Isle of Man hosts 'ultimate' downhill skateboarding contest
The Manx route has an average incline of 8.5% but reaches 22% at its steepest.The course starts at a cattle grid and features a fast straight with two hairpin turns shortly before the finish.The skateboarding category sees racers donned in leather suits, crash helmets, gloves take to the course standing on their boards.The luge contest sees riders lie on their backs on the boards, using their feet to steer and brake.
Qualifying runs for the two leagues of competition will take place on Friday and Saturday, with racing planned for Sunday.Mr Kemahli confirmed the "ultimate" contest for the sport was governed by a strict set of rules, with a raft of safety measures, kit inspections and insurance requirements.He encouraged Manx residents to turn out and watch along the course as "we know that the island has a culture of spectating on crazy stuff".Spectating at the event was "like watching the TT without the engines", he said."This year we're dipping our toes, if its a success we hope to come back year after year using the Gooseneck section of the Mountain Course down into Ramsey," he added.A section of the A14, from next to the Sulby Reservoir to the Tholt y Will Glen, will be closed between 09:00 BST and 18:30 daily for the event. Organisers expect the road will be opened for brief periods throughout the duration.
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