Ashton Bikes

It was an amazing weekend of results for all Team Ashton riders this weekend.
Ben Savage had round 2 of the British Biketrial Championships to contest and the UK no1 took top step on the podium yet again for Team Ashton Diamondback. Ben didn’t have it all his own way, a huge crash early on lap one left our man badly shaken and close to retirement? Fortunately Ben managed to battle back and a stunning second lap sealed victory.
Martyn Ashton was appearing on the Animal Relentless Bike Tour in Cheshire Oaks Motor Show. Martyn had a fantastic weekend with huge crowds at every show. Midway through Sunday it looked as though heavy rain would stop play but Martyn put in a fine display in the slippery conditions, the crowd who stuck it out in the downpour were treated to a very special show.
Sam Pilgrim was in Italy this weekend for the Red Bull Bike Night 2008. This unique contest Teams one MTB rider with a BMX rider who then compete against other Teams. Sam had an amazing night along with BMX Team mate (for the day) Alessandro Barbero. Sam’s Team got second overall, proving yet again that the young British talent is right in the mix at International level.

It’s been a busy weekend for Team Ashton Diamondback riders. As mentioned in previous news Ben Savage pulled out all the stops in Val di Sol, Italy when he qualified for both 20 and 26 elite World Trials Championship Finals. In both Finals Ben was well in the mix and claimed eighth place. The 26 final had a real feeling of ‘what might of been’ as Ben tied with 20 elite winner and was only 8 marks from a Bronze medal. A great achievement to get so close in both events, good job Ben.
Martyn Ashton and Sam Pilgrim spent the weekend with the Animal Relentless Bike Tour at the Goldcoast Oceanfest in Crowde. Weather battered the event all weekend but no matter how hard the weather tried it couldn’t stop our guys putting on an amazing show. Saturday was rain lashed and both Martyn and Sam kept the crowd gasping whilst they rode the luck in slippery conditions. Sunday was Sunny but the wind turned up a notch. Sam had to sit it out for safety reasons but Team Manager Martyn stepped up to the plate and took on the weather riding shows all day.
“The wind made riding the shows incredibly difficult but the audiance deserved some effort from us and we did all we could; this wind is simply to dangerous for the stuff Sam does but you can get away with more on the Trials bike. I pushed my luck in most shows but i’ve got away with it, so i’m happy. This event has a great atmosphere and you can’t help but get carried away and start to push your limits.”
Martyn Ashton
“I really enjoyed the wet shows, they had a real danger element to them, the crowd seemed to enjoy that. I think all the spectators appreciated that we put in the effort and didn’t quit in the tough conditions.”
Sam Pilgrim

Ben Savage has just booked a place into the 26 Elite Trials Final at the UCI World Championships in Val di Sole, Italy. Ben rode incredible yesterday to become the first UK rider to make a UCI Elite final in the 20-inch wheeled contest. Ben admitted to feeling very stiff this morning after such a demanding day previously but found good form early in the 26-inch contest. The sections, utilising some natural terrain as well as some man-made sections are riding quite hard, scorching weather is not making the going any easier. Only eight riders go through to the final so there was absolutely no margin for mistakes. Ben held on in the tough event to take 8th position and a chance for medal glory tomorrow.
“I’m over the moon to make the top eight finals in both 20 and 26, that’s a real achievement. The 20 event is wide open so I need to get some rest and food in me before that kicks off at 7.30pm tonight.”
Ben Savage

As Ben says the eight man 20-inch Final is tonight at 7.30pm so there’s no time to relax. 26 Final takes place tomorrow and we will keep you updated later with the result.

Team Ashton Rider Ben Savage has today qualified for the UCI World Championship Elite 20-inch final in Italy. This is no mean feat, in fact Ben is the first UK rider to ever achieve this result.
“I woke up to blazing Sunshine; I felt a bit disapointed because I saw wet weather as an advantage. However after the first lap I was still really in the mix. During the second lap I really found form and came in on 13 marks, just two behind hot favourite Benito Ros (Spain) who finished top in the qualification. That placed me well within the top eight in joint forth position and i’m now very confidant of my chances in the final.”
Ben Savage
Ben is riding 26-inch Semi Final at 10am tomorrow so we will let you know how he gets on.

Go to Comps at the top of the page to view question. One MET Kaos worth £89.99 up for grabs to the first correct answer received in our ashtoncompetition@btinternet.com inbox.

Team Ashton rider Ben Savage has arrived in Italy for the UCI World Championships. After some problems with Traffic Ben made the plane on time and has now settled in at the GB Team hotel. After an initial look at the sections Ben had this to say.
“The sections for the Trials contest look very hard, which is good for me as I prefer a difficult contest. The hazards are made from the nomal selection of items like Logs, Rocks and pallets. Judging by today we can expect plenty of wet weather so things could get eally tricky. I rode today for a bit and i feel really good, quite relaxed and looking forward to the event. Semi finals for 20-inch is tomorrow (Wednesday) at 3pm, top eight go through to the Final, it’s a big ask to get through to a 20-inch final but fingers crossed.”
Ben Savage
We will let you know how Ben has got on in the quarters as soon as we hea news.

Team Ashton Diamondback riders, Martyn Ashton and Sam Pilgrim rocked at NASS this weekend. Both riders were appearing on the ‘Animal Relentless Bike Tour’ drawing in huge crowds over the sun drenched weekend.
“NASS is an important date on the tour schedule for us, we’ve been working hard to get good form for this event, I think we nailed it pretty good. I have to say Sam was riding incredible, he just never seems to get tired? If he wasn’t doing shows then he was off riding the Skate park, Dirt Jumps or spine ramp, he’s a machine?”
Martyn Ashton
“It was well good to ride with Martyn, we both egged each over on to try harder stuff and they made for some exciting shows. We also made a few plans for changes to the show set up, next weeks shows should be even better with this new stuff we talked about.”

Pictures from 2008 NASS courtesy of Robin Kitchin

This weekend (13th-15th June) Team riders Sam Pilgrim and Martyn Ashton will be riding on the ‘Animal Relentless Bike Tour’ at NASS, Shepton Mallet. NASS is an exciting event with a wide variety of fun to be had including amazing BMX and MTB contests. Live music from Pendulum, as well as a Fair ground and obviously The Bike Tour.
“I’m really looking forward to NASS, it will be the first shows I’ve done with Sam in 2008 so that should be cool. His form at the moment is amazing, I feel very privilaged to be riding alongside him. I will need to be on the ball to get any attention whilst Sam is in attendance.”
Martyn Ashton
“The shows at NASS will rule! Martyn and myself will have a great time. I know we have some guest appearances over the weekend as well, so look out for a couple of special shows during the event.”
Sam Pilgrim

We’ve just added some words from Manager Martyn Ashton about why he created the Team. Take a look at ‘about Team Ashton’ in the side menu.

Team Ashton Diamondback rider Ben Savage took a step closer to wrapping up the 2008 UK National Championships after trouncing the opposition at the third round in Fort William, Scotland. The Trial was held in the Parc Ferme of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, Ben cruised around the course without penalty. His closest rival came in a massive 23 marks behind?
“I’m riding better than ever at the moment, I really feel at ease on the bike and i’m super confidant when it comes to the big moves. The World Championships just a week or so away so this form is a great feeling ”
Ben Savage
Ben now prepares for the UCI Trials World Championships in Val di Sole, Italy. We have every reason to look forward to a great result.

Pictures of Ben in Fort William.