The most talked about bike at the Australian National Championships was Connor Fearon’s new Kona.
Rumours had been flying for some time before the race and most people were expectingA�Kona to bring out their new toy. Under Connor Fearon Kona debuted their new bike right here in Australia, with Connor flying the flag for the company this year at World Cups the new Operator is going to help Connor to progress. Now we would love to do a full blown interview with Kona and Connor but unfortunately their instructions are to remain tight lips until April, Connor has opened up with some valuable information regarding the bike including that and we quote; “the head angle will be between 60 and 70 degrees” and that it weighs the same amount as a few bags of potatoes” (non cooked still in the bag in case you are wondering!) It was good to see Connor taking a fun approach when being asked about the bike at the race!
“No comment” was the official response regarding questions about the bike but Connor and co did have a bit of fun with it all.
There are a few things we do know though;
– The frame will have 200mm ofA�travel and is made up of a carbon front triangle with aluminium rear stays.
– The head angle between “60 -70 degrees” is likely to be 64!
– A few nice little detailsA�that a lot ofA�bikes are nowA�featuring include the integrated bump stops and internal cable routing (with the option of being able to run them externally).
– Interestingly the bike will have a 104mm press fit bottom bracket as well as the standard ISCG05 chain guide mounts and a 12x157mm rear axle spacing.
A�
The bike almost didn’t get a race debut after Connor snapped the only derailleur hanger in the Southern Hemisphere! A quick trip to a CNC shop fixed all that fortunately.Integrated bump stops and internal cable guides are nice touches.Rock Shox came to the party with a custom sticker kit for the front rear and shocks, will the next step for Connor be the Black Box program?!Connor has gotten use to the bike very quickly, as this user submitted photo from Gibbo show us!
Connor heads off to Sea Otter in just over a month it will be interesting to see what else gets revealed there.
The fastest Aussie mountain bike family and their new Polygon bikes!
The most succesful team at the 2013 Australian National Champs was the Hutchison UR team, which just happened to be a family affair, we are of course talking about the Hannah family! With Tracey returning from injury and both riders having to get use to their new bikes itA�made it all the moreA�impressive feat. With that saidA�we thought we would give you guys a bit more info about the setup;
You may not be familiar with Polygon bikes, they are an Indonesian company that started back in 1989, they make a variety of bikes, not just downhill bikes.What is quite remarkable is that Mic Hannah has almost exclusively ridden single pivot bikes throughout his career… However early reports suggest he likes the multi pivot system for its lack of harsh feedback.After a serious crash in 2012 where she broke her femur, Tracey returned to hold onto the title she claimed in Adelaide in 2012 at her first race back!.Mount Stromlo is a track Mic has done well on in the past, he was the fastest Aussie at the 2009 World Champs finishing third, just 0.69 behind the winner…It wasn’t just the Hannahs representing for the team with Fabien Cousinie and Guillaume Cauvin racing in Elite Men,the only rider missing from the results was current Female Junior World Champ Holly Feniak. So why is this bike being carried through the pits you ask?! There was definitely nothing wrong with it but how else are you going to keep the tyres clean for a photo shoot, thanks Mic! They’re a professional out fit at Hutchinson UR that’s for sure!
We will be following the Hannah family keenly this year, Tracey won her return World Cup race in South Africa and the track suits Mic too, an Aussie family affair on the top step this year?! Lets hope so!
A big thanks to Mic and Tracey (along with the rest of the team) for taking the time to chat with us and pose for photos. Images: Jason Stevens.
Matt Taylor is a name you will be hearing more of in the future. Photo: Matt Bird Media
Australia has an enviable history of producing some of the fastest downhill riders in the world and they often start at the junior level before working their way up through the senior ranks. Right now Matt Taylor is at the junior level, out riding with his mates and having fun but definitely a rider to watch in the future. We had heard people talking about his speed in the South Australian State Series for sometime but it was at the State Champs when we were on the sideline covering the event when the penny dropped. We were having the typical trackside conversation; ‘so who’s looking quick…?’ a few names came up and then we said ‘there’s a guy in an orange helmet who is looking crazy fast!’ and the reply was ‘Oh you mean Matt Taylor’. Sure enough Matt won Under 19’s (when he could still be racing Under 17’s) and did it with a time that would have placed him on the Elite podium.
Matt has a style beyond his years and it is always good to watch! Photo: Matt Bird Media
This confirmed our thoughts from when we saw him out on the track, shortly after he was picked up by the Trak Cycles downhill team, a team which we will be revealing more information on exclusively very soon! But for now have a read on what Matt had to say when we asked him a few questions;
Name: Matt Taylor
Age: 15
Lives: A�Mt Osmond, South Australia near the Waterfall Gully Track!
Matt, how long have you been into downhill and is that the riding you started off doing:
I started racing BMX at 7 years of age and have always loved bikes.A� Then I transitioned into XC and downhill riding.A� I also do a lot of Moto/Enduro riding and have been since I was 9 years of age.A� My absolute passion is downhill, it is what I always look forward to doing.
How long have you been racing for:
I started racing with Inside Line in 2009 so it is about 4 years.
You raced the SA series in Under 19 when you could have raced a lower class, why did you do that:
It was supposed to be my first year in Under 17s but I decided it might be a bit more of a challenge to race under 19s and just wanted to see how I could go.
A background mixed with BMX and motocross sounds very familiar and is never a bad thing for downhilling. Photo: Matt Bird Media
What results have stood out to you and you have been happy with:
I was extremely happy with winning the Under 19s State Champs at Fox Long as my time would have put me on the Elite podium.
What kind of tracks do you like and how would you describe your riding style:
I like most tracks but the technical tracks are my preference.A� I dona��t mind a couple of sprints in there either.A� It is hard for me to describe my style, but mates say I am smooth and controlled.
Matt lives close to the Waterfall Gully downhill track, which is one of the most full on tracks in the state and makes a good training ground. Photo: Matt Bird Media
Your bikes always seem to be super clean at races and when youa��re out riding, is this one of your requirements to have a clean bike before you ride:
Yeah, it is pretty funny, all my mates ask if I could clean their bikes for them.A� I like to have a clean bike before I go out riding.A� Just hoping it makes me look faster.
In terms of your bike do you have any specific set up techniques or requirements, i.e. A�suspension, brake lever position, etc:
I like my rebound quite slow and forks a bit on the stiff side, clipped in, 780mm bars, fairly neutral brake position and like my bike to quiet (and dona��t forgetA� CLEAN !! haha)
You would struggle to find a cleaner bike than Matt’s at any race but in no way is that a bad thing! Photo Matt Bird Media
You were doing runs with Connor Fearon at the first National round, what was that like:
It was great to be riding with someone like Connor, it was amazing to follow him with the speed he has, he was kind enough to help me out with some lines and give me a helping hand. A�Hopefully I can do some runs with him at the next round.
Where would you like to go with your racing/riding in the future:
I would love to do well this year for the Nationals in the Under 17s.A� One day I would love to be able to race World Cups and see how far I can go.
You are riding for the Trak Cycles team this year, what does that set up involve and what races will you be doing:
I had a great opportunity to be a part of the Trak Cycles Team this year which I am very thankful for. A�Through Trak I am extremely pleased with the support from Kona, Renthal, Fox, Maxxis and Finish Line cleaning products.A� I would also like to thank Glen Matulich, Steve Marsh and the Trak Team, but I am particularly thankful to Mello Bouwmeester Trak Cycles Manager, who has assisted in taking my fitness to a new level and his constant support has been fantastic.
I will be doing the 2013 National series and all of the State rounds.
Well that finishes of our Inside Info with Matt for the moment but we will be catching up with him as the year progresses.
The pits for both the Australian domestic and the international season, are going to look substantially different for 2013.
Without doubt this has been one of the most intriguing off seasons to date, there has been some big changes, as well as some unexpected ones. With that in mind lets have a look at whereA�you can expect to see theA�Australians racing and on what.
Ben Hill – In his first season on the Clint White Racing program, Ben has started off with solid results in both the Tassie and Vic series, look as he pushes for Worlds selection later in the year.
Ben Power – Ben has been dealing with a injured hand but hopes to get to overseas later in the year to hit up some races in North America.
Bryn Atkinson – No real big changes for Bryn (and fiancee Jill Kintner) for 2013A�they are;A�”still riding for Norco, and running our own team. We’re both staying in the US this off season, so I’m not going to be at any Aussie races unfortunately”.
Caroline Buchannan – It was a nice surprise to see Caroline return to downhill for 2013, riding an Airborne bike Caroline has said she would like to race both downhill as well as 4X, not to mention her busy BMX program leading up to the 2016 Olympics, hectic indeed!
Chris Kovarik – Chris (and partner Claire) are still running the Kovarik Racing program which will see them attend selected races (such as Australian National Series races’) whilst continuing their successful ride clinics. A change for 2013 sees them on Fox suspension.
Connor Fearon – After a hugely successful 2012A�season Connor steps up from the junior ranks forA�his first season as a senior, still on Kona and unable to comment too muchA�on team commitments, with Mitch DelfsA�no longer on KonaA�don’t be surprised to see Connor as the soleA�team rider for 2013.
Crimmins Brothers – We thought we would cover both Andrew and Thomas together as a unit, both are racing for Giant Australia, expect their speed to continue to grow and watch as they make a push for Worlds’ selection.
Danielle Beecroft – After third at Junior Worlds in 2012, Danielle will continue riding Pivot Bikes for 2013A�and is “currently in talks with a major sponsor, that will help her in her quest to improve on her third place at the World Championships last year ” so expect more news soon.
David McMillan-A�David has continued with the Specialized Australia program for 2013, look out for David as he tries to head overseas later in the year to some international races. Currently the team has the 2013 alloy Demo with the carbon models landing in February.
We are super keen to see Dave have a good season this year, an off season scare with a crash at the dirt jumps hasn’t appeared to slow him down. He looks happy in this photo with his alloy Specialized, the carbon models are on their way (or maybe it is because he has got his hands on one of the super limited adition downhill247.com t-shirts?!) Photo: Ronnie Grammatica/toptobottom.it
Dean Lucas – Since returning form overseas Dean has been in good form at home on board his Kona, expect much the same in 2013.
Mitch Delfs – Mitch moves off Kona on to his new team, when we talked to him about he was coy other than saying he was “pretty stoked on the new gig” and he claims he will be on one “good looking bike”, more news as soon as we get it!
Jackson Davis – After success racing in Indonesia recently, Jackson will be racing for Specialized Australia this year at all the National races,A� when Sam Hill says Jackson has one of the best cornering techniques he has seen you definitely have to pay attention.
Jack Moir – After 5th at the 2012 World Champs inA�juniorA�Jack is in fine form and will be hitting up all the Nationals and as many World Cup races as possible. This year Jack is on the Yeti Australia team butA�our hot tip is that he will be picked up by the Yeti World Cup Team, watch this space…
Jack took his new Yeti to Thredbo to get some time on it before the Nationals start, from this photo it looks like he is pretty comfortable on it already! Photo: Ronnie Grammatica/toptobottom.itJack is pretty happy with his new set up and why wouldn’t you be! Photo: Ronnie Grammatica/toptobottom.it
Jared Graves – A strong start to 2012 in South Africa was the highlight for Jared’s World Cup season, in 2013 Jared is still aboard Yeti but focusing on the enduro downhill scene, something he should do well in considering his ability to train at the highest level physically combined with his bike handling skills. Expect Jared to help mentor Aussie Jack Moir wherever possible.
Josh Button – Unfortunately Josh won’t be heading overseas for 2013, a real loss for Australian downhill, Josh has the skills to become a real consistent top 20 prospect but has been hampered by bad luck. His constant knee injuries (which were often not his fault) have been what has really slowed him down, for 2013 Josh is trying to make it to the Thredbo and Canberra rounds of the National Series.
Rhys Atkinson – Rhys is back on board with Specialized and will look to regain the overall National Series title he claimed in theA�2010/11 season before heading overseas to race some World Cups.
Sam Hill – Big news saw Sam leaving not only his Specialized team but also long time team manager Sean Heimdal as he heads to Chain Reaction Cycles/Nukeproof, he willA�take over a raft ofA�existing sponsors, including SRAM so expect to see him on the Blackbox program for 2013 which means he won’t be riding Marzocchi as previously suggested.
Timmy Eaton – After a successful 2011/12 season Tim has changed it up slightly for 2013, getting on board the Giant Australia team, which could easily dominate this season with the depth of field it has signed.
Tracey Hannah – Tracey will be riding with brother Mic on Polygon Bikes, after a promising start to 2012 a big injury put a temporary hold on her return, Tracey is now back on her cross country bike, expect to see her fighting it out at the first World Cup in a few months.
Troy Brosnan – 2012 was a year Troy would rather forget, so much promise but cut short by injury, Troy is now back on his cross country rig and training hard for 2013, with new team mates expect Troy to be even hungrier after a ‘lost’ international season last year.
Will Rischbieth – Will has been recovering from an injury sustained last year but he will be back riding for Giant Australia in 2013 at Nationals across the country.
2013 is going to be an interesting year to say the least! There are plenty more riders who could have made this list, expect coverage of a huge range of races in 2013.
Callum Morrison, a rider to keep an eye on in the future as he progresses up through the ranks!
The name Callum Morrison is one that is very familiar to usA�as CallumA�pops up on podiumsA�at SA state rounds, VicDH rounds, Nationals and even Crankworx! With that in mind we decided to have a chat with one of Australia’s most promising up and coming riders.
Name: Callum Morrison
Age: 15
Hometown: Mount Gambier South Australia
Cal thanks for talking to us, you’re 15 but how long have you been riding mountain bikes for:
About four years or so, I started riding local trails with my mates.
So racing came next, how long have you been racing for and why do you race:
The South Australian State Championships at Eagle Mountain Bike Park in 2010A�was my first race. It’s is the atmosphere of the racing and the thrill you get from it.
Cal has a good style on the bike and isn’t afraid to throw down in the air.
SoA�considering this reasonably short space of time, what race results stand out to you as your favourites:
Placing 4th in the Canadian Open in Under 15’s, winning the 4x National Championships (and series)A�in Under 17’sA�and and placing 2nd at National Championships in under 15’s.
With these results under your belt what are your goals for the future:
To win the VicDH series, finish a top 3 at National Champs, Oceania ChampionshipsA�as well as in theA�overallA�for theA�NationalA�Series (in Under 17’s).
The top spot on the podium is becoming a regular place for Cal who is quite modest!
Do you have a specificA�a�?training plana�� or are youA�the typeA�of rider whoA�just goes out and rides:
I ride dirt jumpA�and pump track in my backyard, IA�hardly ride downhill because we dona��t have a big enough hill to ride down.
You live in Mt Gambier, a fair way from Adelaide, what is the scene like down there? You say you dona��t have many big hills so what happens when you want to ride downhill:
Riding downhill is hard in the Mount because the hill is so small and you cana��t get a good enough track, riding DJ and XC is far better to do here and I go to Adelaide to ride theA�downhill or just wait to the next race…
How would you describe your riding style:
I have a moto style from riding motos since i was 4 but otherwise loose!
Do you find similarities between riding mountain bikes/downhill and motocross, has this had a big influence on your riding style:
Yes a lot of techniques in riding style and even the mechanic side too, motocross has helped heaps for my riding style because I loved the wide open rough tracks on a moto and most tracks are fast and rough.
A rider to look out for in the future for sure.
So on the downhill bike what are some of your favourite tracks and riding condition:
I love a fast flowy rough track with big senders but I dona��t mind the old muds getting out because my style is good for mud!
What riders you look up to:
The Athertons, because they are the most chilled out people and shred at any discipline on a bike.
Finally is there anyone you would like to thank:
Big thanks to GT Bicycles, Daktari Sport, Cycling Sports Group, Mavic and My mum and dad for taking me all over Australia.
We will be watching with interest as Cal continues to race various races here and in Australia, to us it looks like the future is bright for Australian downhill.
Connor Fearon was having fun on some of the big jumps in Norway, the added style was a bonus for everyone watching!
We finish our wrap up of the 2012 World Cup series with Connor Fearon’s Inside Info from Hafjell, Norway. This is what he had to say;
Norway was the final round for the season and I was hoping to finish it off on a high note. The team got to Hafjell a few days prior to the race. Turns out there nothing to do there when ita��s freezing cold and raining. Despite being labelled a�?Europea��s #1 bike parka�? it turned out to be below average and we couldna��t ride the race track until official practice. The exchange rate there is through the roof as well it felt like I spent more coin in the last week in Norway than the other 4 months of the tripa��
So the start of the week wasna��t all that exciting I was hoping I would cheer up after walking the race track on day 1. The track has a few different sections. Some jumps and corners in the open sections I really liked. Once the track weaved into the wooded sections it became my nemesis, it got pretty slow, technical and awkward. Definitely far from my preferred type of course.
Connor hitting the main rock garden (or jungle as it was being referred to!) on the course, not sure if that is optimum foot/pedal position this time round!
During practice I tried my hardest to pick lines that would open up the track a little bit even if it meant going over rocks and taking wider corners. The coolest obstacle on the track was the massive natural gap halfway down the track. I dona��t think the course builders meant for this to be jumped but it happened anyway. I hit the gap in practice and race run for the fans even though I cased it every time and might have been slower it was still the most fun I had on the track!
My race run was pretty solid until the last sections of the track where the wind picked up a lot and it felt like I was going backwards. I got blown badly by the wind on the last jump and almost crashed, doing this I stomped the ground pretty hard with my leg and hurt my knee which stopped me from pedalling to the finish. I got 38th position in the end which was disappointing because I moved back in the overall (Although beating Peaty still who had a problem in his run).
So my first full world cup series is done and dusted and Ia��m just about ready to head home now! Ia��ve learnt a lot in this season that will help me improve myself for the next world cup season. For now ita��s time to go back to Australia just in time for summer, have a good off season and come out swinging next year!
So Connor’s last race of the season might not have quite gone to plan but he still finished up 34th in the overall, combined with his 3rd place at World Championships, that’s a very impressive season! What will happen next year, downhill247.com will keep you in the loop!
