Australian National Series Round 3 – Thredbo – Racing

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

February 25, 2014

Australian National Series Round 3 – Thredbo – Seeding

Under absolutely perfect Australian summer weather, this weekend Australian Nationals Round 3 takes place in the alpine village of Thredbo, NSW. After a wild day of practice on Friday, riders were eager to see how the track would wear in over the weekend and consolidate their lines for racing. As the longest trail in the National Series, Thredbo would test riders’ endurance of high speed bumps and hits, spotted with booters and loose berms. Braking bumps are a riders best friend, or worst enemy perhaps; either way they’re in your face the whole way down.

Seeding Results:

Elite Men
Troy Brosnan – 4:51:17
Thomas Crimmins – 4:57:19
Josh Button – 4:58:49

Elite Women
Danielle Beecroft – 5:53:95
Kellie Weinert – 6:03:47
Michelle Crisp – 6:07:04

Check out photos from Friday and Saturday, practice and seeding – and stay tuned for a full race report following racing tomorrow.

Troy rails a particularly loose section during practice, leaving plenty of dust in his wake.

Tegan Molloy relaxing on the way up, getting ready to push her lines and abilities to show her speed this weekend.

Blake Nielsen floats across braking bumps in one of the high speed straights, finding his speed on trail after recurring injuries.

Luke Ellison has been looking fast and comfortable all weekend, it will be interesting to see how the Bilt riders perform come race runs!

Not a bad location to crown the National Series winners!

And when the going gets too low... the photographer gets out of the way. — And when the going gets too low… the photographer gets out of the way.

Despite breaking his wrist in an awkward fall yesterday, Dean Lucas will be claiming points for the overall this weekend, and is still intending to race WC1 in South Africa. Healing vibes Dean!

Check back in for a full race report from Round 3 of the Australian National Series, by Downhill247.com

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February 22, 2014

Australian National Series Round 2 – Mt Buller – Race Day

Despite heatwave conditions off the mountain, Sunday had great racing conditions aside from medium gusting winds. Riders had a 2 hour open practice to dial in their lines, before back to back seeding and racing. With a small race group of less than 150 riders, bikes flowed on the trail like a dripping tap; and Connor Fearson seeded first ahead of Troy Brosnan and Dean Lucas; building anticipation for the early afternoon. As the weekend’s largest crowd gathered at hotspots on the trail, battling flies up to 10 at a time, racing got underway.

Michelle Crisp, who seeded first comfortably in the Elite Womens class with a 4:19, had a heavy fall during her race run on "International" trail's known rock G out. Crisp finished 4.5 seconds behind Sarah Booth, who claimed fastest with a 4:22. — Michelle Crisp, who seeded first comfortably in the Elite Womens class with a 4:19, had a heavy fall during her race run on “International” trail’s known rock G out. Crisp finished 4.5 seconds behind Sarah Booth, who claimed fastest with a 4:22.

The other half of every competitor, spectator and staff member at Mt Buller this weekend.... — The other half of every competitor, spectator and staff member at Mt Buller this weekend….

David McMillan at race pace through the rock-strewn, loose top wood section. On his way to 4th place!

Connor Fearon on his race run, before suffering a front flat which took him out of contention. After a knockout run in Adelaide and a strong weekend of practice, Fearon took this reality of racing in his stride.

Remy Morton took this line higher and faster than many of the elites, securing himself the win and series leader jersey with a time of 3:27:63. — Remy Morton took this line higher and faster than many of the elites, securing himself the U17 Male win and series leader jersey with a time of 3:27:63.

Andrew Crimmins had blistering pace all weekend, until a nasty over-the-bars left him with a DNF for the first time at a National Series in 4 years.

It was Troy Brosnan, in his captivating green and gold race colours that claimed the win - leaving the series standings at Brosnan 1, Fearon 1 as the third round in Thredbo approaches... — It was Troy Brosnan, in his captivating green and gold race colours that claimed the win – leaving the series standings at Brosnan 1, Fearon 1 as the third round in Thredbo approaches…

Elite Mens Podium - Australian National Series Rd 2, Mt Buller 2014. — Elite Mens Podium – Australian National Series Rd 2, Mt Buller 2014.

Final Results as Follows:

Elite Men:
Troy Brosnan: 3:18:55
Dean Lucas +2.03
Joshua Button: +2.83

Elite Women:
Sarah Booth: 4:22:81
Michelle Crisp: +4.57
Carrie McLachlan: +7.64

U19 Male:
Ben Hill: 3:29:29
Aiden Varley: +0.94
Max Warshawsky: +3.73

U19 Female:
Tegan Molloy: 4:08:19
Ellie Wale: +52.06

U17 Male:
Remy Morton: 3:27:63
Jackson Frew: +9.38
Jackson White: +22.60

Catch Downhill247.com at Round 3 of the National Series in Thredbo, on February 21-23. In the meantime, follow us on Facebook and Instagram:

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February 10, 2014

Australian National Series – Round 2 – Mt Buller

Mount Buller provides an awesome alpine background to the excitement of Nationals racing, whether it's looking out over the surrounding mountains, or amongst the beautiful Australian Gums. — Mount Buller provides an awesome alpine background to the excitement of Nationals racing, whether it’s looking out over the surrounding mountains, or amongst the beautiful Australian Gums.

In 2014 nationals style, heatwaves were once again forecast for a long weekend of racing. Dust is practically jumping off the ground, as lift-assisted practice run mean efficient and easy practice sessions for everyone. After a nasty accident during practice yesterday left a rider airlifted to hospital with a broken Femur, practice was delayed so many were making up for lost time with another full day of practice on Saturday. Here’s a taste of the action!

Jackson Davis is impressive in all areas of his riding. Whether it's jumps, rocks or wallrides, the confidence and speed with which he tackles the trail has spectators eyebrows high indeed. — Jackson Davis is impressive in all areas of his riding. Whether it’s jumps, rocks or wallrides, the confidence and speed with which he tackles the trail has spectators eyebrows high indeed.

A foot through the lens is never ideal; in this case a high-risk, high-profit photo opportunity was put to the test (followed by very fast moving after this frame).

Shelly Flood has a strong hold on her confidence this year, seen here railing a rocky berm near the top of the track. What will the Elite women's podium look like? Time will tell. — Shelly Flood has a strong hold on her confidence this year, seen here railing a rocky berm near the top of the track. What will the Elite women’s podium look like? Time will tell.

Line choice is highly varied in the wide-trailed, super rough top section. With near constant riders, the trail won't get any smoother come Sunday racing. — Line choice is highly varied in the wide-trailed, super rough top section. With near constant riders, the trail won’t get any smoother come Sunday racing.

Ben Hill swoops through, passing the rock hit and taking an inside line, hovering above the rocks and keeping good pace through the rough top section.

Troy Brosnan was as rare as a drop bear on track today, with a number of practice runs you could count on one hand. TB still stood out as one of the very fastest on track, we can't wait to for seeding and racing tomorrow! — Troy Brosnan was as rare as a drop bear on track today, with a number of practice runs you could count on one hand. TB still stood out as one of the very fastest on track, we can’t wait to for seeding and racing tomorrow!

Plenty of action tomorrow with practice, seeding and racing! Keep up to date and join us for a wild ride.

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February 8, 2014

Rollercoaster Gravity Enduro 1 – Ourimbah State Forest

Rocky Trail Entertainment kicked off the 2014 gravity season with a bang last weekend in Ourimbah State Forest. Following the now-developed race formula made up of two timed sections, with an untimed section between and restricted shuttling, round 1 was an opportunity for many to rekindle their race faces, and for elites like Brad Kelly and Jon Odams to prove that an off-season doesn’t mean a decline in performance!

Promount Billet founder Michael Vanos styling it up after a rough run on the CDB trail, losing vital seconds but keeping up to speed after a break from racing.

The Rollercoaster series is a dynamic event, changing greatly round-to-round in the nature of the trail, allowing series competitors to fully experience what NSW/ACT has to offer in enduro riding. Ourimbah included a full run of the downhill trail, complete with rock jumps, pallet landers, and famously great berms on entry and exit to the trail. At the end of the downhill trail the timed section continued on to a short XC style loop, ensuring jelly-legs for those who pushed the pace on the DH track.

While many saw menace in the knife edge rocks that litter the trail, adventurous riders found joy in the numerous natural jumps to be discovered at Ourimbah.

From here, riders would pass trail-base-camp and take a fire road climb at their own pace, a well-earned chance to catch breath before entering the Shimano trail; a more endurance and all-mountain/xc style trail which delves into the beautiful rainforest scenery in the heart of the forest. Completed quickest by Ourimbah legend Brad Kelly in just over 6 minutes, the Shimano trail encompassed the versatility of mountain biking and provided a less-intense experience for the more XC oriented riders on the day.

Trail Base Camp, where riders caught their breath and recalled momentous race runs, compared times and tweaked bikes.

The combination of the CDB Downhill trail and Shimano trail, and a steamy 28C day put the Enduro in the Rollercoaster round, a great day for racing, not to mention on the Australia Day public holiday! We’re K-E-E-N keen for the next one. See you there!

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Jon Odams appears to be walking on air to the finish line, powered by his 2013 Rollercoaster overall title.

Bromley Richards tackles the most mentally-tough section of the day, a rock roller come wooden tranny which sends riders hurtling into a pedal section before dropping into the second half of the track.

Flow Mountain Bike's Mick Ross steaming in on the CDB downhill trail, gliding into the final minute of the Rollercoaster stage! — Flow Mountain Bike’s Mick Ross steaming in on the CDB downhill trail, gliding into the final minute of the Rollercoaster stage!

January 29, 2014

VicDH – Round 4 -Mount Baw Baw

Dean Lucas cuts through the dense fog early Saturday morning.

Mount Baw Baw, home of cold weather, fog, and the 4th round of the Victorian Downhill Series. Upon arrival all we could see was fog, we were lucky to see 5m in front of us! In the morning we poked our heads around the top part of the track and the neat new berm that the team at Baw Baw have freshly installed for the VDHS round (but as a permanent structure). We were very impressed, as we walked further down the track we spotted all the work down in the infamous jeep track area, made somewhat famous by Jackson Davis last year. We could see the work put in to turning the track away from the classic lines, however for this race the classic jeep track line was in use, bunted slightly different but still very much the classic configuration, we were sure this would impress both riders and spectators.

Elijah Marinov pushes out of one of the first berms in the open section, already eyeing off the following one.

Lincoln Varass makes the most of the tacky-ness railing the corner.

Oli Zwar pops over the small drop about mid track.

Madeline Taylor makes her way down track with the fog now clearing.

As riders began to flow down through the fog, we were jumping off the track, relying more on bike sound over actual visuals! As the track snaked its way down the hill the fog began to thin and the trees opened up, we found ourselves in the switchback section with plenty of berms. The berms had also recently been worked on, there were plenty of riders feeling more than confident to dip some bars and get super low through these, this section was looking much faster this year, was it the sticky dirt due to conditions or was it the work on the berms? Time would tell!

Dean Lucas eyes off the upcoming corner.

Jesse Beare rockets through the small jumps and drop before entering the fire road.

Aiden Varley pushes hard into the final berm before the fire road, holding as much speed as possible.

Elliot Reed gives us some Euro action, shifting body weight.

The wet fresh dirt was being picked up by tires and spread all down the track, this made the following sections much more treacherous, with the already slippery shale rocks being coated with fresh mud, to stray off line meant lots of seconds wasted and a very sketchy re-entry. The fog had cleared by now and we entered the high speed fire road section. This was very fast as usual, but with the sun coming through the trees it was drying out rapidly, but in a very patchy manner making it a very un-predictable surface to travel across at high speed.

Angus Jackson navigates the top section.

Jackson Davis pushing hard into the berm, determined not to repeat last years incident!

Trent Piribauer holding as much speed as possible into this berm.

The track closed and riding was done for Saturday and there was time to ponder tomorrows conditions. Fog rolled in for the night, would it hang around Sunday morning or would it be like Saturday? Again time would tell.

The sun rose over the mountain awakening the hill for racing, with no fog in sight, just blue sky, this would dry the track up much more than Saturdays practice, would it be too much or would it stay tacky? Throughout practice the consensus was, it was definitely staying very tacky and grippy.

Madeline Taylor shifts allegiances, repping Australia on Australia Day.

Ben Zwar had a day he'd rather forget. — Ben Zwar had a day he’d rather forget.

Racing started and the crowds flocked down the hill, some were side attracted by the new berm, choosing to sit up the top and bask in the sunlight and enjoy the riders hitting the berm at high speed. However, but most couldna��t resist the potential for carnage and heckling at jeep track. As the spectators filled the section it got louder and louder and more rowdy, some riders revelled under these conditions and some felt the pressure to perform, pushing too hard and making mistakes. At the end of the day there were no really serious offs through the jeep track and Dean Lucas walked away with the win, again showing us just why he enjoyed the success of racing the World Cup circuit last year.