Australian National Series Round 3 - Thredbo

As bikes and race tape glinted in the morning sun, those competing for the top spot knew what was needed to take the event.. — As bikes and race tape glinted in the morning sun; those competing for the top spot knew what was needed to claim fastest…

Another spectacular summer day in the Alpine resort of Thredbo, the pits appeared and bustled from an early hour with excitement of the final series round of Nationals for 2014. With riders talking about the roughening trail after a weekends’ abuse, and TB’s blitzing seeding time of 4:51, the game faces were on and excitement built steadily as racing approached.

Tegan Molloy at home for the weekend in Thredbo, has set the fastest seeding and racing times of all women competitors in the 2014 National Series. With a feat like this under her belt, it is exciting to think of what might behold her future in elite.

While still a comparably small event compared to previous years of Nationals events, Thredbo had a busy, energetic atmosphere that had riders punching out run after run. With so many gaps from top to bottom – A�whether off roots and over rock gardens, across braking ruts or a big dirt jump – Thredbo’s Cannonball trail encompasses just about all that is fun in downhill in an enduring 5-7 minute run.

Fastest in elite women during seeding, Danielle Beecroft looks to be over an ankle injury that saw her miss the second round in Mt Buller. Taking second on race day is a solid result in stepping toward another World Cup Circuit in 2014.

Remy Moron is always impressive to watch - he has a unique style and a huge sense of speed about him. His time in Thredbo of 5:00:86 would've earned him a 5th place in Elite Mens. — Remy Moron is always impressive to watch – he has a unique style and a huge sense of speed about him. His time in Thredbo of 5:00:86 would’ve earned him a 5th place in Elite Mens.

Aiden Varley tackles an early root and rock section with ease, floating through with barely a whirr of tyres for 4th place for Yarra Valley Cycles.

Ben Hill having some fun on the final jump during Sunday morning practice. Placing 7th was enough to claim the National Series Winner jersey for Ben. He has been unhampered by injury and stood out all series for his speed and style. Can he back it up with a National Championship too?

Rhys Atkinson up to speed through one of Thredbo's rock gardens. Despite mostly smooth rocks, many flats were felt this weekend! — Rhys Atkinson up to speed through one of Thredbo’s rock gardens. Despite mostly smooth rocks, many flats were felt this weekend!

Angus Maddern had a front heavy crash during practice on Friday, but recovered overnight to maintain his speed to make top 20 in elite men. With only 15 seconds spread in the top 20, it's standing room only! — Angus Maddern had a front heavy crash during practice on Friday, but recovered overnight to maintain his speed to make top 20 in elite men. With only 15 seconds spread in the top 20, it’s standing room only!

Without Connor Fearon and Dean Lucas racing, Troy Brosnan had a little less pressure to push hard, though in true Troy nature he cleared the field by 8.5 seconds and effortlessly took first place and 2014 Series Winner, ahead of Thomas Crimmins (2nd Thredbo, 3rd Overall) and David McMillan (3rd Thredbo, 2nd Overall). Bright will hopefully see Connor and a larger turnout of riders, adding to the excitement of Australian Nationals Racing.

In the Women’s divisions, Michelle Crisp took the win by 0.1s, improving on her qualifying position of 3rd, and claiming the Series Medal too. After a consistent year, performance has paid off for Michelle; picking up some new sponsors and having found her feet again in racing.

Nationals Round 3 – Thredbo Results

Elite Men
1. Troy Brosnan 4:46:25
2. Thomas Crimmins +8.52
3. David McMillan +10.39
4. Graeme Mudd +14.73
5. Rhys Atkinson +15.53

Elite Women
1. Michelle Crisp 5:59:22
2. Kellie Weinert +0.1
3. Danielle Beecroft +3.14
4. Victoria Armstrong +10.84
5. Brodie Chapman +22.85

U19 Male
1. Andrew Crimmins 4:54:03
2. Matthew McCorkell 7.71
3. Aiden Varley 10.12

U19 Female
1. Tegan Molloy 5:46:31

Australian National Series – Overall Winners

Elite Men
1. Troy Brosnan
2. David McMillan
3. Thomas Crimmins

Elite Women
1. Michelle Crisp
2. Danielle Beecroft
3. Sarah Booth

U19 Male
1. Ben Hill
2. Andrew Crimmins
3. Max Warshawsky

U19 Female
1. Tegan Molloy
2. Ellie Wale

U17 Male
1. Remy Morton
2. Jackson Frew
3. Harry Parsons

As an ever-changing trail, Thredbo is in top form with a very fast, flowing and challenging profile. Here a popular changed corner provides foreground to the alpine area’s incredible views.

Downhill247.com will be in Bright, VIC for the final Nationals event for 2014 – Australian National Championships. Keep up to date with our coverage of Australian gravity-fuelled events by following on Facebook and Instagram!

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Photography: Jason Stevens Photography and JB Photomedia