Mt Taylor – Australian Nationals Round 1

Last weekend saw the first round of the 2015/16 National Series, held at Mt Taylor in Eastern Victoria. As the official beginning of the season, this round would set the precedent for the growing Nationals campaign by Mountain Bike Australia. With the annual Cannonball festival the following weekend at nearby Thredbo, this round was a good chance for everyone to dust off their bikes and their skills, simultaneously getting covered in a lot of dust.

Dh24703 — Jackson Davis, once again riding for Specialized Australia styles it up over one of the floaty doubles that had riders cranking throughout the lower end of the course.

Though there had been much upset regarding a severe lack of rider transport on Friday, a last minute dash by organisers, and a heavy helping hand from support crew and family members would see 7 buses and 5 trailers manned for the rest of the weekend. A 50-60 minute shuttle turnaround left plenty of time to ponder lines and rest the legs for the draining descent through rocky chutes, loose switchbacks and flat pedal sections.

Dh24704 — Jake Newell tearing up a berm mid-course, his Summum having no trouble with the rough and loose course.

Dh24706 — Rhys Atkinson, taking time from trail building to get into the new race season. Rhys would take 12th place in racing, 1 second behind his seeding time with a 4.14:61.

In the Female category there were several hot picks for the win, and though Tegan Molloy had had a big crash during Saturday’s practice, much of the crowd held faith that she might just pull it all together for the race run. With Mondraker riders Sarah Booth and Kellie Weinert, along with Pivot rider Danni Beecroft back from injury, and Norco rider Michelle crisp a�� things were sure to get interesting.

Sian Ahern; new recruit to the Bilt Bikes team was in form all weekend. Having previously flown under the radar at state and national events, Sian will be one to watch this year since joining a team. To match her seeding run time would have seen her grab 4th place in Elite.

Vic Armstrong taking on the Cabbage Patch garden with no trouble. A rough bout of health stole the weekend from Vic, we might see her true form at Stromlo in a couple of weeks.

Flagged by the commissaires for wearing his USA jersey during practice and seeding, Deano Machino opted to source local Melbourne apparel for the sake of racing.

In a typical Aussie gum forest, catching a clear angle of the track was tough at times. We are lucky that the series this year will take us to 4 unique venues, each with their own atmosphere and colour palette. Who says racing can't be pretty? — In a typical Aussie gum forest, catching a clear angle of the track was tough at times. We are lucky that the series this year will take us to 4 unique venues, each with their own atmosphere and colour palette. Who says racing can’t be pretty?

Tegan Molloy giving it some during racing a�� despite a solid run she took 3rd, one fifth of a second behind Danni Beecroft. Mondraker’s Sarah Booth took the Elite Womens’ title – 8 seconds ahead of Danni & Tegan.

Matt Dinham is a machine. Balancing his final years of school, whilst competing in road, XC and Downhill events, each with stellar results. This round Matt took 2nd in his XCO race and 1st place in the Downhill.

Kellie Weinert, consistent and strong in her approach to all riding placed 4th this weekend. Kellie will give the Elite girls a reason to push hard this series to keep their ground on the podium.

Troy Weinert, sister of Kellie has a great role model to be riding with, and it shows in his early speed as a youngster. Troy took his U15 title with a time that would've landed him 2nd against the Elite Womens podium. — Troy Weinert, sister of Kellie has a great role model to be riding with, and it shows in his early speed as a youngster. Troy took his U15 title with a time that would’ve landed him 2nd against the Elite Womens podium.

There were plenty of ways to go down in Cabbage Patch, and so many close calls during racing.

The man of the hour, Jack Moir grinning after a false start and re-run wouldn't wreck his mindset for racing. A super-fast run would see him elude Muddy by 4 seconds and take the win, while setting a course record at Mt Taylor. Just a few days after jumping on his new Intense M16, Jack must be feeling pretty good about the new bike. — The man of the hour, Jack Moir grinning after a false start and re-run wouldn’t wreck his mindset for racing. A super-fast run would see him elude Muddy by 4 seconds and take the win, while setting a course record at Mt Taylor. Just a few days after jumping on his new Intense M16, Jack must be feeling pretty good about the new bike.

Elite Men:

Jack Moir
Graeme ‘Muddy’ Mudd
Josh Button
Liam Panozzo
David McMillan

Elite Women:

Sarah Booth
Danni Beecroft
Tegan Molloy
Kellie Weinert
Michelle Crisp

Check out the full results from Sunday’s racing by clicking here.

Photos:

Ben Stevens (www.benstevensphoto.com.au)
Ryan Finlay (@RFphotographics)
Jaime Black (www.jaimeblack.com.au)

Words: Jaime Black

Thanks for reading our coverage of the 2015/16 Nationals opening round. On December 11-13 we visit Mt Stromlo, home of the 2009 Worlds, and a familiar spot to many of our favourite riders. Let’s see what goes down there!

The USA jersey didn't last long on race day, the airways were almost in a state of panic over Dean's anti-patriotic move. For everyone else though, it was a bit of fun. — The USA jersey didn’t last long on race day, the airways were almost in a state of panic over Dean’s anti-patriotic move. For everyone else though, it was a bit of fun.

December 2, 2015

National 1 Race Day

Protrains were commonly seen in the Victorian landscape, this one featuring Ryan Hunt as he beats the dust kicked up by — Pro-bike-trains were commonly seen in the Victorian landscape, this one featuring Ryan Hunt as he beats the dust kicked up behind T Crimmins.

The 2014/15 Subaru Australian National series commenced on a warm note – on a perfect summer’s weekend in December. Upon arrival and track walk, it was clear that the weekend would be exciting racing, as our practice articlesA�1 & 2A�show an established trail with opportunity for tight racing.

With a total of 231 riders as a result of the combined VDHS / National round, seeding and racing were moved forward in the day to ensure a smooth day for all. Still, in the heat riders were feeling the effects of dehydration and the medics were kept busy. Although one rider was reported to have “superman-ed” over the off-camber rock drop pictured below during seeding, there were no major incidents to interrupt racing.

Shelly Flood bearing yesterday's damage, and a smile - nothing brings Shelly down, it's time to ride! — Shelly Flood bearing yesterday’s damage, and a smile – nothing brings Shelly down, it’s time to ride!

Michelle Crisp took the 2014 National Series Title for Elite Women, will she hold it in 2015? With 3rd in the first round, the rest of the series will be exciting!

Jackson Davis slaying the blind rock gap, one of many rider trains making the most of practice.

Aiden Varley has had a massive year travelling with his Dad, Peter, to World Cup events. Aiden has had a hugely promising year but suffered a wrist injury which hampered his season. Another rider to move into the Elite category for this series, Aiden placed 8th, a promising result for 2015.

Turn down for what? Sorry. Troy laying down some signature style during seeding! — Turn down for what?!?
-Sorry-
Troy laying down some signature style during seeding!

Andrew Crimmins was clearly comfortable with the track, declaring his speed with a blazing seeding run. Check out a little clip he shot on our GoPro after the results... — Andrew Crimmins was clearly comfortable with the track, declaring his speed with a blazing seeding run.
Later in the week we’ll be releasing a little clip he shot on our GoPro.

The Fox chill out tent was the place to be after seeding runs, with times going up and misting fans, MTBA made a big effort to make a statement about the new National Series. — The Fox “Everyone’s a VIP” chill out tent was the place to be after seeding runs, with times going up and misting fans, MTBA made a big effort A�in Victoria to make a statement about the new National Series.

Captions we got for this one included... "ooh, a piece of candy!" "My hand's over the line!!" .. we're sure you can think of some more. — Captions we got for this one included…
“ooh, a piece of candy!”
“My hand’s over the line!!”
.. we’re sure you can think of some more.

Bilt Bikes scrubbing hard on a track where the slightest difference can be the winning move. — Bilt Bikes rider Brendan ‘Moony’ Moon scrubbing hard on a track where the slightest difference can be the winning move.

Some good looking elites catching some sun before their race runs. (Left to right: Andrew & Thomas Crimmins, Ryan Hunt) — Some good looking elites catching some sun before their race runs.
(Left to right: Andrew & Thomas Crimmins, Ryan Hunt)

Tim Eaton - aboard the striking 2015 Reign - capably throwing it like he would his downhill bike. — Tim Eaton – aboard the striking 2015 Reign – capably throwing it like he would his downhill bike.

After pedaling the many traverses between obstacles, the bottom section saw riders feeling the lack of natural assistance down the hill. Angus Maddern here attackes the last 20m of trail... — After pedaling the many traverses between obstacles, the bottom section saw riders feeling the lack of natural assistance down the hill. Angus Maddern here attackes the last 20m of trail…

Sarah Booth took the Elite Women's title, with a 3.7 second lead over Junior World Champ, Tegan Molloy. who has just moved into Elite. Reportedly Molloy crashed during her race run; Thredbo will be one to watch! The Womens' field grows every year, a trend we all hope continues, embracing diversity and family within our sport. — Sarah Booth took the Elite Women’s title, with a 3.7 second lead over Junior World Champ, Tegan Molloy. who has just moved into Elite. Reportedly Molloy crashed during her race run; Thredbo will be one to watch! The Womens’ field grows every year, a trend we all hope continues, embracing diversity and family within our sport.

Troy always has the crowd buzzing by the finish line; the existing quarry landscape makes for an awesome atmosphere! Moments later Troy claims the win, half a second faster than NSW's Graeme Mudd. — Troy always has the crowd buzzing by the finish line; the existing quarry landscape makes for an awesome atmosphere!
Moments later Troy claims the win, half a second faster than NSW’s Graeme Mudd.

Graeme ‘Muddy’ Mudd recaps and revives after a blazing run, with serious threat to the top of the podium.

RESULTS – Courtesy of Mountain Bike Australia

Category	First	Time	Second	Time	Time behind	Third	Time	Time behind
Elite Men	Troy Brosnan	1:55.42	Graeme Mudd	1:55.98	0.56	Connor Fearon	1:56.85	0.87
Elite Women	Sarah Booth	2:31.30	Tegan Molloy	2:35.06	3.76	Michelle Crisp	2:35.46	0.40
Junior Men	Andrew Crimmins	1:57.69	Jackson Frew	1:59.34	1.65	Max Warshawsky	2:01.72	2.38
Under 17 Men	Baxter Maiwald	2:05.01	Joshua Clark	2:09.45	4.44	Darcy Coutts	2:11.23	1.78
Under 15 Men	James Findlay	2:22.99	Oskar White	2:27.54	4.55	Downey Cooper	2:35.12	7.58
Under 13 Men	Troy Weinert	2:40.15
Open Men	Liam Thomas	2:12.54	Connor Hunter	2:14.22	1.68	Jamie Dunlop	2:15.23	1.01
Sport Men	Aaron Churton	2:18.86	John Hunter	2:23.04	4.18	Luke Campbell	2:24.16	1.12
Masters 1/2 Men	Jack Tattersall	2:09.45	Lee Ellis	2:11.58	2.13	Sean Martin	2:21.18	9.60
Masters 3/4 Men	Mathew Molijn	2:13.94	Tom Gilfedder	2:13.95	0.01	Matt Wise	2:15.68	1.73
Masters 5/6 Men	Craig Kirkpatrick	2:34.62	Mark Gardner	2:49.92	15.30	Rick Hauck	2:59.90	9.98
Masters 7+ Men	Stephen Coles	3:11.14	Conway Ganderton	3:44.76	33.62
Senior Hardtail Men	Jamie Essam	2:49.92	Pac Diesel	4:10.39	1:20.47

The next round of the Australian National DHI series will commence in Thredbo on the 6th of February, followed by Bright and National / Oceania Championships in Toowomba. Check the National Series website for information, rego and updates.

In the meantime, follow @downhill247.com and our photographers on Instagram and Facebook for the latest Premium MTB Content.

Article:A�Jaime Black

Image Credits:
Jason Stevens / www.jasonstevensimagery.com
Ryan Hunt / RFPhotographics
Jaime Black / www.jaimeblack.com.au

Elite Men's Podium cooling off after a hot day's racing! — Elite Women’s Podium cooling off after a hot day’s racing!

After a front flat pretty well ended Connor's contention for National champion last season, 2014/15 is a new story. What will Mr. 10K/International have up his sleeve in Thredbo and Bright? — After a front flat pretty well ended Connor’s contention for National champion last season, 2014/15 is a new story.
What will Mr. Fearon have up his sleeve in Thredbo and Bright?

A splash of new colour in the field from U17s to Elite is the new Mondraker Australia DH team. Stay tuned, we will be speaking with them soon.... — A splash of new colour in the field from U17s to Elite is the new Mondraker Australia DH team. Stay tuned, we will be speaking with them soon….

December 17, 2014

East Coast Titles 2014 – Greenvalleys Bike Park

November 15 & 16 saw the first edition of the East Coast Titles mountain bike event, hosted by Wollongong MTB club. Favourable weather, with a little wind for challenge in the open jump sections had riders at their best, race hardening new sections and punishing old ones for the title. Continue reading “East Coast Titles 2014 – Greenvalleys Bike Park” →

November 18, 2014

NSW/ACT DH 2 – Lithgow Pony Express

After emerging from a familiar frosty and wet winter, on a perfect spring-time weekend in late September, Rocky Trail Entertainment drew perhaps this years biggest state racing crowd to the Pony Express trail in Lithgow, NSW. With months of development and tweaking of the track completed in time for the event, riders were loving the extra speed and flow, and some nice big jumps in the trail’s late sections. Lithgow is a track that takes guts to ride FAST in practice or in racing, as the local trees and rocks took a few casualties on Saturday, and a few more on race day.A�Elite Women’s Kellie Weinert crashed Saturday, and raced Sunday before being diagnosed with a severely bruised neck and other injuries – and still attained 4th place – we hate to continue the soccer/downhill athlete comparison but… Shoutouts to Kellie and others injured for a swift recovery.

Read on for all the action in Lithgow!

The step up has grown since last time, and while there were cases-a-plenty over the weekend, it was generally agreed that the jump worked well on the track, and props were handed out to those that cleared it with ease. Photo: Edwin Emmerick — The step up has grown since last time, and while there were cases-a-plenty over the weekend, it was generally agreed that the jump worked well on the track, and props were handed out to those that cleared it with ease.
Photo: Edwin Emmerick

The last major feature on the track is a newly-constructed 25-30ft gap which catapulted riders into the final 150m of trail.

Gaps like this and front-casing don't mix. Liam walked away from this one, thankfully! The seatpost was borrowed for racing, and unrelated. — Gaps like this and front-casing don’t mix. Liam walked away from this one, thankfully! The missing seat-post was borrowed for racing, and unrelated. (also thankfully)

Pony express claimed some helmets and riders this weekend, we're glad to know that each of the riders we heard got hurt are on the mend. Photo: Edwin Emmerick — Pony express claimed some helmets and riders this weekend, we’re glad to know that each of the riders we heard got hurt are on the mend.
Photo: Edwin Emmerick

Tim Eaton has had a strong presence throughout the National and NSW/ACT Downhill series', and this round was no different, as he also broke the 2min mark with a time of 1:58. — Tim Eaton has had a strong presence throughout the National and NSW/ACT Downhill series’, and this round was no different, as he also broke the 2min mark with a time of 1:58.

Sarah Booth grips the series with another win in Lithgow aboard Kona, here she tackles Mega Thunder switchbacks with apparent ease... — Sarah Booth grips the series with another win in Lithgow aboard Kona, here she tackles Mega Thunder switchbacks with apparent ease…

Keiran Volk slays the exit berm at Mega Thunder, in a qualifying run that would set him up for 2nd in the Expert Male division. Photo: Edwin Emmerick — Keiran Volk slays the exit berm at Mega Thunder, in a qualifying run that would set him up for 2nd in the Expert Male division.
Photo: Edwin Emmerick

Ladies and Gentlemen, we have seen the U15's become U19's, getting faster and faster and now moving to elite - here we have the next generation. MTB Grom's hitting A-lines and generally looking good on their bikes are on your heels men! Photo: Tim Shirvington — Ladies and Gentlemen, we have seen the U15’s become U19’s, getting faster and faster and now moving to elite – here we have the next generation. MTB Grom’s, hitting A-lines and generally looking good on their bikes – they’re on your heels men & women!
Photo: Tim Shirvington

Dave McMillan AKA Mayhem Dave strikes again, displaying his signature speed and style to take the fastest time and an unprecedented 1 minute 57 second race run. Photo: Edwin Emmerick — Dave McMillan AKA Mayhem Dave strikes again, displaying his signature speed and style to take the fastest time and an unprecedented 1 minute 57 second race run.
Photo: Edwin Emmerick

Full Results lists: Click Here

Elite Male
David McMillan – 1:57:408
Tim Eaton +1.4s
Tom Lewis +2.4 (from leader)
Mark Conliffe + 2.7
Joel Willis + 3.1

Elite Female
Sarah Booth – 2:23:622
Joanne Fox +15.6s
Vanessa Thompson +16.7
Kellie Weinert +16.9
Clare Ly +45.2

Mt Stromlo holds the final installment of the NSW/ACT DH Series on October 4/5, run by Rocky Trail Entertainment – check out their website for information and entering. www.rockytrailentertainment.com

Keep up to date with the Aussie racing scene with Downhill247.com on Facebook & Instagram.

Words & Photos (except where credited otherwise): Jaime Black / www.jaimeblack.com.au

September 22, 2014

Australian Gravity Enduro #5 – Stromlo Forest park

At a time when Eastern Australia was all but hibernating; waiting out rain-soaked weeks until the trails would dry; Stromlo Forest Park and Rocky Trail Entertainment chose the single sun-bathed weekend to hold instalment number four of the National Gravity Enduro Series for 2014. A fresh series which encompasses some of the best aspects of Mountain Biking, Mt Stromlo invited seasoned pros, elite racers, ‘roadies’, weekend warriors, families and mates to ride it’s much-loved trail network. This is their story (ha!).

With A & B lines throughout, the Enduro series really is the most accessible form of racing for the intermediate mountain biker.

Berm lovers were in their element on the Luge trail, with switchback after switchback this section calls for riders to push their cornering techniques! — Berm lovers were in their element on the Luge trail, with switchback after switchback this section called for riders to push their cornering technique!

The event centre from near to the top of the trails. Just under 200 riders and another event in the park had the carpark at capacity. The event hosted many stores and sponsors including DHARCO, Knolly Bike, and long time Rocky Trail sponsors JetBlack Racing.

During practice the social side of the event came to light. Here riders of all categories reach a plateau in the only timed fire trail section.

Whether talking lines or last night's hilarities, the start area held a casual, fun vibe as riders spread out and started their pre-race run routines. — Whether talking lines or last night’s hilarities, the start area held a casual, fun vibe as riders spread out and started their pre-race run routines.

With a gruelling fire trail ascent halfway through Trail 1 (Vapour, DH, Luge) time was won and lost as riders fought the gradient for pace.

Mens Elite Podium: 1: Ben Cory / 11:35 2: Dan MacMunn / +10s 3: Dylan Cooper / +19s 4: Tim Eaton / +21s 4: Ryan Walsch / +21s — Mens Elite Podium:
1: Ben Cory / 11:35
2: Dan MacMunn / +10s
3: Dylan Cooper / +19s
4: Tim Eaton / +21s
4: Ryan Walsch / +21s

Womens Elite Podium: 1: Rosemary Barnes / 13.33 2: Claire Whiteman / + 3s 3: Jaclyn Shapel / + 9s 4: Vanessa Thompson / +51s 5: Kath Bicknell / + 63s — Womens Elite Podium:
1: Rosemary Barnes / 13.33
2: Claire Whiteman / + 3s
3: Jaclyn Shapel / + 9s
4: Vanessa Thompson / +51s
5: Kath Bicknell / + 63s

Ladies and Gentlemen, your Elite Winners for Australian Gravity Enduro #5 2014, Rosemary Barnes & Dan MacMunn. — Ladies and Gentlemen, your Elite Series Leaders after Australian Gravity Enduro #5 2014, Rosemary Barnes & Dan MacMunn. Will they take the top step in Smithfield, Cairns, QLD? Be there on October 11/12 for 6 stages of Enduro racing awesomeness. Hit www.rockytrailentertaiment.com for info.

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Words & Images by Jaime Black / jaimeblack.com.au

August 26, 2014

NSW/ACT DH 1 – Greenvalleys MTB Park

NSW DH1 drew 200 riders to Greenvalleys MTB Park south of Sydney for an epic weekend, which coincided with the X-up freeride festival. The trail was fast, rugged, and dusty.

Back racing in New South Wales! Slowly but surely we are seeing more and more local races starting their series off for the season, this was no different over the weekend as we headed to Greenvalleys for round 1 of the New South Wales state series.

With a number of tech sections riders were tested all around, here Daniel McComb swoops into the rock garden.

Bromley's all smiles despite two ejections in one run and a fresh set of battle scars. — Bromley’s all smiles despite two ejections in one run and a fresh set of battle scars.

Chris Clark carrying speed into the main rock garden during practice, light and smooth through the loose surface.

Out of the bush and into the sun (and AIR). The speed debate surrounded this step-up, inside or outside?

Tim Eaton throws a finish line wheelie during qualies; making a statement for the final with a time of 2:08.

You know the race is big when there's sky coverage - and what a day for flying! — You know the race is big when there’s sky coverage – and what a day for flying!

The track, like any, claimed a number of humans and bikes - Matt Staggs had a wild encounter with gravity after catching a pedal. — The track, like any, claimed a number of humans and bikes – Matt Staggs had a wild encounter with gravity after catching a pedal.

And here we have Wollongong's local media folk. Ty Bowmaker of Captyvate Media getting the shot. — And here we have Wollongong’s local media folk. Ty Bowmaker of Captyvate Media getting the shot.

Ben Cory was glimpsed flashing through the trees during practice, and conquered the changing track conditions to take 1st place with a 2:03.

Elite Men Final Results
1: Ben Cory – 2:03.0
2: Mark Conliffe – 2:06.1
3: Tim Eaton – 2:06.7

Elite Women Final Results
1:A�Sarah Booth – 2:40.5
2:A�Trudy Nicholas – 2:50.3
3: Kellie Weinert – 2:51.6

U19 Male Final Results
1:A�Hamish Cowan – 2:14.7
2:A�Chris Tye – 2:15.4
3:A�Chris Clark – 2.17.2

Complete results at:A�http://www.rockytrailentertainment.com/events/DH-results.html

Big whips, bar humps, lookbacks... with X-up festival the day earlier riders were inspired to style up. — Big whips, bar humps, lookbacks… with X-up festival the day earlier riders were inspired to style up.

Rocky Trail Entertainment always put on a good show, 2014's state series is feeling energetic and ready to go. With mexican food from Red Ass on site, what more could we ask for! — Rocky Trail Entertainment always put on a good show, 2014’s state series is feeling energetic and ready to go. With mexican food from Red Ass on site, what more could we ask for!

Ryan Hunt is settling back into race mode very nicely, with obvious speed in the finish jump area. 4th place with a 2:09.

Next NSW/ACT round is in September, check out the Rocky Trail Entertainment website for up-to-date information.

Tune in with Downhill247 for the latest news and photos (and more).
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Photos: www.jaimeblack.com.au

July 29, 2014