Mt Baw Baw
ROUND 5 // 5-6th MARCHRound 5 of the 2010-2011 Victorian Downhill Mountain Bike Series
YOU MUST PICK UP YOUR NEW SEEDED RACE PLATE AT EVERY VDHS EVENT
COURSE DESCRIPTION
By Nick King
Did I hear anyone say FAST??? Wait til you hit the bottom jeep track! Mt Baw Baw has been a staple DH course for many years now. Its wide, its fast and it is super fun! There is nothing too hard on this DH course, but many find it hard on their bikes! Brakes beware - make sure your hydros are up to the task! Trust me your rotors will blue up from the heat, your hydro fluid will start to boil and the loose rocks will punish your rims at high speed.
After a short push up, the track starts at the top of Tank Hill Platter and winds its way down the skiing home trail where it drops away onto a wide open ski run with magnificent views. You will punch into a left hand corner to be spat back onto the main ski run. Disappearing into ferns and snowgums you will rail three corners before launching into 'BeNato's Berm' which gives you ample pace to coast across the grassy toboggan slope (insert stylish manuals here). Passing through the usually closed Jeep track gate, riders enter the 'Spring' - a section that usually has water running down it and plenty of spectators to amp you up! This section is made up of three small north-shore style bridges that drop onto ragged rocks. This year you will have multiple line choices through this section. 'Coffin Rock' is at the end of the section, and you now have to set yourself up for the 'Moto Corner'. There are two options here - hang it wide and let it slide, or go straight and turn late in the berm. After negotiating that, your rims are about to cop a heap of loose rock and uneven single track as you prepare to do two drops to gain momentum which will launch you back onto the ski run. 'Switchback Central' is wide open and heaps of fun - get off your brakes and rail those suckers! Be sure to practice the right lines here as there is heap of options in these switchbacks. Hit the jump and land on the grass to set up for a fast re-entry into single track or go straight off the jump, into the flat corner at the bottom and let the drift do the talking!
As you make your way through the thick and twisted alpine heath, corners become blind and sniper rocks seem to come out of nowhere. Make sure you tip into 'Poo Corner' as it has been built up since last year and you can exit much faster giving you way more speed to get over the 'Bastard Stump'. Two more twists and a tight tree to dodge and it is now time to bring the speed>>>
A sweeper and two whoop dee doo jumps throw you into the vortex>>> high speed tuck jumps>>> speed corners>>> and "Rennie's Jump' before the 'Mach 10 Jeep Track'>>> Have some fun and boost the rock jump to flat if thats what you're into, or stay pinned to the track. The coolest corners on the course are fast approaching, 'Way Too Fast' is the left hander into the right hand 'Moto Berm, which we have walled up for your riding pleasure. The 'Bus Stop' has been removed this year due to a massive tree over the course, this has given us a fine spot to slam another jump into the mix! This can be rolled or boosted - its up to you. As you approach the finish you will notice a track to the right - go this way during practice to jump in the shuttle line or keep bombing the track to practice that all important finish line sprint!
If you haven't had enough, try licking your rotors and you'll know what we mean about brake maintainence! Water will be available for all riders (and those who lick their rotors) at the top and bottom of the track.
Click here for a GPS map of the course from the 2009-2010 VDHS.Track Map
CATEGORIES
Elite Men, Elite Women, Under 19's , Under 17's, Under 15's, Under 13's, Expert, Veteran, Masters, Super Masters, Hardtail, Sport and Fun Boys and Girls.
*Note*
For example: If you turn 19 in 2011 you are no longer under 19 - same goes for all other age group categories.
PRIZE MONEY AND PRIZES
Elite Men: 1st = $600.00, 2nd = $400.00, 3rd = $200.00, 4th = $100.00, 5th = $100.00.
Elite Women: 1st = $400.00, 2nd = $250.00, 3rd = $100.00.
Junior U19 Men: 1st = $400.00, 2nd = $250.00, 3rd = $100.00.
The prize money for Elite Men, Elite Women and Under 19's for the 2010-2011 season is to encourage more rider participation and competitiveness, and hopefully entice some interstate riders to compete in the VDHS. The aim is to improve the competition in Elite Men, Elite Women and Under 19's in order to lift the level of Victorian riders at a National and International level. Prizes to the value of approximately $2500 will be distributed to all other categories
HOST CLUB
GIPPSLAND MTB
COST
Saturday & Sunday Senior = $95,
Saturday & Sunday Junior = $80 (Under 13 and Under 15 ONLY)
Sunday Only Senior/Junior = $80
Weekend Racing licence = $30
Yearly Racing licence: Junior $80, Senior $110 (may vary depending on which club you join)
All riders MUST produce their MTBA Competition Licence. If you do not have proof of MTBA Competition Membership you will need to fill out and purchase a Weekend Racing Licence from registration.
EVENT SCHEDULE
Friday
Course available for on foot inspection only (NO RIDING)
Saturday
0800 - 1600 Registration Open
0800 - 1000 Course available for on foot inspection
1000 - 1430 Official course practise (ALL GROUPS)
1430 - 1530 Official course practise (NO PRO GROUP)
1530 - 1630 Official course practise (PRO GROUP ONLY)
Note:
PRO GROUP = Elite Men, Under 19 Men & Expert Men
NO PRO GROUP = All other categories.
Sunday
0800 - 0900 Registration Open. (Entries after 0900 will not be accepted)
0800 - 1100 Official Course Practice (ALL GROUPS)
1115 Sharp. Rider Briefing at event central (All riders MUST attend)
1130 Racing Begins
Presentations will be held at the conclusion of the Elite Mens final
Pro Groups = Elite Men, Under 19 Men, Expert Men
No Pro Groups = All other categories.
*Note: A diligent effort will be made by event organisers to police these groups on course. For example, Elite Men Plates (1-99), Under 19 Men (600-699), Expert Men (100-200) are only allowed on course during Official Open practice and Pro Group practice, and are not allowed on course during No Pro Group practice times. The Race Director has the ability to disqualify any rider that disobeys this rule. All Pro Group riders will have a colour coded race plate.
HELMET CAM FOOTAGE
Mt Baw Baw Helmet Cam
JL Media Footage HERE
ENTERTAINMENT
Make sure you purchase a GMTB raffle ticket for the custom low rider! $2 for 1 ticket or $5 for 3. Ask Aden Wyber and Julian Leighton - they have ridden away with sick low riders for the two last years All proceeds go to Gippsland MTB for trail maintenance.
Mt Baw Baw are generously bringing out their 'Big Air Bag' and kicker for us to use for an hour at a small cost per head after Saturday's practice. This thing is uber awesome and should be a good laugh. So after you watch 'Pro Practice' from 3.30-4.30, head over to the ski runs and have a go or kick back and watch riders send it! The pub is also organising a DJ on the Saturday evening so you can rip up the dance floor.
ACCOMMODATION
All bookings go through www.mountbawbaw.com.au or 1300 651 136 The suggestion is to book early as they often have weddings up there. There is NO camping in the Alpine Resort
PARKING FEE
There is a parking fee of $5 per vehicle. You will need to purchase a ticket from the ticket machine or from Mt Baw Baw Administration. Mt Baw Baw will have staff checking for tickets over the weekend.
FUEL
Please dont make the mistake that many have made in the past - make sure you fill up at Launching Place, Yarra Junction or anywhere along the Princes Freeway (Don't dont trust Powelltown to be open) . There is NO FUEL after that...certainly none in the Alpine village. You have been warned!
FOOD
You have a few choices here, Bring Your Own, Kellys Lodge, Village Central, the Pub, Riders Bite and literally starve.
Questions? Contact VDHS headquarters vicdhseries@gmail.com
NATO'S RACE REPORT 2009-2010 VIC DH CHAMPS
The KONA Victorian Downhill Mountain Bike Championships
'What's downhill racing?' a colleague of mine asked me during the week. Well nothing better shows off what downhill racing is then this season of the KONA Victorian Downhill Series (VDHS). The last event was none other than the Victorian Downhill Championships at the Mighty Mt Baw Baw on a course that had over 300 metres of vertical descent. An entourage of 320 riders with their families and friends made the trip up to the mountain for the weekends racing and a chance to take the glory of winning their respective categories. I hope my colleague enjoyed drinking beer and watching men chase a red football all weekend!
Intermittent rain and low visibility for the entire weekend made racing tough. With the 320 registered riders ripping up the track made it made conditions very hard to predict. Some runs were 'tacky' due to the gritty mud and other runs were greasy due to the fog and light rain. Unfortunately this did catch out a few riders, notably a broken collarbone and KONA Elite rider Chris Whitelock (on his comeback ride) crashing and dislocating his shoulder. The course had wide open sections with multiple lines like the Jeep Track, but was also tight in sections with basically one line to ride the entire way down. Riding these lines faster and smoother than anyone else was the key to victory.
Saturday began with lots of wind and rain so it seemed that more riders were in the mountain top cafe watching the recently released Split Second DVD of last year's racing season. Once the rain cleared riders hit the track in force to learn the lines and memorise the corners. The 'Jeep Track' section made the best viewing experience for spectators with a wider section on track that contained some more line choices. However the rain and the fog insured that most spectators spent time in the pit area trying to keep warm. The weather did not deter the riders with most getting an ample amount of practice runs in due to the frantic work of the transport drivers. Driving with 10 metres of visibility and 10 commuter vehicles and trailers is no easy task, so a huge thanks goes out for all the volunteers including Scott 'Action Man' Reid for keeping all the riders and bikes safe.
In between practice runs riders could also hit up the Mt Baw Baw Big Air Bag. I'm sure there will be some photo and video evidence of this floating around. It sounded like the riders were boosting their bikes into this thing despite the shocking weather!
It was not surprising that on Sunday the weather got worse. The fog was thick and the moisture was still deep within the dirt of the course. Riders were presented with a very greasy track that was hard to judge corners at speed. Finding the correct lines was proving hard for some riders with many mistakes being whilst also making it hard to get a clear practice run. One spot in particular had a small drop which had been rutted out by the mud making it difficult to hit with confidence and riders were crashing one after the other making it exciting for the spectators and marshals. However after each practice run the track improved and the gritty mud came back. With plenty of sledging between the different riders it was time to qualify and put their words to the test. The track marshals pulled out their trail building expertise during rider briefing and repaired the log jump, making it much safer for qualifying.
Qualifying was very interesting with more people taking the short walk to the 'Jeep Track' section and roughing it out in the cold. The track was quite slow at this stage of the day with the mud getting deeper and the fog getting thicker. Most riders were able to ride through the conditions but quite a few succumbed to the track and crashed in the mud. After the qualifying the riders headed up to the top to check times and get ready for the race runs. The racing was exciting for the spectators who were situated at the very top of the course. It made things interesting with at least 60 spectators all cheering and heckling at the 'Jeep Track' section. The track also began to clear up at this time and times were getting faster. So who would take out the 2010 KONA Victorian Downhill Championship?
The variety of categories had a huge amount of riders contesting for the championship with over 40 riders in both the Evo Cycles Sport and Yarra Valley Cycles Expert categories. Evo Cycles Sporty's was taken out by Jack Harangozo with a time close to 4:00 minutes. The Yarra Valley Cycles Experts was quite competitive but Clint White was too strong with a time of 3:49.07. The Evo Cycles Veterans was exciting as always and the category of 24 riders put on a show for all who watched. Once again Torquay Cycle Factory's sexiest rider Jarrod Zdrzalka took the win and the Championship. Not bad considering that his first child is due in 8 weeks! So all the best to Jarrod with that! Not to be outdone Dave 'Intense' Shaw rode a fantastic race to take the KONA Masters Championship and even beating the times of the younger Veterans class in the process. With more Junior categories coming down the mountain the Gravity Sport 15's was taken out by Owen Rees with a 4:11.73. Easily the most exciting class to watch is the iRide 17's who were getting wild down the track and with the top 3 riders all within 2 seconds. Alex Phillis and Dean Lucas could not catch the consistent iRide sponsored James Carter with a 3:42.72 who added yet another trophy to the mantel piece or wherever he displays them! The TeKin Suspension 19's has been close all season between the top 2 riders. With Aden Wyber accepting selection on the long-team for the 2010 UCI Junior World Championships in Canada, the racing was always going to be close. KONA athlete Ben Barrett however is focusing more on his new apprenticeship then riding these days but the 'Man-Wombat' dug deep and got the job done taking the win by 0.7 seconds.
This left both KONA Elite Men and Women categories to battle it out on the course. The KONA Elite Women's class had 9 riders who have been seen at most of the races this season. The girls all seem to get along ok until they enter the start gate and the claws come out. Shelly Flood rode on the limit and unfortunately crashed in her run but she still got on the podium with 3rd place. This opened the door with Alyssa Lyons who rode smart and kept the bike in control to take second. Once again Yarra Valley Cycle's Leonie 'Rabbit' Picton rode amazingly fast with a 4:06 taking the crown and beating her boyfriend in the process!
The KONA Elite Men are the fastest riders on the mountain and the crowd was fired up to watch the action. The rain and fog had almost cleared and the track was looking like it had more traction and was running faster. With this in mind the elite men gave it their all to see who would smack down the fastest time of the weekend. Once again Suspension Centre rider, Laurie Dinham showed that he was consistent enough to get back on the podium again with a 3:29.39 locking in 5th place. Next up was Torquay Cycling Factory's Jensen Woodcook, who has made an explosive comeback to downhill racing getting 4th place with a 3:28.93. NSW Downhill Champion, Specialized rider Rhys Atkinson, rode on the edge and unfortunately made a few mistakes but still nailed an impressive 3rd with a 3:27.88. Yarra Valley Cycles rider Alex Swan back from a nasty race plate injury, made some mistakes in qualifying but his experience showed with a fantastic run, making sure that a Victorian had the best chance at being on the top spot. However interstate raider and KONA glamour rider, Josh Button, who earlier qualified first, took the elite field apart with a 3 second win over Alex Swan to get first place with a 3:20.64. KONA have recruited well this year with two Victorian Downhill Champions!
Once again it was time to pack up the gear and clean the bikes for the next race. The KONA Victorian Downhill Mountain Bike Championships were taken out by Leonie 'Rabbit' Picton and Josh 'J-Butt' Button....who now have bragging rights over everyone else.....until next year's event that is! Hopefully you all had a great weekend and are looking forward to Round 4 at Mt Taylor hosted by Gippsland MTB.
See you all at the next race!
Nathan 'Nato' Murphy
COURSE DESCRIPTION
By Nick King
Did I hear anyone say FAST??? Wait til you hit the bottom jeep track! Mt Baw Baw has been a staple DH course for many years now. Its wide, its fast and it is super fun! There is nothing too hard on this DH course, but many find it hard on their bikes! Brakes beware - make sure your hydros are up to the task! Trust me your rotors will blue up from the heat, your hydro fluid will start to boil and the loose rocks will punish your rims at high speed.
After a short push up, the track starts at the top of Tank Hill Platter and winds its way down the skiing home trail where it drops away onto a wide open ski run with magnificent views. You will punch into a left hand corner to be spat back onto the main ski run. Disappearing into ferns and snowgums you will rail three corners before launching into 'BeNato's Berm' which gives you ample pace to coast across the grassy toboggan slope (insert stylish manuals here). Passing through the usually closed Jeep track gate, riders enter the 'Spring' - a section that usually has water running down it and plenty of spectators to amp you up! This section is made up of three small north-shore style bridges that drop onto ragged rocks. This year you will have multiple line choices through this section. 'Coffin Rock' is at the end of the section, and you now have to set yourself up for the 'Moto Corner'. There are two options here - hang it wide and let it slide, or go straight and turn late in the berm. After negotiating that, your rims are about to cop a heap of loose rock and uneven single track as you prepare to do two drops to gain momentum which will launch you back onto the ski run. 'Switchback Central' is wide open and heaps of fun - get off your brakes and rail those suckers! Be sure to practice the right lines here as there is heap of options in these switchbacks. Hit the jump and land on the grass to set up for a fast re-entry into single track or go straight off the jump, into the flat corner at the bottom and let the drift do the talking!
As you make your way through the thick and twisted alpine heath, corners become blind and sniper rocks seem to come out of nowhere. Make sure you tip into 'Poo Corner' as it has been built up since last year and you can exit much faster giving you way more speed to get over the 'Bastard Stump'. Two more twists and a tight tree to dodge and it is now time to bring the speed>>>
A sweeper and two whoop dee doo jumps throw you into the vortex>>> high speed tuck jumps>>> speed corners>>> and "Rennie's Jump' before the 'Mach 10 Jeep Track'>>> Have some fun and boost the rock jump to flat if thats what you're into, or stay pinned to the track. The coolest corners on the course are fast approaching, 'Way Too Fast' is the left hander into the right hand 'Moto Berm, which we have walled up for your riding pleasure. The 'Bus Stop' has been removed this year due to a massive tree over the course, this has given us a fine spot to slam another jump into the mix! This can be rolled or boosted - its up to you. As you approach the finish you will notice a track to the right - go this way during practice to jump in the shuttle line or keep bombing the track to practice that all important finish line sprint!
If you haven't had enough, try licking your rotors and you'll know what we mean about brake maintainence! Water will be available for all riders (and those who lick their rotors) at the top and bottom of the track.
Click here for a GPS map of the course from the 2009-2010 VDHS.Track Map
CATEGORIES
Elite Men, Elite Women, Under 19's , Under 17's, Under 15's, Under 13's, Expert, Veteran, Masters, Super Masters, Hardtail, Sport and Fun Boys and Girls.
*Note*
For example: If you turn 19 in 2011 you are no longer under 19 - same goes for all other age group categories.
PRIZE MONEY AND PRIZES
Elite Men: 1st = $600.00, 2nd = $400.00, 3rd = $200.00, 4th = $100.00, 5th = $100.00.
Elite Women: 1st = $400.00, 2nd = $250.00, 3rd = $100.00.
Junior U19 Men: 1st = $400.00, 2nd = $250.00, 3rd = $100.00.
The prize money for Elite Men, Elite Women and Under 19's for the 2010-2011 season is to encourage more rider participation and competitiveness, and hopefully entice some interstate riders to compete in the VDHS. The aim is to improve the competition in Elite Men, Elite Women and Under 19's in order to lift the level of Victorian riders at a National and International level. Prizes to the value of approximately $2500 will be distributed to all other categories
HOST CLUB
GIPPSLAND MTB
COST
Saturday & Sunday Senior = $95,
Saturday & Sunday Junior = $80 (Under 13 and Under 15 ONLY)
Sunday Only Senior/Junior = $80
Weekend Racing licence = $30
Yearly Racing licence: Junior $80, Senior $110 (may vary depending on which club you join)
All riders MUST produce their MTBA Competition Licence. If you do not have proof of MTBA Competition Membership you will need to fill out and purchase a Weekend Racing Licence from registration.
EVENT SCHEDULE
Friday
Course available for on foot inspection only (NO RIDING)
Saturday
0800 - 1600 Registration Open
0800 - 1000 Course available for on foot inspection
1000 - 1430 Official course practise (ALL GROUPS)
1430 - 1530 Official course practise (NO PRO GROUP)
1530 - 1630 Official course practise (PRO GROUP ONLY)
Note:
PRO GROUP = Elite Men, Under 19 Men & Expert Men
NO PRO GROUP = All other categories.
Sunday
0800 - 0900 Registration Open. (Entries after 0900 will not be accepted)
0800 - 1100 Official Course Practice (ALL GROUPS)
1115 Sharp. Rider Briefing at event central (All riders MUST attend)
1130 Racing Begins
Presentations will be held at the conclusion of the Elite Mens final
Pro Groups = Elite Men, Under 19 Men, Expert Men
No Pro Groups = All other categories.
*Note: A diligent effort will be made by event organisers to police these groups on course. For example, Elite Men Plates (1-99), Under 19 Men (600-699), Expert Men (100-200) are only allowed on course during Official Open practice and Pro Group practice, and are not allowed on course during No Pro Group practice times. The Race Director has the ability to disqualify any rider that disobeys this rule. All Pro Group riders will have a colour coded race plate.
HELMET CAM FOOTAGE
Mt Baw Baw Helmet Cam
JL Media Footage HERE
ENTERTAINMENT
Make sure you purchase a GMTB raffle ticket for the custom low rider! $2 for 1 ticket or $5 for 3. Ask Aden Wyber and Julian Leighton - they have ridden away with sick low riders for the two last years All proceeds go to Gippsland MTB for trail maintenance.
Mt Baw Baw are generously bringing out their 'Big Air Bag' and kicker for us to use for an hour at a small cost per head after Saturday's practice. This thing is uber awesome and should be a good laugh. So after you watch 'Pro Practice' from 3.30-4.30, head over to the ski runs and have a go or kick back and watch riders send it! The pub is also organising a DJ on the Saturday evening so you can rip up the dance floor.
ACCOMMODATION
All bookings go through www.mountbawbaw.com.au or 1300 651 136 The suggestion is to book early as they often have weddings up there. There is NO camping in the Alpine Resort
PARKING FEE
There is a parking fee of $5 per vehicle. You will need to purchase a ticket from the ticket machine or from Mt Baw Baw Administration. Mt Baw Baw will have staff checking for tickets over the weekend.
FUEL
Please dont make the mistake that many have made in the past - make sure you fill up at Launching Place, Yarra Junction or anywhere along the Princes Freeway (Don't dont trust Powelltown to be open) . There is NO FUEL after that...certainly none in the Alpine village. You have been warned!
FOOD
You have a few choices here, Bring Your Own, Kellys Lodge, Village Central, the Pub, Riders Bite and literally starve.
Questions? Contact VDHS headquarters vicdhseries@gmail.com
NATO'S RACE REPORT 2009-2010 VIC DH CHAMPS
The KONA Victorian Downhill Mountain Bike Championships
'What's downhill racing?' a colleague of mine asked me during the week. Well nothing better shows off what downhill racing is then this season of the KONA Victorian Downhill Series (VDHS). The last event was none other than the Victorian Downhill Championships at the Mighty Mt Baw Baw on a course that had over 300 metres of vertical descent. An entourage of 320 riders with their families and friends made the trip up to the mountain for the weekends racing and a chance to take the glory of winning their respective categories. I hope my colleague enjoyed drinking beer and watching men chase a red football all weekend!
Intermittent rain and low visibility for the entire weekend made racing tough. With the 320 registered riders ripping up the track made it made conditions very hard to predict. Some runs were 'tacky' due to the gritty mud and other runs were greasy due to the fog and light rain. Unfortunately this did catch out a few riders, notably a broken collarbone and KONA Elite rider Chris Whitelock (on his comeback ride) crashing and dislocating his shoulder. The course had wide open sections with multiple lines like the Jeep Track, but was also tight in sections with basically one line to ride the entire way down. Riding these lines faster and smoother than anyone else was the key to victory.
Saturday began with lots of wind and rain so it seemed that more riders were in the mountain top cafe watching the recently released Split Second DVD of last year's racing season. Once the rain cleared riders hit the track in force to learn the lines and memorise the corners. The 'Jeep Track' section made the best viewing experience for spectators with a wider section on track that contained some more line choices. However the rain and the fog insured that most spectators spent time in the pit area trying to keep warm. The weather did not deter the riders with most getting an ample amount of practice runs in due to the frantic work of the transport drivers. Driving with 10 metres of visibility and 10 commuter vehicles and trailers is no easy task, so a huge thanks goes out for all the volunteers including Scott 'Action Man' Reid for keeping all the riders and bikes safe.
In between practice runs riders could also hit up the Mt Baw Baw Big Air Bag. I'm sure there will be some photo and video evidence of this floating around. It sounded like the riders were boosting their bikes into this thing despite the shocking weather!
It was not surprising that on Sunday the weather got worse. The fog was thick and the moisture was still deep within the dirt of the course. Riders were presented with a very greasy track that was hard to judge corners at speed. Finding the correct lines was proving hard for some riders with many mistakes being whilst also making it hard to get a clear practice run. One spot in particular had a small drop which had been rutted out by the mud making it difficult to hit with confidence and riders were crashing one after the other making it exciting for the spectators and marshals. However after each practice run the track improved and the gritty mud came back. With plenty of sledging between the different riders it was time to qualify and put their words to the test. The track marshals pulled out their trail building expertise during rider briefing and repaired the log jump, making it much safer for qualifying.
Qualifying was very interesting with more people taking the short walk to the 'Jeep Track' section and roughing it out in the cold. The track was quite slow at this stage of the day with the mud getting deeper and the fog getting thicker. Most riders were able to ride through the conditions but quite a few succumbed to the track and crashed in the mud. After the qualifying the riders headed up to the top to check times and get ready for the race runs. The racing was exciting for the spectators who were situated at the very top of the course. It made things interesting with at least 60 spectators all cheering and heckling at the 'Jeep Track' section. The track also began to clear up at this time and times were getting faster. So who would take out the 2010 KONA Victorian Downhill Championship?
The variety of categories had a huge amount of riders contesting for the championship with over 40 riders in both the Evo Cycles Sport and Yarra Valley Cycles Expert categories. Evo Cycles Sporty's was taken out by Jack Harangozo with a time close to 4:00 minutes. The Yarra Valley Cycles Experts was quite competitive but Clint White was too strong with a time of 3:49.07. The Evo Cycles Veterans was exciting as always and the category of 24 riders put on a show for all who watched. Once again Torquay Cycle Factory's sexiest rider Jarrod Zdrzalka took the win and the Championship. Not bad considering that his first child is due in 8 weeks! So all the best to Jarrod with that! Not to be outdone Dave 'Intense' Shaw rode a fantastic race to take the KONA Masters Championship and even beating the times of the younger Veterans class in the process. With more Junior categories coming down the mountain the Gravity Sport 15's was taken out by Owen Rees with a 4:11.73. Easily the most exciting class to watch is the iRide 17's who were getting wild down the track and with the top 3 riders all within 2 seconds. Alex Phillis and Dean Lucas could not catch the consistent iRide sponsored James Carter with a 3:42.72 who added yet another trophy to the mantel piece or wherever he displays them! The TeKin Suspension 19's has been close all season between the top 2 riders. With Aden Wyber accepting selection on the long-team for the 2010 UCI Junior World Championships in Canada, the racing was always going to be close. KONA athlete Ben Barrett however is focusing more on his new apprenticeship then riding these days but the 'Man-Wombat' dug deep and got the job done taking the win by 0.7 seconds.
This left both KONA Elite Men and Women categories to battle it out on the course. The KONA Elite Women's class had 9 riders who have been seen at most of the races this season. The girls all seem to get along ok until they enter the start gate and the claws come out. Shelly Flood rode on the limit and unfortunately crashed in her run but she still got on the podium with 3rd place. This opened the door with Alyssa Lyons who rode smart and kept the bike in control to take second. Once again Yarra Valley Cycle's Leonie 'Rabbit' Picton rode amazingly fast with a 4:06 taking the crown and beating her boyfriend in the process!
The KONA Elite Men are the fastest riders on the mountain and the crowd was fired up to watch the action. The rain and fog had almost cleared and the track was looking like it had more traction and was running faster. With this in mind the elite men gave it their all to see who would smack down the fastest time of the weekend. Once again Suspension Centre rider, Laurie Dinham showed that he was consistent enough to get back on the podium again with a 3:29.39 locking in 5th place. Next up was Torquay Cycling Factory's Jensen Woodcook, who has made an explosive comeback to downhill racing getting 4th place with a 3:28.93. NSW Downhill Champion, Specialized rider Rhys Atkinson, rode on the edge and unfortunately made a few mistakes but still nailed an impressive 3rd with a 3:27.88. Yarra Valley Cycles rider Alex Swan back from a nasty race plate injury, made some mistakes in qualifying but his experience showed with a fantastic run, making sure that a Victorian had the best chance at being on the top spot. However interstate raider and KONA glamour rider, Josh Button, who earlier qualified first, took the elite field apart with a 3 second win over Alex Swan to get first place with a 3:20.64. KONA have recruited well this year with two Victorian Downhill Champions!
Once again it was time to pack up the gear and clean the bikes for the next race. The KONA Victorian Downhill Mountain Bike Championships were taken out by Leonie 'Rabbit' Picton and Josh 'J-Butt' Button....who now have bragging rights over everyone else.....until next year's event that is! Hopefully you all had a great weekend and are looking forward to Round 4 at Mt Taylor hosted by Gippsland MTB.
See you all at the next race!
Nathan 'Nato' Murphy
SERIES INFO
TEES & STUFF
