THE South West Downhill Mountain bike Championships, is being held at Gawton Gravity Hub, near Gulworthy, on the weekend of September 21 and 22.

Up to 200 of the top riders in the region, including some top national riders, will be challenging themselves on Gawton's toughest track, Super Tavi, to see who can win the title of South West champion.

The sport of downhill mountain biking involves riding steep, rooty, rock strewn tracks which incorporate tight turns and big jumps. The sport is thrilling for spectators, as riders reach speeds of 40mph down narrow tracks, competing against the clock to see who can be fastest to the bottom.

Practice starts on Saturday, with racing from midday Sunday. Gawton's national standard tracks can be found at the end of Mile Level between Gulworthy and Bere Alston.