The WDMBA is in the process of being formed. The goal of the association will be to help promote and grow the sport of Downhill Mountain biking in Wales and possibly bordering areas. The Primary aim will be to run a race series in accordance with British Cycling(BC) and Forestry Commission(FC) or Prospective land owners rules and guidelines. The WDMBA also aims to allow novice and youth riders a way of accessing the sport without the usual high costs and to promote mountain biking in general as an active and exciting sport.

The WDMBA will be formed by riders and run as a Not For Profit Organisation. Funding will come from members entry and membership fee’s as well as sponsorship and grants. The WDMBA will be affiliated with British Cycling and also any other local Mountain Biking club or association who wishes to do so. All races, events and meetings with be operated under full health and safety guidelines and in accordance with BC and land owner rules. The WDMBA will aim to promote the creation of facilities to be used for the sport, but all activities will be highly regulated.

A few words from the Chairman…

“Having raced in the Dragon Downhill series, I have seen the potential for a seriously good race series in Wales. My goal is not to take over from the Dragons but to run a new series, which picks up where the Dragons left off. We are in the early stages of getting the association set up, but it is happening pretty fast…. and I do intend to run a 2009 series, I do anticipate teething problems but I have a lot of support from some really knowledgeable people, so fingers crossed, there will be racing in South Wales next year!”

“There are idea’s and plans to add a few new tracks, as well as run a mini series for beginners and people who don’t want to spend loads of money to race, I would also like to see some races outside of Wales as there are a lot of people who travel to Wales to race. I want the association to pull riders together, to build and maintain tracks and more than anything, have an awesome race series and enjoy riding! But I must add, We have a long way to go! 

I am 100% open to your idea’s and I know a lot of people have some really good ones! But please allow us time to set up then I will be able to listen to you all and take on board what you have to say! Look forward to riding with you all soon!”

James Tennant, Chairman WDMBA

and from Jason Carpenter, Dragon Downhill……

“Dragon Downhill wishes the WDMBA the best of luck for it’s future endeavors – I recommend a Volunteer Association to run DH in Wales based on the model laid out by the very successful SDA.  I expect all DH riders in Wales to assist the WDMBA in it’s endeavors with Volunteer support across the board of event management and in Governance.  In this way, the workload will be spread out ensuring that things are able to run efficiently and no one person gets lumped with too much work.  Also, all income generated from the events can be ploughed back in to grow the sport in Wales.  Dragon Downhill will continue to assist the WDMBA wherever possible.  We have the hills, so lets go, ride them. Jason.”