We're sure to Haf' a great weekend!
By TMX Archives on 9th Jul 08
The wait is all but over as the World Enduro Championship arrives in Wales for the fifth round of the '08 Maxxis FIM WEC series, on July 19/20. With the Hafren Dirt Bike Club having spent months preparing themselves, and the event's three special tests, for the arrival of the world's best enduro riders, the stage is now set for what's certainly going to be an event to remember
With the likes of Mika Ahola, Ivan Cervantes, Johnny Aubert, Juha Salminen and Samuli Aro all looking to start the second half of the '08 WEC series with winning results at the GP of Wales, there's no doubting that the Hafren Dirt Bike Club organised event is one that no Enduro fan should miss.
Add to that the fact that Manxman David Knight is using the event to make his first WEC appearance in close to two years and that British hopefuls Tom Sagar, Daryl Bolter and Si Wakely will all be looking to claim their best WEC result of the championship so far, it's clear that the event will undoubtedly be the highlight of the '08 British Enduro calendar.
With the WEC having not visited the UK in close to 10 years, the HDBC have ensured generous spectator access to each of the three special tests. And it's at the special tests where much of the action will take place. Despite the fact that riders will also have to deal with two 100 per cent off-road time controls in the often demanding Hafren Forest, the winners will be decided on the motocross, extreme and enduro tests.
Both days will start at 9 o'clock with riders heading straight from the parc ferme to the motocross test, situated just a stone's throw from the paddock. From there all riders head towards the Hafren Forest, where they will remain for much of the day.
With the motocross test used only at the start and finish of each day, the extreme and enduro tests are where the best viewing will be had. Both situated close to Glynhafren, where the event's service point will also take place, each offer the riders different challenges and spectators two very different places to watch the world's best in action.
All riders will complete four timed enduro tests and three timed extreme tests on day one and four timed enduro and extreme tests on day two. With close to one-and-a-half hours between the first rider leaving the extreme test and arriving at the enduro test there's plenty of time for spectators to move between tests.
For more information visit www.wecwales.com
SPECTATOR INFORMATION
There will be NO admission fee for spectators
A one-way system will be in place to ensure the country roads around the extreme and enduro tests remain clear, please follow the indication and the advice of event officials. Do not park on the edge of the roads – vehicles illegally parked will be removed
A small car parking fee of £5 per vehicle and £2 per bike will be charged, which will allow spectators to park at any of the viewing areas or special tests
There is no spectator access to the Hafren Forest. From Glynhafren all spectators will be able to see the extreme and enduro tests, the service area, as well as one or two difficult sections of the course
Spectator camping will be available at Dol Llys Caravan Park, just a few minutes from the main start/ paddock area. No spectators are permitted to camp in the main paddock area.
The Dol Llys Caravan Park will charge £5 per caravan or tent per night, with electrical hook-up extra. Toilet and shower facilities are available on site. Contact Dol Llys on 01686 412694 or by visiting www.llanidloes.com/dol_llys/index.html
Food and bar facilities will be available in the main paddock
At the end of both the first and second day's competition, a prize giving ceremony will take place at the paddock, after which an autograph signing session will take place. All spectators are invited to attend
A ‘trade village' will be set-up at the paddock area, where many of the event's sponsors will be displaying '08 model bikes and the latest parts and accessories
For full report and pictures see T+MX NEWS, Friday, July 11, 2008