World Downhill Skateboarding Championship arrives on Island

Round of global series being held at Tholt-y-Will this weekend

An international sporting series will take place on the Isle of Man for the first time ever this weekend.

The third round of this year's World Downhill Skateboarding Championship (WDSC) is being held on a 1.2km course in the area of Tholt-y-Will from today until Sunday (4-6 July).

The high-octane competition features some of the best in the business from around the world who can reach speeds of around to 80mph.

The WDSC's Director of Racing Will Stephenson says this is something that's been in the works for some time and they want it be more than just a one-off:

The action begins today with the first free practice getting underway at 9am.

Residents should be aware that a section of Tholt-y-Will Road from a point just before the Sulby Reservoir car park down to a point just after the Tholt-y-Will B&B will be closed during sessions.

You can see details of the qualifying and race schedule below:

Friday, 4 July QS Qualifying

8:00 – Mandatory Racer’s Meeting Location TBD
9:00 – Practice/Freeride for everyone
13:00 – QS Qualifying
16:00 – Bonus Runs as time permits
18:00 – End of day

Saturday, 5 July QS Race CT Qualifying

8:00 – Mandatory Racer’s Meeting
9:00 – Warm Up
             QS Race
             Warm Up CT Qualifying
             CT Q1
             CT Q2
             CT Q3
18.30 – End of day

Sunday, 6 July CT Race Day

8:00 – Mandatory Racer’s Meeting
9:00 – Practice/Freeride for everyone
13:00 – CT Race
17:00 – (or shortly after the finish of the race) Prize giving