NSW State Series - Thredbo -

Any reason to go back to Thredbo is enough for us!

After a long summer of MTB action, Thredbo played host to its final raceA�event for this season, The Red Ass NSW State Series Round 1. Timed nicelyA�between the end of Australian National Series and the beginning of theA�World Cup season it was a great opportunity for local racers to settle intoA�the enjoyable atmosphere that is state racing.

State level racing is always fun and enjoyable because it is not as cut throat as Nationals!

Race day was looking to be spot on after yet another perfect day in theA�NSW Alps for practice on Saturday. However, come Sunday cloud hadA�rolled in and filled the valley, providing a concerning outlook for the day.A�Thankfully, the dull conditions didna��t last long with the cloud lifting aroundA�mid morning. Riders were blessed with spectacular views as the chair rideA�to the top lifted them out of the ominous cloud ban into perfect blue skies.

Saturday practice saw some dreamy conditions, with blue skies just like this there was no complaining.

We awoke Sunday to some doom and gloom though... — We awoke Sunday to some doom and gloom though…

Come race time it had mainly sorted itself out.

Seeding and racing were both run on Sunday, with the seeding actionA�kicking off at 11:30am. The track was in great condition with the openA�sections drying up and the forest holding some moisture after the recentA�rain. Riders were kept on their toes by the varying conditions for their raceA�runs.

Good conditions for most of the track had the riders loving it, you just had to make sure the sections of the track that weren't perfect you were on your game. — Good conditions for most of the track had the riders loving it, you just had to make sure the sections of the track that weren’t perfect you were on your game.

At the pointy end of the Elite Mena��s racing it was a close battle betweenA�Brent Smith, Oliver Zwar and Joel Willis. The final standings saw Oliver Zwar,A�take it by a nose over A�Brent Smith with Joel Willis in a close third. Zwar wasA�in great form, carrying on from his fifth place standing at the BrightA�National Championships.

In a rich vein of form at the moment Olivar Zwar took out the win for the Elite men.

In the Elite Womena��s race it was Kellie Weinert taking the win, a well deservedA�effort after a solid season of National racing. Sian Aa��hernA�stepped up from juniors this weekend to land herself on the second spot of the podium, in front of Sarah Booth.A�Once again it was another excellent weekend of racing up at ThredboA�and a very competitive start to the NSW state series.

The female classes saw plenty of good racing.

David 'Mayhem'McMillan. — David ‘Mayhem’McMillan.

Words and images: Ben Stevens Photo, follow them on Facebook or Instagram @benstevensphoto

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