check the blog for our latest write up and results from the weekends hot and sweaty action!
http://fivetworaceteam.weebly.com/blog.html
http://fivetworaceteam.weebly.com/blog.html
661 Mini Downhill and NPS 4X Action at PORC
Check the blog later for the report - picture says alot already though!
Claire Pollard Injury Update 2
A harsh week ended with a harsh crash at Cannock last Sunday, I finally left hospital on Thursday with a sore head, weak limbs and lots of strong painkillers.
With a head like a snow globe I’m going to try to remember what happened and fill you guys in on my week.
We were coming to the end of our training day and having some fun filming on the unofficial side of Cannock playing on the big table. I’d hit the jump a few times and was starting to get some good air. John said we should finish off for the day, so I wanted to hit the table one more time before we left, so I did. I came down the hill fairly fast launched off into the air landed on the landing slope heavy on back tire and then the rest is black. According to bystanders the bike went flying off in front of me and I hit my head hard on the top of the jump and slid into a heap on the floor, started to have a seizure and then was unconscious for around 15 minutes.
The first thing I remember is being on a stretcher on the floor wearing a neck and head brace surrounded by a group of people and a couple of ambulance staff. As they carried me off I felt strangely calm and was quite happy. For most of the journey I tried to remember what day it was. Just as we pulled into Stafford Hospital I remembered it was Sunday, but could remember little else about the day including where I was or how I got there. I was wheeled into the resuscitation room where there was a crowd of doctors and nurses waiting for me. As my vertebrae, neck and skull was being checked I finally remembered what had put me there and started to panic a little. The doctors confirmed I hadn’t injured my spine or neck, but I would need a CT scan to check my brain for internal bleeding, bruising or anything more serious. The scan results would take several hours so I was left in A&E, starving hungry and with a big headache and aching limbs.
When the results for the CT scan came back, they weren’t awesome. A small cyst was found in my brain and more tests were needed to confirm what it was, so I was in for the long haul. After nagging the nurse to death for a sandwich I was put into a ward for the night, only to be woken up once every hour to complete a series of coma tests. After the first 24 hours I was having to wake up every 2 hours for the coma tests, and then after the first 48 hours I was being woken up every 4 hours for the coma tests. Needless to say by day 3 I was shattered and ready to go home if only to get a good sleep! I was shuffled around onto a different ward on Wednesday morning and met a lovely lady called Jacqueline who’d just had major surgery. Despite being in quite a lot of pain and needing a 4 pint blood transfusion, she kept me giggling as she was so upbeat and funny! After talking to the doctors later on that day they were unsure if I would need any further tests at all. On Thursday this was confirmed, no more tests were needed and the neurosurgeons were happy. My cyst had been diagnosed as a Colloid Cyst which is benign, non-threatening and unrelated to the crash. Good news! I could go home!
I arrived with my fiancée Tim at my parent’s house to find a letter addressed to me from the local sports centre saying “now you are over 50 you have more time to enjoy your hobbies”. I was thinking “how long was I unconscious for!?”. After having a proper brew and a good night sleep Tim drove me back to Havant were I’ve so far spent most of it sitting down, being cooked for and dosing myself up on paracetamol to keep the headaches at bay. I’m going to head to my GP next week to have a bit of a check-up and hopefully I’ll get back on two wheels soon. I’ll be fit and ready for South West Extreme in August! Thanks for all of the get well soon messages, they really cheered me up!
With a head like a snow globe I’m going to try to remember what happened and fill you guys in on my week.
We were coming to the end of our training day and having some fun filming on the unofficial side of Cannock playing on the big table. I’d hit the jump a few times and was starting to get some good air. John said we should finish off for the day, so I wanted to hit the table one more time before we left, so I did. I came down the hill fairly fast launched off into the air landed on the landing slope heavy on back tire and then the rest is black. According to bystanders the bike went flying off in front of me and I hit my head hard on the top of the jump and slid into a heap on the floor, started to have a seizure and then was unconscious for around 15 minutes.
The first thing I remember is being on a stretcher on the floor wearing a neck and head brace surrounded by a group of people and a couple of ambulance staff. As they carried me off I felt strangely calm and was quite happy. For most of the journey I tried to remember what day it was. Just as we pulled into Stafford Hospital I remembered it was Sunday, but could remember little else about the day including where I was or how I got there. I was wheeled into the resuscitation room where there was a crowd of doctors and nurses waiting for me. As my vertebrae, neck and skull was being checked I finally remembered what had put me there and started to panic a little. The doctors confirmed I hadn’t injured my spine or neck, but I would need a CT scan to check my brain for internal bleeding, bruising or anything more serious. The scan results would take several hours so I was left in A&E, starving hungry and with a big headache and aching limbs.
When the results for the CT scan came back, they weren’t awesome. A small cyst was found in my brain and more tests were needed to confirm what it was, so I was in for the long haul. After nagging the nurse to death for a sandwich I was put into a ward for the night, only to be woken up once every hour to complete a series of coma tests. After the first 24 hours I was having to wake up every 2 hours for the coma tests, and then after the first 48 hours I was being woken up every 4 hours for the coma tests. Needless to say by day 3 I was shattered and ready to go home if only to get a good sleep! I was shuffled around onto a different ward on Wednesday morning and met a lovely lady called Jacqueline who’d just had major surgery. Despite being in quite a lot of pain and needing a 4 pint blood transfusion, she kept me giggling as she was so upbeat and funny! After talking to the doctors later on that day they were unsure if I would need any further tests at all. On Thursday this was confirmed, no more tests were needed and the neurosurgeons were happy. My cyst had been diagnosed as a Colloid Cyst which is benign, non-threatening and unrelated to the crash. Good news! I could go home!
I arrived with my fiancée Tim at my parent’s house to find a letter addressed to me from the local sports centre saying “now you are over 50 you have more time to enjoy your hobbies”. I was thinking “how long was I unconscious for!?”. After having a proper brew and a good night sleep Tim drove me back to Havant were I’ve so far spent most of it sitting down, being cooked for and dosing myself up on paracetamol to keep the headaches at bay. I’m going to head to my GP next week to have a bit of a check-up and hopefully I’ll get back on two wheels soon. I’ll be fit and ready for South West Extreme in August! Thanks for all of the get well soon messages, they really cheered me up!
FiveTwo Race Team Caught On Camera At Cannock Chase!
Suzy and Lee shredding for the camera
Check out this video from our mate Ian at Boon Productions - its currently on pinkbike and is flipping sick - http://www.pinkbike.com/video/149980/
FiveTwo Race Team Sign DH Rider Lee Gratton
Lee Gratton onboard the team for 2010 and 2011
We are stoked to announce the newest member to our team - Lee Gratton. Lee is a great guy with an addictive personality backed up by a very raw, on the edge riding style. Everytime he rides his bike he attacks the trail hard and fast with a massive smile on his chops from start to finish. Lee is thrilled to be joining the team and will be racing his first race for us at PORC mini DH this weekend in Kent! We are dead stoked to have Lee on the team, probably just as much as he is! Lee said yesterday - Im dead chuffed to have been seleceted for FiveTwo Race Team and i cant wait to get stuck in and get going!"
FiveTwo Race Team Rider Claire Pollard Injury Update!
As many of you have probably heard on the facebook gossip line - Claire had a rough old crash at Cannock chase yesterday on the unoffical side of the hill. Claire was training on some DH in preperation for Porc Mini Downhill next weekend - After a long and tyring day we were just about to call it a day and go home when the innevitable sentance - Im just gonna hit this jump once more - claimed another rider! Claire crashed hard when she landed a highspeed long tabletop jump on her backwheel, which threw her backwards off her bike slamming her head back wards into the floor leaving her flat out on the floor and causing her to have a 5 minute seziure followed by a 10 minute blackout. The ambulance crew got on scene super quick and rushed her to Stafford hospital where thankfully she came round and was talking and smiling like the Claire we all know. Unfortunatly Claire is still stranded in Stafford hospital undergoing further tests just to make sure her skull and brain are all in one piece. I just got off the phone to her and she sounds ok but very tire and missing home. Heal up soon girl and our hearts go out to you during this time!
Claire and Suzy straddle the podium with a 2nd & 3rd at Bike Radar 2010 Dual Slalom Event!!!
Our ladies were on fire this weekend at Bike Radar and shredded the pink gnar to the max to straddle Katy Curd on the podium in the dual event. See Claires mini write up inside our blog!
Kieran shreds it onto an MX podium!
Just heard that our youngest rider pinned it over the weekend to podium at a local MX race in full on Fivetwo race team kit! -well done dude!
John Finished The Mega!!!
After snapping his forks and killing his Haro Porter in the qualifying race - all hope looked stripped away for the main race - until John got his dirty hands on a Giant Reign and took it for its virgin descent of Alpe d huez and finished his race in 28th out of 283 other crazy fools! Video and full blog on Pinkbike front page!
John heads off to Mega Avalanche 2010
Bye bye coco pops and english breakfasts and hello croissants and onion necklaces lol!! I have just done a 12 hour drive from Derby to Paris for the first leg of my Journey to Alpe de Huez on Monday for registration and practice. The journey was mentally hard and enduring especially for my little son Elijha being stuck in the back of our overloaded car for all that time. So with a day at Euro Disney planned tommorow to help keep Elijah sane - all is looking good!
Farewell to Luke Cryer
Its always sad when you have to say goodbye in a team, and we regrettably announce that we have recently parted company with Luke to allow him to explore more options in racing/riding bikes. We wish you the best of luck dude and we are sure to see you on many hills shredding the gnar!
NPS 4X Round 3 - Redhill
Well it was a mixed bag of results - but none the less we still hit the podium and took home a 1st place! Check the blog on this site for a mini write up of our day in the blistering heat!
Team Represent at Racers Guild
The team were out shredding on the weekend at Cannock Chase with our riding buddy Martin Ogden - the day was super sick and was a great intro for the team stamping the scene with some good old hardtail racing! We dont know the results yet but we are certain Suzy took the fastest female on the hill and luke definatly claimed most stylsih with some crazy nac nacs and belly slides on the track!
Check Ian Harveys sick edit out from the day - http://www.pinkbike.com/video/143836/
Check Ian Harveys sick edit out from the day - http://www.pinkbike.com/video/143836/
Team website opens its cyber doors!
We have now arrived in the digital land of cyberspace - and after loads of technical issues the website is finally now up and running!
