Sandiford-Smith puts new CCM to the test
By TMX Archives on 20th Feb 08
THE highly awaited and revolutionary CCM MX450 will make its competitive debut this Sunday, February 24, at the opening round of the ACU British MMX championship at Little Silver, Devon. Oliver Sandiford-Smith, fresh from his winter training programme with Dave Thorpe, has the proud honour of being the first rider to race the ground-breaking bonded aluminium chassis in anger.
Sandiford-Smith will head CCM's MX1 assault in both the MMX series and the main Maxxis ACU British Championship, plus some selected Grand Prix outings.
Recent testing in northern Spain has confirmed the potential of this new machine, with the intense two-week session putting the riders on the same pace as many of their rivals despite the limited period of refinement.
Unfortunately, CCM's MX2 rider Richie Worrall (pictured) will miss the start of the season after breaking his lower leg during the last day of the test when he out-jumped a tabletop and landed heavily.
The rapid design and build process will see the CCM MX450 arrive at the starting gate less than a month since it first turned a wheel.
The CAD aluminium frame utilises the very latest technology with just six parts making up the main structure that is bolted and bonded together as opposed to being welded. Manufactured by a recognised F1 component supplier, the resulting chassis is a true work of art and matches the many other special parts that are sure to make the British-built bike the focus of the paddock and the fans alike.