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Downhill: According to the NORBA competition guide, a downhill is
"A time trial of sustained descending occurring between a start line and a finish line
which is located at a lower altitude. Competitors typically depart the start line in
timed intervals (i.e. 30 seconds)."
Downhill races in the midwest are usually held at ski resorts and are
generally very short, with times of 1 to 3 minutes being the most common.
Despite their short length, racers attain speeds near 50mph at times.
Suspension is a must in downhill racing, and dual suspension is the norm.
Other downhill specific bike accessories include chain tensioners, raised
stems, and raised handelbars.
Example Courses
|
Cairns Austrailia Downhill |
| Course Length | 2.5 kilometers |
| Single Track | 800 meters |
| Double Track | 1700 meters |
| Highest Point | 320 metets |
| Finishing Height | 20 meters |
| Average Grade | 13 percent |
| Expected Time | 4 to 4.5 minutes |
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Chateau-d'Oex, Switzerland |
| Course Length | 3.950 meters |
| Single Track | 24% |
| Wide Track | 76% |
| Highest Point | 1.670 metets |
| Slope | 730 meters |
| Finishing Height | 940 meters |
| Average Grade | 10.5% |
| Expected Time | 6.3 to 7 minutes |
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