Homegrown Talent - The Squadron

Posted: Oct 5, 2009

If you have ever wandered up to Cannock chase for the racer's guild event, attended NPS races or just been at some UK DH spots then I imagine you may have seen the Blurred Jerseys of Orange and Black scream past you at impressive rates of speed. These guys are known as The Squadron, a group of 4 riders of varied ages, from the Haunt of Cannock Chase.

But it's not just the riding that's impressive - it's the story on their creation and support that also impresses me.

The Squadron was formed from the top four riders of the 2008 Racer's Guild practice sessions which on average around 100 - 150 riders attend per month. The Squadron riders are all from the Cannock Chase area in the Midlands. The team consists of four male riders; Elliot Machin, Andy Hughes, Greg Hampton and Elliot Gill. And Team manager Aaron Neumann


The story

I have been riding at Cannock Chase a lot since starting my training 12 weeks ago for Mega 2010 - and I was captivated by the friendly, welcoming people up at Stile cop. This place has managed to hold onto the passion and sheer enjoyment of Mountain biking and also I was soon to discover, inspire a competitive nature without having to even hit UK races. The grassroot scene that the Racers guild have created here is exactly what the sport needs to survive and avoid stagnation, and what has also come out of The Racer's Guild is a Team ooozing with talent and passion for the sport.

I was invited by Aaron Neumann to come down to Cannock and meet the Team he has created - So I spent an afternoon training with The Squadron to find out more about this amazing team and the riders individually.


Let's ask the man behind the Squadron for some background and Info:

Team Manager - Aaron Neumann

Aaron Neumann is one of the dedicated team who runs Racer's Guild and The Squadron. He is extremely passionate about The squadron and is constantly looking at the potential of the Riders who use the chase. He described The Squadron as a way of investing in some local talent, and to give them an opportunity to represent their friends in races. Support/sponsorship is also provided from a local bike shop - Swinnerton Cycles,with contributions from Fox clothing and www.Cyclejersey.com.

Aaron's advice to anyone thinking of drafting a team was simple;

"Be consistent and grow something that lasts the test of time! It takes a lot of hours and dedication. Have a chilled out attitude and go into it with a servant heart - expecting no reward in return, but seeing your riders happy and riding hard!"


Elliot Machin

Name: Elliot Machin
From: Burton on Trent
Born: 1989
Class: Senior - EXPERT NEXT SEASON
Bike: Santa Cruz V10
Favourite UK Trail: Bala
Favourite Rider: definitely Sam Hill!
One word to describe your riding - Mental!

Elliot Machin going big

Elliot Machin hammering his bike to the limit

My notes on Elliot Machin

Oh my God! This guy is fast but also a bit crazy on his bike. I think the best way to sum up Elliot's style is a fierce downhill race attitude mixed with the heart of a freerider. Any little hip, lip, bump, obstacle, leaf he can air off - he will - and with bags of style to boot! I haven't laughed so much with an individual rider in so long to be honest - I really enjoyed riding with Elliot Machin, and it was sketchy being his wingman with the helmet camera, but it was so much fun at the same time having to dodge away from his whips and crazy one footers! This guy just loves riding!

Andy Hughes

Name: Andy Hughes
From: Eccleshall, Stafford
Born: 1985
Class: Senior
Bike: Orange 224
Favourite UK Trail: Bringewood
Favourite Rider: Gee Atherton
One word to describe your riding - I'll have three - On the edge!

Andy Hughes showing us how to launch illuminous metal high

Andy Hughes weaving his way down

My notes on Andy Hughes

Andy seems to have only one way to riding his bike. Fast and loose. This guy is rapid and he ain't afraid to go into a line knowing it could get a bit loose. Andy's style, is definitely to be Pinning it and railing turns at full speed - this guy is fast and consistent on 2 wheels. I think Andy is going to be really showing us more of his potential in 2010 as he climbs onto the podium more regularly. Very inspiring rider to watch and ride with!

Greg Hampton

Name: Greg Hampton
From: Stafford
Born: 1991
Class: Junior
Bike: Trek Session 88
Favourite UK Trail: Laggan for XC, Hopton Champs track for DH!
Favourite Rider: Sam Blenkinsop
One word to describe Gregg's riding - Technician

Greg tearing it up at Racers guild in August

My notes on Greg Hampton

Unfortunately Greg was at Uni this weekend and couldn't join us. However I have had the privilege to ride with him before and witness him race. I first saw Greg at Racer's guild in August where he was blasting down the Hill with some rapid times and an effortless style. Greg has a real eye for the perfect line and he really appears to take time working out where he is going and how - and then execute it! Really talented rider who I hope we see more of in 2010!

Elliot Gill

Name: Elliot Gill
From: Coventry
Born: 1996
Class: Juvenile
Bike: Rocky Mountain Switch
Favourite UK Trail: Any!
Favourite Rider: Sam Blenkinsop
One word to describe your riding - Fast!

Elliot Gill styling it up

Elliot Gill keeping it low where most were airing

My notes on Elliot Gill

Seriously this kid is gonna be huge soon. We have all seen young uns like Bryceland, Cunningham and Blenkinsop develop over the years and we definitely have star quality here. Elliot in all honesty isn't some annoying 14 year old kid who's parent's cheque book has provided his talent. He rides with tons of passion and a ton of raw talent other riders dream about. Over the day I noticed so much about this kid and his main qualities for me are a very natural flowing riding style topped off with a Mature, Passionate and fun attitude towards the sport. This kid is destined for huge things and is in a great environment to be grown!

Media

Here are some other shots from the day by drifterjon and a video edit by TeamBoon- we were also joined on the day by Elliot's dad - Paul?, Ben (a mental hardtail rider!) and "Tropical" Dean - It was a great day and a lot of fun was had for sure!

Views:5424    Faves:23    Comments:18

Me hitting the Berm

"Tropical" Dean bringing disco colors back into the woods

Elliot and Andy

Elliot Machin doing a huge road gap with a missing lip

Aaron sharing some facts about why the show "Stictly" is good...??

A rare still shot

Pinned!

Carving it up

Aaron doing some riding, Ian capturing the moment

Team shot

Summary
My advice to the UK scene is to take a leaf out of The Racers Guild's book up at Cannock Chase. Begin thinking of your own Squadron in the ranks of your local riders. The results are amazing - you breed hungry, competitive, focused riders - who are passionate about riding, and why - cause they are having so much fun!

If you have a scene with loads of local riders where you live, why not orchestrate your very own local team like the chase have done, or start speaking to your local event organizer or bike shop to begin getting them involved in the investment of your talented local riders.

If you are interested in learning what it takes to start a grassroots scene in your area like Racers Guild, feel free to contact Aaron at Pslide@racersguild.co.uk

Thanks to all the Squadron team and Drifterjon on still and TeamBoon on video - cheers!

You guys are a talented group of people, and it was a privilege to ride with you - you're a valuable asset to the UK scene and an inspiration for us all to see riding on the hill! Keep shredding!

Conclusion

I would like to just say - The proof is in the pudding - and at the Descent Gear Unclipped in Moelfre we really saw a great example of the riders ability and the friendship which is also there! What a great way for the season to end for The Squadron and Racers Guild. Aaron Neumann is soon to jump across the pond to the states - and you will be missed by many mate!

On behalf of Racers Guild and The Squadron Team we all just want to say a massive thank you to Aaron for your everything you have done and your personality, creativity, riding, influence, time, effort and attitude that you have contributed into the Local scene at Cannock Chase, and also many individual people. We will all miss you and you better get ready for a lot of people heading over to your house for some holiday riding!

cheers

John Lee - aka - Jumble