I don’t do wheels. I am clumsy enough without any external influences to encourage me to eat gravel.
I do envy those who can skateboard though. They sail past, wind flowing through their Justin Bieber style hair, not a worry in the world. I love seeing more girls are getting into it too; if I was to skate, it would be on one of those funky little fluro boards.
And just when I thought skateboarding couldn’t get anymore ‘gnarly’, enter the Downhill Skateboarding World Cup series heading to the Gong on April 20 – 22. 
Mt. Keira will be brought to life when it kicks off the 2012 World Cup Series with three days of action packed racing.
Featuring a $10,000 prize purse, this is the first time a World Cup race has been organised at Mt Keira and it promises to be a tremendous weekend of fast and exciting downhill skateboarding.
The Mt. Keira Downhill Challenge is presented by the Australian Skateboard Racing Association (ASRA) and sanctioned by the International Gravity Sports Association (IGSA) – it does say gravity, not gravel!
Mt. Keira is synonymous with steep descents and big turns promising an action packed three days of racing that will include 150 registered competitors from around the world. With its many corners, the track offers ample passing opportunities and will require strong drafting skills that will test the all-around capabilities of all the top racers.
It will quickly sort out the field that includes the top ranked rider in the world, along with local boy, Tim Day who will be out to prove his worth on the World stage.
Competitors include:
- Patrick Switzer (Vancouver, CANADA): Ranked 1st in the world, Patrick will be back in Australia and keen to podium.
- Douglas “Dalua” Silva (BRAZIL): Ranked 2nd in the world, Dalua is a powerhouse skater. His unique ‘Brazilian’ style and fearless riding will be great to watch
- Ben Hay (Central Coast, AUSTRALIA): Currently ranked 1st in the Australian Downhill rankings, Ben will look to continue his current domination of the national downhill scene.
- Cam Kite (Sydney, AUSTRALIA): Mt Keira is Cam’s second home and there is no one more familiar with the race track. Ranked 5th in Australia Cam’s chances of doing well are strong.
- Tim Day (Wollongong, AUSTRALIA): Tim’s laid-back approach belies a very competent racer. Currently ranked 14th in the country, Tim will be looking to make his presence felt at this World Cup race on his local hill.
If you do one thing this April – get to Mt Keira to check this out! Event directors are encouraging spectators to park at the bottom of Mt Keira Road, where they will be picked up by a complimentary event bus and transported to the event area.
