NSW State Series – Round 1 – Thredbo

Thredbo, an old favourite, a classic shot of Ryan Olinn jumping the top rock garden.

The Red Ass NSW State series kicked off over the weekend on Thredboa��s famous Cannonball run. With around 250 riders making their way down, to get some early season points in, it was going to be a wicked weekend of racing. Saturday would also play host to the Flow Rollercoaster NSW State Champs, on Thredboa��s new 5.6km beginner downhill, followed by a Pump Track Challenge in the evening!

Good conditions but in Alpine areas this can change almost instantly.

Saturday saw practice get underway under bluebird skies but these were set to change quickly. Riders started getting some good practice runs in early in the day to try and beat that famous Thredbo arm pump come race day.

Currently in hot form Jack Moir was one of the favourites but unfortunately a crash ruled him out of contention. — Currently in hot form, Jack Moir was one of the favourites but unfortunately a crash ruled him out of contention.

Jack Moir unfortunately had a crash in Saturday practice and ended up with quite a large cut on his ankle which ruled him out for the DH on Sunday.
The sun rose over Thredbo on the Sunday and we knew we were in for some fast racing. Saturdaya��s rain had left the track in near perfect condition on Sunday morning and riders were punching out laps like there was no tomorrow with grins to be seen everywhere. As a few sneaky race lines started to form on the hill, the talk in the pits was about who your money was on for Elite Men, now that hot favourite Jack Moir was out. The Crimminsa�� brothers were on everyonea��s minds as they had the home track advantage. As was Ben Cory, who is always one to watch at Thredbo and not forgetting the likes of McMillan, Vejvoda, Ellison and Eaton who was returning to racing from an injury.

Joel Willis took the number one spot in qualifying early in the day.

Qualifying got underway in the Under 19a��s and it was Joel Willis who would take the top spot ahead of Ryan Oa��linn & Jackson Frew. In the Elite Female, Tegan Molloy showed her dominance in Thredbo to qualify first by over 25 seconds ahead of Danielle Beecroft & Kellie Weinert. In the mena��s it was Andrew Crimmins in 3rd, Vejvoda 2nd & Thomas Crimmins 1st. We were in for a family showdown!

After heading off early and setting a blistering time Ben Dengate had a long wait in the hot seat to see if anyone could better his time. In the end he finished third.

Finals got underway with Under 19a��s off first. Ben Dengate set a blistering time early in the field and held the hot seat for the majority of Under 19a��s race, up until the final 2 riders. Ryan Oa��Linn then crossed the line nearly 6 seconds up on Dengate to take the hot seat. It was only Joel Willis who could now snatch the win from Oa��Linn and thata��s just what he did. Joel Willis crossing with a 5:50.73 to get the Under 19a��s win.

Sarah Booth put an early claim in for the fastest Elite Female time.

Next up were Elite Female riders. Sarah Booth set the early pace putting down a 6:44.47. Young Kellie Weinert was next and was just short of Booths time crossing 0.13 shy.

Danielle Beecroft sending it on her way to second place.

Danielle Beecroft then smashed Booths time by 10 seconds to go into the hot seat but was still 13 seconds back on Molloya��s qualifying time.

Tegan Molloy showed her dominance at Thredbo by taking another win by a huge margin.

Tegan boosted from the final trees way up on Beecrofta��s time to cross in a 6:16.03. It is so good to see such close and competitive racing in the female classes. 3 of the top 4 girls are all 18 & under and putting down sub 7 minute times at Thredbo. WOW!

It was now time for the main event, the Elite Mena��s field were about to put damage into the Thredbo downhill. Phil Piazza set the early pace putting down a 5:38 to go into the hot seat. Thredbo local Tim Windshuttle was on for a good run but had a crash and fell just short of Piazza.

Timmy Eaton used this race to return to racing,we will be having a chat with Timmy regarding this soon, watch this space!

Tim Eaton then had a crack in his return to racing after an elbow injury but also fell short of Piazza. Jake Newell then came down to put nearly 5 seconds into Piazzas time and claim the hot seat. This didna��t last for long though as Ben Cory set a blistering time crossing the line slightly faster than Crimmina��s qualifying time of 5:31. Luke Ellison then sprinted to the line to slip in just behind Cory.

David McMillan was looking good on the bike as usaul and put in a solid final run. — David McMillan was looking good on the bike as usual and put in a solid final run.

Dave McMillan whipped his way through the final jumps to nudge Cory to 2nd by only half a second.

Well done Andrew Crimins! His first Elite race and what a result watch out for him and his brother as they continue to progress.

Andrew Crimmins racing his first ever Elite race came flying into the finish arena on the run of his life. The crowd erupted as the 15 year old smashed McMillana��s time by 3 seconds. The machine that is Joey Vejvoda had some work to do and he came so close to knocking off junior Crimmins but fell just short with a 5:28. The look on Andrews face was indescribable, knowing in his first ever Elite race, that the only one that could take the title from him was his older brother. It was now confirmed that it could be the Crimmins brothers on the 2 top steps today!

All eyes were now on the final trees to see what Thomas a�?The Guna�? Crimmins could pull off. He launched from the final trees and it was going to be close, real close. He sprinted to the line to cross 0.59 of a second in front of his younger brother. Too see two brothers aged 15 & 17 taking out 1st & 2nd respectively in an Elite field is just unbelievable! The last 10 minutes had just been the most exciting racing I think we had ever seen in Thredbo.

Thredbo was a family affair, the Crimmins family claimed postions one and two. — Thredbo was a family affair, the Crimmins family claimed positions one and two.

Times were getting faster and faster and in the end a family showdown which nearly brought mum & dad to tears!

Joey Vejvoda rounded out the top 3 making it a Bredbo trifecta!

T. Crimmins 1st, A. Crimmins 2nd, Vejvoda 3rd, McMillan 4th, Cory 5th. Ironically the top 3 riders are all from the tiny town of Bredbo located between Thredbo & Canberra. Whata��s in the water in Bredbo you ask? Not sure as I dona��t think its drinkable!

Images and Story: A� RonnieGrammatica.com (http://www.ronniegrammatica.com)

April 9, 2013

Inside Info: Ben Hill – Style Merchant

We thought it was about time we had a chat with Benny Hill and find out some more about one of the most exciting riders to hit the scene of late.

Ben Hill – You know the name and you have no doubt seen him plastered across downhill247.com but no only does he have the style but also the speed, we had a chat with Ben to see what makes him tick and here is what we learnt;

Ben Hill the 16 year old from Alstom, Tasmania has burst onto the scene over the past year with the CWR Team but has been riding for four years after using it for MX cross training and realising he enjoyed it moreA�he attributes a large part of this to dad who was into bikes as a kid.

A MX background no doubt helped shape Ben's style today. — A MX background no doubt helped shape Ben’s style today.

Ben has been racing for about 3 years, his deal with Clint White’s Avid Zerode team came about under differentA�circumstances, I had a broken arm and didn’t have anything to do so I sent Clint an email.A�As it turns out Clint was thinkingA�if the right junior came up then okay, as it turns out Ben was just looking for some tent space and I couldn’t promise him too much,A�so after a few casual emails it was sorted.

A casual deal with CWR has been positive for both parties with Ben recently being selected in the long team for the World Championships' later in the year. — A casual deal with CWR has been positive for both parties with Ben recently being selected in the long team for the World Championships’ later in the year.

We are real fans of what Clint White has done with the team over the past few years, what is the atmosphere like amongst the team chilled and fun. Talking about race atmosphere though any crazy race rituals? Not really I did get a pair of gloves off Troy Brosnan a little while back and I keep them in my bag at every race, that is about it. Steep, rough tracks with jumps and cornersA�are the best kind of race track. If I was describing my style it would be loose but I don’t try to be it just happens!

Steep tracks with lots of corners and big jumps are Ben's favourite. Sometimes that loose style goes to the extreme! — Steep tracks with lots of corners and big jumps are Ben’s favourite. Sometimes that loose style goes to the extreme!

Ben’s home state of Tasmania has plenty of this type of riding, Glenorchy is the favourite, the riding scene has a good vibe, there are not heaps of riders but it is the most fun place to ride.

Ben's favourite track also happens to be in his home state at Glenorchy. — Ben’s favourite track also happens to be in his home state at Glenorchy.

Ben has just been selected for the long team for theA�World Championships’, so he will be off to the team campA�before finding out whether he will be representing Australia in South Africa. Some of his favourite results have been in the Victorian Downhill Series at Mount Taylor andA�Maldon. His whips are some of the best out there and we had to ask Clint the hard question, what is Ben like on wheels? He is pretty tough on wheels, his whips make him go through themA�quicker than most.

If you see Ben out and about, buy him a flavoured milk but make sure it is lime!

Ben would like to thank; Clint White, Zerode and especially his dad!

There you have it Ben Hill ladies and gentleman!

Images: Jason Stevens

April 7, 2013

Pick Of The Pics – Oceania’s 2013

Danielle Beecroft coming through the rocks, despite being the sole competitor in her class she was still charging hard.

We had so many images from the weekend we just had to share them so here is part 2 of our Oceania’s coverage from Glenorchy, Tasmania.

Starting off witha video… Here we have Ben Power getting sent wild over the jumps near the bottom of the course, this is not for the faint hearted! (Ben’s okay though!)

Now you might think this is David McMillan because we all know David does whips but this is actually his team mate, Jackson Davis, getting his style on!

Josh McDonald out in the open near the botom of the course.

Tom Matthews rounded out the top 10 in Elite Men.

The colours in this shot are crazy but that's because of the white powdery dirt that lines much of the track. Of course Troy Brosnan's style doesnt hurt either! — The colours in this shot are crazy but that’s because of the white powdery dirt that lines much of the track. Of course Troy Brosnan’s style doesnt hurt either!

David McMillan again! This time his wheels are on the ground though.

Joel Willis heading through the final lower section before coming out in to the open. — Joel Willis heading through the final lower section before coming out into the open.

Jackson Davis rounded out the top 10 in 10th!

Images: Andrew Palmer & Jason Stevens

April 4, 2013

Oceanias – Tassie – Finals

Oceania's was the last big race of the 2012/13 Australian domestic season but that wasn't stopping the whips from flowing! — Oceania’s was the last big race of the 2012/13 Australian domestic season but that wasn’t stopping the whips from flowing!

The Final chapter of the 2012/13 Australian National Series was Oceaniaa��s, a standalone event but an important one for many riders trying to chalk up a big result. So off we headed to one of Australiaa��s most southerly points. This year the Oceaniaa��s were held in Glenorchy Tasmania, just a short drive from Hobart but one of Australiaa��s best downhill tracks.

The long weekend meant that many people got a full day's practice in on Friday. — The long weekend meant that many people got a full day’s practice in on Friday.

Friday practice brought with it some awesome looking weather, from inside a car at least but when you stepped out you realised it was super cold, and very windy in some of the open sections of track. This wind caught many riders off guard through the lower jump section. The most notable off was Ben Power, not suffering any weekend ruining injuries, but a spectacular off all the same!

There were some wild times due to the wind at the bottom of the track but else where on the track riders were still battling as Luke Ellison shows us!

Riders continued to roll through the course and it began to get very dusty, ruts formed and some sections became super loose, many having rocks torn out of the ground due to the solid braking. By the end of Friday the track was beginning to change, this meant Saturdaya��s practice was almost like starting over again.

Whooooo-weeee! David McMillan cracking that whip!

Ben Hill adds his style further up the course.

But it wasn't just those two throwing down the style... — But it wasn’t just those two throwing down the style…

Saturday practice saw riders pushing that little bit too hard, which resulted in a lot more riders appearing into the open jump section at the bottom a little worse for wear. Many were covered in dust from little offs and mistakes through some of the looser sections back up the track. Due to the rather small turn out and the completely relaxed attitude of the event, many riders were having plenty of fun on the bottom set of jumps! Two riders of note to turn up the style were David McMillan and Ben Hill who were throwing sizable whips all day.

The powdery conditions in some places meant you either hit your line or were back pedalling fast as Claire Buchar demonstrates!

Troy Brosnan found a rock that took a disliking to his rear tube and stole all its air!

As seeding came around the track had grown some teeth and rocks had started appearing in some of the high speed sections, Troy Brosnan found out the hard way flatting in his seeding run. This sent him to the bottom of the pack, meaning he would have to do a run early Sunday, would this potentially be an advantage due to the ever changing track conditions? Troy wasn’t focused on that, he was clearly disappointed in flatting but looked forward to his race run Sunday. At the end of Saturdaya��s seeding Kovarik Racing had stolen the show, with top qualifying honours going to both Chris and Claire.

Chris Kovarik took the number one postion after seeding on Saturday... — Chris Kovarik took the number one position after seeding on Saturday…

As did Claire Buchar by making it down the track unfortunately being the sole Elite female entrant... — As did Claire Buchar by making it down the track unfortunately being the sole Elite female entrant…

Sunday brought some excellent racing, even with the very minimal field. Danielle Beecroft claimed the win for Under 19 females, disappointingly being the only female rider in her age group and only one of two females racing downhill the entire weekend.

Under 19 Female champ, Danielle Beecroft, you have to commend her effort depite being the sole entrant, this course tends to do that. — Under 19 Female champ, Danielle Beecroft, you have to commend her effort despite being the sole entrant, this course tends to do that.

We are keen to see how Danielle goes overseas later this year.

Thomas Crimmins also had an early start due to a fall in his seeding run, this didn’t faze him though as he crossed the line to take honours in the Under 19s mena��s class, could this be a prelude to a potential advantage for Troy Brosnan?

But rode it out no worries and took the win in Under 19's. — But rode it out no worries and took the win in Under 19’s.

Luke Ellison negotiates a tricky rock garden and brought it home in second place.

Claire Buchar claimed the win in the Elite females, again being the only female in her class. Ironically though, she was not actually able to claim the Oceania title as she is not from the Oceania region.

Claire Buchar has been having a good Australian domestic season but again was the only competitor in the Elite Female class!

Due to her citizenship she was unable to claim the Oceania's title though! — Due to her citizenship she was unable to claim the Oceania’s title though!

As the Elite men started rolling down the hill we Saw Troy Brosnan come through early and set a blistering pace topping Chris Kovarika��s qualifying time from the day before. Troy assumed the hot seat all the way through to the top 5 riders.

A flat saw Troy Brosnan head off early in the day for his final run, with a strong run he was sure of spending some time in the hot seat!

Anotehr strong race for Jack Moir, third in the end, he must be hungry for a win though?! — Another strong race for Jack Moir, third in the end, he must be hungry for a win though?!

As the top 5 began descending the times became increasingly tight, Jack Moir came through less than half a second behind Troy. It was now essentially Troy vs. Chris, Chris is renowned for taking enormous chunks of time out race tracks the world over. Could he do it in this circumstance? He would have to top his qualifying time by a sizable margin to claim the win. As Chris appeared over the first jump in the open section he appeared to have the clock under control. He pedalled hard over the line to stop the clocks 3 seconds in the green and claim the win at Oceaniaa��s.

A strong seeding result set Chris up for the win, he dealt with the deteriorating conditions perfectly.

Chris cranks across the line to take the title!

The top 5 were; Chris Kovarik, Troy Brosnan, Jack Moir, Kaine Cannan & David McMillan. — The top 5 were;
Chris Kovarik, Troy Brosnan, Jack Moir, Kaine Cannan & David McMillan.

For many of Australiaa��s top racers this was the final race in their Australian Campaign, we here at Downhill247.com would like to wish all of them the best of luck at the upcoming Sea Otter and for the rest of their International Seasons!

We have a bumper set of photos from this race so watch out for part 2 up soon!

Images: Andrew Palmer & Jason Stevens

Report: Jason Stevens

April 1, 2013

Oceanias – Tassie – Seeding

Troy Brosnan's return to racing over the past few weeks hasn't been smooth sailing unfortunately but expect him to be up there tomorrow come finals. Seeding today saw Troy well and truly down the order with a flat tyre. Image: Andrew Palmer — Troy Brosnan’s return to racing over the past few weeks hasn’t been smooth sailing unfortunately but expect him to be up there tomorrow come finals. Seeding today saw Troy well and truly down the order with a flat tyre. Image: Andrew Palmer

It is not all bunnies and Easter eggs this weekend with Oceania’s being held at Glenorchy, Tasmania. Seeding today showed the main contenders were those who have been competing all season in the National Series, bar Sam Hill. Results as follows;A�

Elite Male

1. Chris Kovarik 3:13.24

2. Jack Moir 3:16.30A�+ 3.06

3. Kaine Cannan 3:17.53 + 4.29

4. David McMillan 3:21.03 + 7.79

5. Joey Vejvoda 3:22.29 + 9.05

Elite Female

1. Claire Buchar 3:57.57

Under 19 Male

1. Luke Ellison 3:21.98

2. Brent Smith 3:25.69A�+ 3.71

3. Brent Capel 3:27.80 + 5.82

4. Matthew McCorkell 3:31.13 +A�9.15

5. Thomas Crimmins 3:31.23 +A�9.25

Under 19 Female

1. Danielle Beecroft 4:46.94

A good day for Kovarik Racing with both riders seeding first. Image: Jason Stevens

Check back for the full report for the weekend up on the site after the race.

March 30, 2013

VicDH – Round 5 – Baw Baw

Round 5 of the Victorian Downhill Series saw everyone head up to Mount Baw Baw, after a break that seemed like an eternity. Conditions were near to perfect, especially considering there was an enormous storm that ripped through the Baw Baw area, threatening to close the tourist road with debris. Many arrived early on the Friday evening to celebrate the 21 birthday of Eamonn Flahavin, who tragically passed away in a car crash last year.

downhill247com IMG_1599 — It has been a little while between VicDH races and everyone was keen to get back into it!

When the track opened Saturday there were many more riders than usual for a Saturday practice, many came up early for the party and more wanted to ride in memory of their friend. As riders came through doing runs the early reports were the track may very well be the quickest it had been in a very long time, it had drained off well and was extremely sticky.

downhill247com ace conditions — Epic! Good conditions just made the event that much better

downhill247com track good — The track itself is pretty awesome regardless of the conditions.

The competition was going to be rather tight for this race with a few big names staying south due to Oceaniaa��s next weekend. The biggest name to note was Troy Brosnan, The Team Specialized rider opting to stay in Melbourne over the week and head south after Baw Baw. As Saturday began to roll through people began to realise just who was racing so more and more spectators began to gather, all wanting to watch some of the worlda��s best practice through the rougher top sections.

downhill247com TB baw baw — He pulls a crowd does old Troy Brosnan, we can’t call him old though can we…!

downhill247com good conditions — It is always good to see a keen, enthusiastic and vocal crowd!

By the end of Saturday we were all surprised at just how well the track was holding up, though there were plenty of braking bumps forming on the high speed track the general track condition was far better than expected with no real ruts forming and the moisture seemed to be holding the track together over helping it fall apart. This was going to make Sundays racing very interesting!

downhill247com turn — Surprises all round as the track was turning into a beauty of a race track.

downhill247com IMG_1496 — Joey Vejvoda and Jack Moir throw down a practice run.

Sunday morning came around as the wind kicked up, knocking over the Gippsland MTB timing tent at the bottom of the track and bringing with it some extremely cold temperatures. With the clouds moving at a high speed, some threatening clouds came and went without crashing the party but the potential for rain, though not forecast, seemed high.

downhill247com blur — As usual the weather was high on the list in everyone’s minds.

Qualifying began with one mentionable name absent, Troy Brosnan had picked a virus and wasn’t feeling up to racing at all. Though there was disappointment Troy was ill and unable to ride there was also a spark amongst riders as it seemed like the win was anyonea��s again. With qualifying over there was a small lunch break and racing began.

downhill247com lines — It was unfortunate to see Troy out of action on the weekend but these things happen.

As riders began coming through the track it appeared the track had become much quicker, but some ruts had begun to form, catching some riders off guard. The most notable rider to take a tumble through the ‘Jeep Track’ section was Jackson Davis, the Specialized Swell rider who wins our vote as the off of the weekend. As you can see below, the faces tell the whole story.

downhill247com oh my what a devestating crash — The facial expressions in the background pretty much sum it up!

downhill247com oh my what a devestating crash full — And in full size…

downhill247com looking for downhill247com — Jackson wasn’t the only one who got a bit wild!

downhill247com more looking for downhill247com — The degree of rider/bike wildness varied though!

downhill247com right — Those that got it right though were really motoring!

The Elite men starting coming down track and someone shifted the whole race up a gear with the speed going through the roof, the looseness was off the charts! With many riders appearing to just be passengers on the bike through the rough stuff. The times began to tumble and before we knew it only the top 10 were left in the start gate. Rhys Atkinson appears through the crowd and cruises through the rocks with almost effortless speed but loses traction around the following corner and has a minor off continuing Rhys’s run of bad luck racing this year. The next rider down is Liam Panozzo, who also gets extremely loose but holds on and bring it back to set a quick time which sets him up in provisional first. With Dean Lucas and Jack Moir to come, could anyone top Liama��s time? As Dean crosses the finish he clocks a time slower than Liam, this leaves it up to Jack Moir, looking quick all weekend did he have what it takes to top Liama��s time? Jack flew past us on track and as we heard the time over the speaker, Jack had topped Liama��s time and claimed the win at Mount Baw Baw continuing his extremely promising results previous to his time overseas.

downhill247com 202 — Tegan Molloy mirrored her number plate by finishing 2nd on the day.

downhill247com Moir Baw Baw — Winner! Jack Moir’s domestic campaign is tracking well in preparation for his overseas competition later this year.

downhill247com Moir Baw Baw 2 — The crowd gathered in the usual spot and got behind the riders no matter what they were doing, here Jack Moir gets some encouragement.

JustA�prior to the Elite Men’s presentation there was a special presentation of the ‘E-Man Memorial Trophy’, which also included a ‘scholarship’. Awarded each year to a deserving rider this is designed to help them out with expenses such as travel, accommodation, and racing costs. This year the trophy was awarded to a very deserving rider and also a friend of Eamonn; Dru Berryman. Dru was overcome and unable to speak, but we feel that this award couldn’t go to a more deserving rider, so congratulations Dru.

downhill247com emotion — There was some very emotional moments during presentations but for a valid reason.

Sunday saw racing finish with the following results:

Elite Men:

1^st Jack Moir

2^nd Liam Panozzo

3^rd Dean Lucas

4^th Joey Vejvoda

5^th Alex Swann

Elite Women

1^st Sarah Booth

2^nd Tegan Malloy

3^rd Alyssa Lyons

4^th Ellie Wale

5^th Liching Li

Under 19 Men

1^stOlly Zwar

2^nd Aiden Varley

3^rd Luke Norris

4^th Austen Hawkins

5^th William Stajnko

downhill247com champagne showers — Another good race and VicDH just shows why it is the premier downhill series in Australia, oh and did anyone say champagne showers?

We are off to the Apple Isle next for Oceania’s amongst other articles you will see on the site!

Article and Images: Jason Stevens.

March 27, 2013