Hobarta��s Glenorchy Mountain bike park played host to round 3 of the Tasmanian downhill seriesA�over theA�weekend. The race took place on the new North South track, which makes ita��s way from Mt Wellington, descending down into the mountain bike park. The Race course began as the track entered ita��s final downhill section into the park before crossing the shuttle road onto a cross country descent full of tight berms andA�then finallyA�connecting onto the lower section of the Nationals DH course finishing with a straight of large jumps.
Saturdaya��s practice saw wet, muddy conditions which was a change for the notoriously dusty track. Many riders used the day to discover the flow of the track and experiment with different lines, as it wasA�the first time the course has been used for DH racing.
When Sunday morning came the track had dried out a fair bit, with riders gaining speed and finalizing decisions on bike set up and line choice. A total of 65 riders competed in the event, with a range of different styles of bikes to combat the varying terrain, everything from cross country bikes, all mountain rigs and full DH bikes.
By the time Sunday afternoon came the track had well and truly driedA�out with loose dust starting to reveal itself. When qualifying came around, most riders chose to hold back and not push as hard during the flatter cross country sections of the course in an effort to save some energy for their race runs. After a short break riders were quickly shuttled back to the top of the course to begin their final run for the weekend.
The Women’s category was again won by Christina Sergeant, her third win for the season. The Under 17a��s was won by Dan Booker followed by Connor Greatbatch and Ewan Favretto placing in third. Under 19 series leader Ben Hill took out first place closely followed by Brent Capel in second, with Simon Palmer rounding out third place. The Hotly contested Elite mena��s category was again Won by Kaine Cannon, George Newham placed second and Aaron Oates in at third.
The state series continues on February 2nd and 3rd at Wilmot in the statea��s north.
All photos and the articel credited to Andrew Palmer.