News2010-2011 National Series dates and venues - UPDATE1 (Baw Baw)
Wednesday, July 7, 2010 The date for Round 2 (DH) of the 2010-2011 National Series has been changed to January 15-16 2011.
This
was done to avoid a known date clash with a large 24hr race (also in
Victoria) and the Newtons Nation, a multi-facetted gravity event to be
hosted in Bathurst (NSW).
Mojo Events, the Newtons Nation
promoters said, "Newton's Nation will once again welcome many thousands
of revellers to the famous Mount Panorama motor racing circuit in
Bathurst NSW and play host to three days and two nights of world class
gravity and action sports, featuring competitors from across the globe
– all to the tune of some of the best bands and DJ's in the country."
The make-up of the 2010 - 2011 National Series is now:
XCO1, XCC1, DH1 and 4X1: 5 - 7 November - Illinbah (Qld)
XCO2 and XCC2: 19 - 21 November – You Yangs (Vic)
XCO3, XCC3, DH2 and 4X2: 10 - 12 December – Hobart (Tas)
DH3: 15 - 16 January – Mt Baw Baw (Vic)
XCO4, XCC4 and DH4: 4 - 6 February – Mt Buller (Vic)
Further 4X rounds are being planed and will be released as soon as they are confirmed.
Key features of the 2010 - 2011 season include:
- Increased prize money totaling in excess of $70,000 cash plus product
- A "end of series" prize cheque for the series winner (for Elite, U23 and U19)
- More targeted DH entry fee
- Same great organisation and administration
- High quality venues
MTBA looks forward to seeing you at Round 1 at Illinbah.
2011 Australian MTB Marathon Championships - Hosting EOI
Saturday, June 26, 2010The 2011 MTBA Australian MTB Marathon Championships will be one of the
selection events for an Australian team for the 2011 UCI World MTB
Marathon Championships to be staged in Montebelluna Italy, 26th June
2011.
Hosting information and the Expression of Interest is available for download below.
Further information can be obtained from the MTBA office.
Document Download:
2011XCMChampsEOI.pdf (PDF - 364 Kb)
Adelaide to host Australian Championships for next two years
Thursday, June 17, 2010Thursday, 17 June 2010
Mountain Bike Australia and Events South Australia are pleased to announce that the MTBA Australian MTB Championships will return to Adelaide but will move to February for the next two years.
Following a very successful competition staged at Eagle Mountain Bike Park in January, the nation’s best mountain bike riders will vie for the national title from February 22 – 27 in 2011 and from February 21 – 26 in 2012.
Mountain Bike Australia Executive Officer Tony Scott said the change in date was due to a number of reasons, all of which will benefit the mountain bike community.
“Eagle Park is a fantastic mountain biking venue and we’re looking forward to holding our national titles in Adelaide for the next two years,” said Scott.
“For a number of reasons, we have decided to move the event from January to February in 2011 and 2012.
“Last season the national championships were held in the middle of the Jayco Australian MTB Series, however the move to February will allow the national championships to be a fitting finale to the summer season.
“This later date will also provide a more suitable preparation for those riders going on to compete on the international circuit at the conclusion of the Australian season.”
Events South Australia General Manager Hitaf Rasheed said the return of the event to Eagle Park will reinforce Adelaide’s reputation as the home of cycling.
“The 2010 MTBA Australian MTB Championships was a great success, attracting over 700 riders and 4,000 spectators to the event at Adelaide’s Eagle Park,” said Rasheed.
“We look forward to hosting the national championships in 2011 and 2012. South Australia has a wonderful calendar of brilliant sporting, arts and cultural festivals and events such as this helps to cement our reputation as Australia’s home of cycling.”
South Australian Minister for Recreation and Sport, Michael Wright, said the newly improved tracks and facilities at Eagle Park will be ready for more riders and spectators in 2011.
“The new 4X track was opened for the championships in 2010 and there was great interest in this exciting form of racing that had never been seen at this level before in South Australia.”
“Local riders and visitors test their own skills on the tracks and trails at Eagle Mountain Bike Park throughout the year. The chance to come back in February to watch the best in the nation flaunt their skills and enviable courage on these same tracks is an experience not to be missed.”
For further information (media only), please contact:
Michelle Cook - Jump Media and Marketing
0430 177 668
michelle@jumpmedia.com.au
Gold Logie triumph's with Mather in marathon challenge
Monday, April 19, 2010Media Release
Sunday, 18 April 2010
On a course that many
described as the toughest in Australia, a touch of luck and some
impressive technical riding has seen Tasmania’s Ben Mather and
Canberra’s Heather Logie reign supreme at the 2010 Nemisis Australian
Mountain Bike Marathon Championships in Avoca today.
A last
minute entry into the event, Mather made a bold move to go out hard from
the outset and looked too strong for the remainder of the field in the
early stages of the race.
Winning the King of the Mountain on
the first climb and extending his lead to over three minutes at the half
way point, Mather looked to have the race sewn up.
A first time
rider on the course, the 28-year-old looked to his road cycling
experience to put him ahead of the pack.
“I went out from the
gun up the first hill and took the King of the Mountain. I didn’t
realise I had the form but I thought I would just keep going and see how
it panned out,” Mather said.
“I hadn’t been here before to have
a look at the course. But listening to a few of the guys, they knew it
was harder than a lot of the other courses, so I thought I was in for a
tough one.
“They also mentioned that there was a lot of gravel
road. I tend to go alright on the gravel tracks, so I went out hard
knowing that whatever time I could get up on them on the road makes it
harder for them to bring back in the hills.”
But as predicted
the hills became a sticking point for Mather. The Tasmanian resorting
to foot in sections of the final 40km, providing the chance for Sydney’s
Peter Hatton to take the lead.
After pushing out to a three
minute lead and approaching on 90km over an agonizing four hours, a
cruel twist of fate saw Hatton suffer a flat tyre on the final decent
costing him the victory.
Fighting all the way, Mather recovered
to finish the eventual winner in a time of 4 hours 40 minutes and 58
seconds . Hatton held on to finish second (4:44:09) ahead of 2006 world
24hr solo champion Craig Gordon (4:44:25).
“(Peter Hatton)
caught me at the 60km mark and by the last feed station he had put about
two or three minutes into me,” Mather said.
“I got lucky, Peter
got a flat tyre coming down the last big decent.
“He probably
deserved to win but that is the luck of the draw with mountain biking. I
have had my fair share of bad luck, so it’s great to have a little bit
of good luck my way.”
In the women’s event, after working out to
a considerable lead in the first half of the race, Logie held off a
mid-race challenge from Sydney’s Jenny Fay to take out the national
championship in 5 hours 53 minutes and 41 seconds. Queensland’s Jodie
Willett fought on to finish second (5:57:23), with Fay the eventual
third place getter (6:13:08).
Defying her expectations and an
aching body, an impressive display of technical skill helped an ecstatic
Logie to victory.
“This was one of the toughest 100km races I
have ever done,” the 31-year-old said.
“It started getting
steep and sketchy and all I could think was that there was a lot more of
the same to come and I needed to save something. It didn’t feel like
there was much in the legs and I was in the suffer box for a while
there.
“I had Jenny Fay making me work really hard during the
middle stages of the race. She was incredibly strong, really impressive
on the hills and motoring on. For a while there I thought it was hers
to be honest.
“I am so excited with myself because I think today
it was a bit of technical skill that bridge the gap which for me is
unheard of. There was a section of single track where I dropped her and
I didn’t see her again.”
The event doubled as the 2010 Nemisis
Marathon Challenge, a mass participation event that saw over 600 riders
take on the 93km, 45km, 33km and 15km course options.
Each of
the riders wore rainbow shoelaces on their shoes, helmets and wrists in
memory of former world 24-hour solo champion James Williamson who passed
away in South Africa last month and in support of his chosen charity
Zaidee’s Rainbow Foundation which promotes organ and tissue donation
awareness.
- ENDS -
For further information (media
only), please contact:
Taryn Kirby – Jump Media and Marketing
03
9500 0122 or 0433 665 055
taryn@jumpmedia.com.au
Husband and wife team victorious in downhill Van der Ploeg just, Fry again in short track
Sunday, March 14, 2010Sunday, 14 March 2010
In a fairytale finale to the season,
husband and wife downhill duo Chris Kovarik and Claire Buchar have
reigned supreme at the final round of the 2009/10 Jayco Australian MTB
Series in Canberra today.
Earlier in the day, Paul Van der Ploeg and Rowena Fry prevailed in the short track.
After
three rounds of thrilling action, the 2009/10 Jayco Australian MTB
Series came to its crescendo this weekend at Stromlo Forest Park, the
home of the 2009 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships.
Men’s Downhill
The men’s elite downhill had been an enthralling contest all season and today was no exception.
With
five riders left to come down, Hobart and Thredbo winner Ben Cory was
in the hot seat with a swift 2:37.12 ride on his home track.
Shaun
O’Connor (NSW) came agonisingly close with a 2:37.16 but it was the
final rider and national champion Chris Kovarik who blew them all away.
The 32-year-old Queenslander tore down the course, crossing the line in 2:34.84, to secure his second win of the series.
“I’m pretty happy with that run, I made no mistakes really,” said Kovarik.
“I’m heading overseas shortly and the win today is great for my confidence.
“The
times are always close on this track. It’s no surprise today that we
were all so close. These local guys are keeping us on our toes.”
Young
gun Troy Brosnan (SA) won the under 19 male section in 2:44.87, pipping
series title winner Ayden Wyber (2:46.33) and Antony Moore (2:48.43).
Women’s Downhill
Demonstrating her wealth of experience, Canadian Claire Buchar easily accounted for her rivals in the women’s downhill.
The
Canadian national champion flew down the course, nailing the triple
treat and rock garden, to stop the clock in 3:08.12 and collect her
third gold medal of the series.
The next fastest was local speedster Claire Whiteman (3:18.70), followed by fellow Canadian Leigh Douglas (3:20.60)
An exhausted Buchar was in a world of pain when she crossed the line.
“That
was just one giant sprint,” said Buchar. “It was a really tough course,
nothing could prepare you for all that sprinting, no matter how hard
you train.”
Along with her husband Chris Kovarik, Buchar heads
over to race in California in three weeks time before attacking the
World Cup season.
Holly Baarspul took out the under 19 female category in 3:28.00.
Men’s Short Track
In
the men’s short track earlier in the day, the field set off at a
cracking pace with Dan McConnell (VIC), Ben Henderson (ACT) and Paul
Van der Ploeg (VIC) leading the charge.
McConnell dropped off, and the battle between Henderson and Van der Ploeg began.
The
lead changed hands on a number of occasions, before Van der Ploeg got
out of his saddle with three laps to go, setting a frenetic pace, with
Henderson in hot pursuit.
Henderson once again got in front
with just one lap to go, but the powerful legs of Van der Ploeg were
just too strong in the sprint to the finish, the 21-year-old holding on
to clinch a thrilling victory.
“I’m stocked with that win,”
said Van der Ploeg. “It was a really fun track today, with the jumps
and berms and all the add-ons that make it a bit more exciting.
“Ben was really good today. It’s a bit more exciting when you’re out there with someone else.
“There
was only one straight with a good passing opportunity. Ben snuck up on
the climb in the very back section, and I thought I’d lost it, so I
gave it everything I had on the last lap.”
Today’s win elevated Van der Ploeg to the top of the final series standings, to share the title with Dan McConnell.
Van der Ploeg now heads over to Germany to join his Felt teammates, before launching his World Cup campaign in April.
Women’s Short Track
Unlike
the majority of the season, today’s women’s short track race was
extremely tight. Rowena Fry (TAS) dictated the pace for the first ten
minutes, with Rebecca Henderson (ACT) and Katherine O’Shea (VIC) right
on her tail.
However with three laps to go, Fry hit the gas,
and opened up a commanding lead which eventually led her to secure her
third short track victory and take the series title.
In the battle for the silver medal, O’Shea overtook Henderson on the penultimate lap and crossed the line in second place.
“That
was good fun,” said Fry after the race. “It’s the best short track
course around. It has lots of jumps and a few different lines you can
take.”
“There was no point mucking around with three to go. It was good to open up the lungs a little bit.
“Bec
was flying. She was doing really good work hanging onto my wheel. Kath
has had a bit of injury trouble this season, and she’s just coming good
at the right time of the year, so it’s good to see her up there too.”
In
results from the enduro this morning, John Blankenstein won the solo
men’s race, whilst Trudy Nicholas took out the women’s race.
NETWORKS:
A news feed containing highlights from today’s downhill will be
distributed from SBS Sydney at approximately 11am on Monday (March 15).
Highlights
of all of the action from the Canberra stage of the 2010 Jayco
Australian MTB Series will feature in a 30 minute program on SBS on
Sunday, 4 April at 12pm.
For further information including entry lists, results and overall standings, please visit www.nationalseries.com.au.
Round 4 – Canberra Downhill results
Elite Men
1. Chris Kovarik (QLD) - 2:34.84
2. Ben Cory (ACT) – 2:37.16
3. Shaun O’Connor (NSW) - 2:37.16
Elite Women
1. Claire Buchar (QLD) - 3:08.12
2. Claire Whiteman (ACT) - 3:18.70
3. Leigh Douglas (TAS) - 3:20.60
2009/10 Jayco Australian MTB Series – Downhill Final Standings
Elite Men
1. Ben Cory (ACT) – 225 points
2. Shaun O’Connor (NSW) – 218 points
3. Chris Kovarik (QLD) – 208 points
Elite Women
1. Claire Buchar (QLD) – 240 points
2. Leigh Douglas (TAS) – 223 points
3. Sarsha Huntington (QLD) – 204 points
Round 4 – Canberra short course results
Elite Male
1. Paul Van der Ploeg (VIC)
2. Ben Henderson (ACT)
3. Dan McConnell (VIC)
Open Female
1. Rowena Fry (TAS)
2. Katherine O’Shea (VIC)
3. Rebecca Henderson (ACT)
2009/10 Jayco Australian MTB Series – Short Course Final Standings
Elite Male
1. Paul Van der Ploeg (VIC) - 235 points
1. Dan McConnell (VIC) – 235 points
2. Ben Henderson (ACT) - 192 points
3. Lachlan Norris (VIC) - 181 points
Open Female
1. Rowena Fry (TAS) – 305 points
2. Katherine O’Shea (VIC) – 199 points
3. Rebecca Henderson (ACT) - 130 points
McConnell claws his way back, Emotional win for Fry in Canberra
Saturday, March 13, 2010Saturday, 13 March 2010
Beijing Olympian and Australian cross country champion Dan McConnell
has shrugged off a disappointing season to secure his first victory in
the colours of the national jersey at the final round of the 2009/10
Jayco Australian MTB Series in Canberra today.
An emotional Rowena Fry comfortably won the women’s race, tributing her
victory and series title to a close friend and fellow rider who
tragically passed away during the week.
After three rounds of thrilling action, the 2009/10 Jayco Australian
MTB Series comes to its crescendo this weekend at Stromlo Forest Park,
the home of the 2009 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships.
Men’s Elite Race
After pulling out of the last two rounds in Shepparton and Thredbo
mid-race, an out-of-form Dan McConnell rode up to the start line today
as the underdog. But as his competitors knew, the Victorian was not to
be written off.
The 25-year-old went out hard early, powering up ‘cardiac climb’ and
the renowned 225 metre hammerhead section, with series leader Lachlan
Norris and local favourite Ben Henderson in hot pursuit.
However things nearly fell apart on lap three, when McConnell flew over
the handle bars just before the famous hammerhead climb. Stopping to
grab a new wheel in the feed zone, Norris and Henderson caught up and
made the most of McConnell’s misfortune, accelerating away.
A determined McConnell gave chase and regained his lead on the fourth
lap, with Henderson pushing hard on his tail. By the fifth and final
lap, McConnell had slightly extended his lead, opening up a 30 second
gap to claim an emphatic victory.
“It’s been a while. I came here today just hoping for a good ride and
to finish the race but I’ve come away with the win,” said McConnell.
“After nationals it was hard to get the motivation back. I just
couldn’t finish a race. It was disappointing to come off a nationals
win and not be in the hunt. It bought me back down to earth pretty
quickly. It probably took me a month to realise it was just one race
and there was plenty to go in the season.
“The last three or four weeks I’ve got my act together. It’s good to
get the burden off my back and it’s my first win in the national jersey.
“There’s a fair few quick guys in Australia at the moment, and I guess
you can’t be too far off the ball if you want to race. Hopefully this
is the start of a good year.”
A fast-finishing Henderson rolled over in second position for the third time in the series.
In a thrilling fight for third, Andy Blair (NSW) crossed the line just
one tenth of a second in front of Joshua Carlson (NSW). Importantly the
third place also moved Blair up to third position in the final series
standings.
Unfortunately Lachlan Norris suffered a front wheel flat mid way
through lap four which knocked him back to seventh place and out of
contention for a podium finish.
However the 23-year old did just enough to retain his series lead and
confirm his position as the No. 1 rider on the series standings in his
first year at senior level.
“It didn’t go quite according to plan today,” said Norris. “I didn’t
feel really good on the bike and technically I felt a bit off.”
“You have good days and bad. I’m pretty happy with the season, it’s my
first series win as a senior, so hopefully I can kick on from here.”
Victorian Paul Van Der Ploeg took out the under 23 men’s win and series title.
Women’s Elite Race
As was the case for the majority of the series, national champion
Rowena Fry went out hard from the outset, leaving local young gun
Rebecca Henderson and Heather Logie to battle it out for second.
Despite having to dodge kangaroos out on the course, Henderson had the
early advantage, holding onto second position for the first two laps.
A woman on a mission, Logie, closed the gap during lap three. Attacking
on the fire road, Logie came up to Henderson’s shoulder and pulled away
to establish a generous 48 second break heading into the bell lap.
Meanwhile out in front, Fry completed the four laps of the 8.4km course
unchallenged. Despite encountering some gear trouble on the final lap,
Fry crossed the finish line in 1:47:19 to secure her third victory of
the season and the series title.
Fighting back tears, the 28-year-old payed tribute to Will Robinson,
her friend and riding partner who tragically passed away in a training
accident last Saturday.
“I’m really happy to get the win and take the series. I lost a close
friend during the week and it was good to win for him today,” said Fry.
“It’s been a really emotional week, and I was really happy to be able
to do this for him and his family.”
“I just wanted to ride by myself with my own thoughts today. I was in a groove, and just let my body do what it does.”
“It’s been a really good start to the season, and hopefully it will keep going well when I head overseas in April.”
Despite entering the race with a shoulder injury after tumbling over
her handlebars in training on Monday night, Logie crossed the finish
line in second position for the third time this series, 94 seconds
behind Fry.
Henderson rolling over in third place, enough to secure the under 23 series title.
In the women’s under 17 race, Zoe Binder (NSW) was too strong, taking
the win ahead of Karuna Henderson and Kyna Millan from the ACT.
Donations to support the family of Will Robinson, can be made via the
‘Dave & Pennie Support Fund’ – visit www.tas.cycling.org.au for
further information.
The action at Stromlo Forest Park concludes tomorrow with the men’s and women’s enduro, short track and downhill.
Highlights of all of the action from the Canberra stage of the 2010
Jayco Australian MTB Series will feature in a 30 minute program on SBS
on Sunday, 4 April at 12pm.
For further information including entry lists, results and overall standings, please visit www.nationalseries.com.au.
2009/10 Jayco Australian MTB Series – Cross Country Final Standings
Elite Male
1. Lachlan Norris (VIC) - 241 points
2. Ben Henderson (ACT) - 228 points
3. Andrew Blair (NSW) - 165 points
Elite Female
1. Rowena Fry (TAS) – 295 points
2. Heather Logie (ACT) – 243 points
3. Joanna Wall (VIC) - 176 points
Under 23 Men
1. Paul Van Der Ploeg (VIC)– 141 points
2. Aaron Benson (QLD) – 64 points
3. Cal Britten (VIC) – 59 points
Under 23 Women
1. Rebecca Henderson (ACT) – 196 points
2. Therese Rhodes (SA) – 125 points
3. Sarah Holmes (SA) - 117 points
Round 4 – Canberra cross country results
Elite Male
1. Daniel McConnell (VIC) – 1:53:03.4
2. Ben Henderson (ACT) – 1:53:34.9
3. Andrew Blair (NSW) – 1:53:44.8
4. Joshua Carlson (NSW) – 1:53:44.9
5. Paul Van Der Ploeg (VIC) *U/23
6. Aiden Lefmann (QLD)
7. Lachlan Norris (VIC)
8. Peter Hatton (NSW)
9. Na Sanghoon (ACT)
10. David Johnston (ACT) *U/23
11. Brenton Jones (VIC) *U/23
Elite Female
1. Rowena Fry (TAS) - 1:47:19.3
2. Heather Logie (ACT) - 1:48:53.5
3. Rebecca Henderson (ACT) *U/23 - 1:51:14.0
4. Joanna Wall (VIC)
5. Peta Mullens (VIC) *U/23
6. Niki Fisher
7. Therese Rhodes (SA) *U/23
8. Katherine O’Shea (VIC)
9. Jaclyn Schapel
10. Sarah Holmes *U/23
Competition Schedule
Round 4 – Stromlo Forest Park, Canberra
Sunday, 14 February
8:00am : Cross Country Enduro - 4 hour solo and teams
12:30pm : Downhill – U15, U17, expert, masters, vet and sport supermasters men, U15, U17, vet, masters, sport women
1:00pm : Short Course Cross Country
3:00pm : Downhill - elite and U19 men, elite and U19 women
Darrell dazzles home crowd with 4X victory
Friday, March 12, 2010Friday, 12 March 2010
Delighting his home crowd fans, Canberra
rider Leigh Darrell has claimed a convincing victory in the 4X
(four-cross) event at the final round of the 2009/10 Jayco Australian
MTB Series in Canberra tonight.
After three rounds of thrilling
action, the series comes to its crescendo this weekend at Stromlo
Forest Park, the home of the 2009 UCI Mountain Bike World
Championships, where bragging rights are on the line for the overall
winner of the series title.
Following his win in Thredbo last
month, Darrell entered tonight’s race as the slight favourite in an
extremely competitive field.
The 23-year-old comfortably
progressed through the earlier seeding rounds, before facing New South
Wales riders Michael Jobson, Alex Lloyd and Graeme Mudd in the final.
In
the thrilling opening stages, the field could not be split in the first
half of the race. However disaster struck the New South Wales trio at
the third turn, all three getting tangled before hitting the dirt.
Taking advantage of the situation, Darrell broke away for a comfortable
victory.
“I came out of the gates and I was just in front,”
explained Darrell. “Alex pulled up just next to me. We went over the
second jump and we collided in the air and I nearly fell off.”
“I came around the next corner and I held it together. Michael Jobson came up the inside and he washed out.
“I was in front coming into the second corner and I went out wide, whilst the others went inside.
“Then
on that third corner I heard a big pile up behind me and I just kept
going. I just looked over my shoulder and saw that I had some clear
space.
“Then I just shut it down and rolled over the finish line with a big smile on my face.”
Jobson crossed the line in second place, followed by Lloyd and Mudd.
Rewarded
for his consistency this season, Queenslander Richard Levinson, who won
the men’s elite ‘B’ race tonight, collected the overall series win,
finishing 12 points clear of Jobson and Ryan Hunt (NSW) in the
standings.
“It feels really good,” said Levinson of his series
title. ”I’ve been training pretty hard over the season and I guess the
consistency has really paid off.”
“I really made the effort to
get to every single event this year. The tracks have been pretty
gnarly, and all the riders have performed pretty good. It’s been so
close throughout the series. Things paid off today, I just put in a
solid effort and it came off.”
With another polished
performance, New South Wales rider Blake Nielson made a clean sweep of
the series in the under 19 category, claiming his fourth consecutive
win.
Tonight the 18-year-old was once again just too strong,
pumping his fist in the air as he crossed the finish line, comfortably
clear of Ben Matthews (ACT) and Sean Fitzpatrick (NSW).
In what
has been an outstanding season for the Canberra young guns, Max Hughes
(under 17 men) and Jackson Frew (under 15 men) were tonight crowned
series title holders for 2010, a just reward for their impressive
performances over the last four months.
Following wins in
Hobart, Shepparton and Thredbo, Hughes could only manage third place on
the dirt tonight, but gained enough points to retain the series lead.
Fellow Canberra rider Angus Easthope taking out the win on his home
track.
In other results, Sarsha Huntington (QLD) and Harriet
Burbridge-Smith (ACT) took out the win and the series title in the
respective elite female and junior female categories.
Matt
Patterson (NSW) secured his first victory of the series in the men’s
sport division, but it was South Australia’s Sean Anderson, the winner
in Shepparton and Thredbo, who took home the series title.
James Collins (NSW) finished the series on top of the standings in the veteran men’s.
The
action continues at Stromlo Forest Park tomorrow with the men’s and
women’s cross country, followed by the enduro, short track and downhill
on Sunday.
NETWORKS: A news feed containing highlights from
tonight’s action and tomorrow’s cross country will be distributed from
SBS Sydney at approximately 11am on Sunday (March 14).
Highlights
of all of the action from the Canberra stage of the 2010 Jayco
Australian MTB Series will feature in a 30 minute program on SBS on
Sunday, 4 April at 12pm.
For further information including entry lists, results and overall standings, please visit www.nationalseries.com.au.
Round 4 – Canberra 4X results
Elite Male
1. Leigh Darrell (ACT)
2. Michael Jobson (NSW)
3. Alex Lloyd (NSW)
Open Female
1. Sarsha Huntington (QLD)
Under 19 Male
1. Blake Nielson (NSW)
2. Ben Matthews (ACT)
3. Sean Fitzpatrick (NSW)
Junior Female
1. Harriet Burbridge-Smith (ACT)
Under 17 Male
1. Angus Easthope (ACT)
2. Luke Ellison (NT)
3. Max Hughes (ACT)
Under 15 Male
1. Trent Ellison (NT)
2. Matt Ellison (NT)
3. Lachlan Barcroft (NT)
Veteran Male
1. James Collins (NSW)
2. Tom Gilfedder (NT)
3. Scott Butler (NSW)
Sport Male
1. Matt Patterson (NSW)
2. Rhys Edwards (NSW)
3. Sean Anderson (SA)
2009/10 Jayco Australian MTB Series – 4X Final Standings
Elite Male
1. Richard Levinson (QLD) - 191 points
2. Michael Jobson (NSW) - 179 points
3. Ryan Hunt (NSW) - 175 points
Open Female
1. Sarsha Huntington (QLD) – 305 points
2. Caroline Buchanan (ACT)
3. Jayne Rutter
Under 19 Male
1. Blake Nielson (NSW) – 320 points
2. Sean Fitzpatrick (NSW) – 191 points
3. Joey Vejvoda (NSW) – 168 points
Junior Female
1. Harriet Burbridge-Smith (ACT) – 160 points
2. Danielle Beecroft
Under 17 Male
1. Max Hughes (ACT) – 295 points
2. Luke Ellison (NT) – 178 points
3. Jordan Butler (ACT) – 163 points
Under 15 Male
1. Jackson Frew (ACT) – 123 points
2. Trent Ellison (NT)
3. Matt Ellison (NT)
Veteran Male
1. James Collins (NSW) – 160 points
2. Daniel Burgess
Sport Male
1. Sean Anderson (SA) – 215 points
2. Matt Patterson (NSW) – 145 points
3. Rhys Edwards (NSW) – 120 points
Competition Schedule
Round 4 – Stromlo Forest Park, Canberra
Saturday, 13 February
8:30am : Cross Country - elite, U23, U19, U17, veteran, master and supermaster women
11:00am: Cross country - elite and U23 men
2:30pm : Cross country - U19, U17, veteran, master and supermaster men
Sunday, 14 February
8:00am : Cross Country Enduro - 4 hour solo and teams
12:30pm : Downhill – U15, U17, expert, masters, vet and sport supermasters men, U15, U17, vet, masters, sport women
1:00pm : Short Course Cross Country
3:00pm : Downhill - elite and U19 men, elite and U19 women
Nation’s best to battle it out in Series decider
Thursday, March 11, 2010 Thursday, 11 March 2010
The nation’s best mountain bikers descend on Canberra this weekend
(March 12-14), for the finale of the 2010 Jayco Australian MTB Series.
After three rounds of thrilling action, the series comes to its
crescendo at Stromlo Forest Park, the home of the 2009 UCI Mountain
Bike World Championships, where bragging rights are on the line for the
winner of the series title.
In the men’s cross country, series leader Lachlan Norris (VIC) has one
foot on top of the victory dais ahead of this weekend, however
Canberra-local Ben Henderson will be keen to knock him off his perch.
Henderson has had enough of finishing second. The 24-year-old played
bridesmaid to Norris in the last two rounds of the series in Shepparton
and Thredbo and currently sits second on the standings.
This Saturday, with a change of tactics and bit of luck, Henderson is hoping things will finally go his way.
“Since the national championships my last two races have been pretty
close to perfect. I was unlucky in Thredbo, when I got a flat on the
second last lap, otherwise it would have come off perfectly,” said
Henderson.
“This year I’ve changed my race tactics slightly. I’ve been holding
back at the start, keeping tabs on how much energy I’m expending and
leaving enough to come home strong.
“It’s made a big difference, I’m more consistent and in a better
mindset. With two laps to go, I’ve got more in the tank to wind it up
again, which will hopefully worry Norris this weekend if he’s in front
of me and running out of steam.
“I think (national champion) Dan McConnell (VIC) will be a big threat as well.”
Henderson is hoping that the home ground advantage, along with the local course knowledge will also play its part.
“It’s a pretty big advantage knowing the lines and rocks on your home course, and being comfortable in the environment.
“With all the rocks and steep climbs and descents, the Stromlo course
will test everyone’s technical skills. Without the technical confidence
it’s pretty hard to be up there with the front guys.”
Henderson has been one of the big improvers this domestic season,
crediting his new coach Mark Fenner with his rapid rise up the ranks.
“My new coach Mark Fenner has played a big part in my improvement. He
identified a few weaknesses in my fitness and has had me doing quite a
lot of specific internal training, longer intervals with sustained
efforts.
“I haven’t trained harder, just preparing a lot better. I’m making sure
I’ve covered all the other aspects of riding, such as staying on top of
my strength, nutrition and physio sessions.
“I’m a plumber by trade, but I’ve been able to get enough time off to
prepare properly. I work for my dad, so he’s pretty lenient!
“Also my girlfriend is a physio, so it’s quite handy having a physio on
call 24 hours a day! She’s got me doing a lot of core work, which has
been lacking in previous years.”
Henderson is one half of the super siblings of mountain biking in
Australia. His younger 19-year-old sister Rebecca is the leading under
23 cross country rider in the country, and one of the nation’s most
promising young talents.
“There’s definitely a bit of sibling rivalry. It keeps our motivation high and drives us both.
“Having Rebecca on the circuit is an advantage. It’s great to be able
to talk about the course and race tactics with someone you’re not
actually racing against.”
This weekend, Rebecca Henderson will look to consolidate her position on top of the women’s under 23 cross country table.
In the women’s elite cross country category, national champion Rowena
Fry almost seemed unstoppable, until Heather Logie (ACT) dethroned the
Tasmanian in the short track event in Thredbo last month.
Although Fry comfortably leads the women’s rankings, the title is not secure just yet.
The tussle for the series victory in the men’s downhill will go down to the wire.
Twenty-seven year-old Canberra local Ben Cory, who won in Hobart and
Thredbo will start as favourite on his home track, however the ever
consistent Shaun O’Connor (NSW) and Shepparton winner Chris Kovarik
(QLD) will be snapping at his heals.
Kovarik’s wife, Canadian Claire Buchar will be aiming for the husband-wife double in the women’s event.
In the absence of fellow Canadian Leigh Douglas, Buchar, who won in
Shepparton and Thredbo, will start as clear favourite, however
Queenslander Sarsha Huntington will be out to cause an upset.
Things are just as tight up the top of the table in the men’s 4X series
standings, with just two points separating Richard Levinson (QLD) and
Ryan Hunt (NSW). Although neither have secured a win in the series,
both men have displayed consistent form throughout the year.
Canberra’s great hope on Friday night will come in the form of
22-year-old Leigh Darrell, a multiple world junior BMX champion, who
conquered in Thredbo last month.
The action kicks off with the finals of the 4X at Stromlo Forest Park on Friday night.
For further information including entry lists, results and overall standings, please visit www.nationalseries.com.au.
Competition Schedule
Round 4 – Stromlo Forest Park,
Friday, 12 March
4:30pm : 4X seeding
6:30pm : 4X finals
Saturday, 13 March
8:30am : Cross Country - elite, U23, U19, U17, veteran, master and supermaster women
11:00am : Cross country - elite and U23 men
2:30pm : Cross country - U19, U17, veteran, master and supermaster men
Sunday, 14 March
8:00am : Cross Country Enduro - 4 hour solo and teams
12:30pm : Downhill – U15, U17, expert, masters, vet and sport supermasters men, U15, U17, vet, masters, sport women
1:00pm : Short Course Cross Country
3:00pm : Downhill - elite and U19 men, elite and U19 women
2010 Nemisis MTBA Australian MTB Marathon Championships
Thursday, February 25, 2010Spink ready to defend his title
The 2010 Nemisis MTBA Australian MTB Marathon Championships will be
held in conjunction with the Nemisis Marathon Challenge on 18 April
2010 in the Pyrenees Mountain Range, Avoca, and are expected to attract
750 competitors to the central Victorian town.
A major battle for the Australian title looms as defending champion,
Murray Spink is ready to take whatever his competitors throw at him and
hundreds more will be out to test their own limits of endurance.
“I already have the jersey and if they want to take it from me they
will have ride hard to beat me” said a quietly confident Spink. “It
would be great to win two in a row. The last marathon title was only
six months ago but if I win this time I can wear the jersey for a full
year.”
Spink took out the hotly contested 2009 mountain bike marathon
championships in Bendigo with only a few seconds between the top three
finishers after more than four hours of racing. He let out a proud roar
as he crossed the line to claim the MTBA Australian Marathon Champion,
a result he had been chasing for many years.
But it is a different challenge for Spink this year, returning as the defending champion.
“I am nervous as with any race I do but I don’t have any additional
nerves because I’m the defending champion. It doesn’t change the race
at all — the strongest rider will still win on the day.”
This year the competition looks to be the hottest ever with a host of
Australia’s fastest mountain bikers keen to try their best to oust
Spink.
“There will be a few guys capable of winning” according to Spink.
“If [Beijing Olympian] Dan McConnell is racing he’ll be hard to beat
and I think [former World Solo 24hr Champ] Craig Gordon will also be
one of the stronger riders.”
Regardless of the victor, with a mountainous course and a red-hot
field, it will no doubt be a dramatic race for those racing at the
elite end.
For the hundreds of non-elite riders who will participate in the
Nemisis Marathon Challenge, there are four course distance options to
choose from - 90km, 45km, 33km and 15km. This ensures that the race
appeals to elite and intermediate riders, as well as those who are new
to marathon mountain biking.
Riders are encouraged to enter early as the event will be limited to a
field of 750 riders. For further information and online entry visit
www.bighillevents.com.au.
On-line entry for Round 4, Stromlo Forest Park, ACT
Friday, February 19, 2010On-line entry to round 4 of the Jayco 2009-2010 Australian MTB Series at Stromlo Forest Park, ACT is now open. On-line entry will close Midnight Wednesday 3rd March 2010. Unlike previous rounds no extension to the close date will be given due to the work required to prepare seedings, race numbers and transponder allocations.
To enter XCO (Elite, U23, U19, U17 and 30+ only) click here
To enter 4hr Enduro (XCE, Solo (male and female in open and 40+), Pairs (male, female and mixed teams in open and 40+) and Schools Team of three (male, female and mixed13yo - 18yo) click here
To enter DH click here
To enter 4X click here
To enter Short Track Cross Country (XCC) click here
MTBA strongly recommends that you enter on-line to save yourself money and to allow us to more adequately cater to your needs.
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