Asia Pacific Downhill Challenge 2013

The Asia Pacific Downhill Challenge is becoming one of the premier events in Australasia/Asia and for good reason too!

Here we are back at that time of the year again, the 2013 Asia Pacific Downhill Challenge. This is the race that everyone in the region looks forward to. As usual we wanted to up the ante again to keep things interesting and make a new challenge every year for the riders. After moving around every year, finally this year United Bike and the people of Bukit Tengah Klungkung join together to build us a permanent downhill track. Thanks to Eric and Komang who managed to convinced the chief of the village and all the villagers.

A permanent track has been built in the area as Kazuki Shimizu shows us on his way down.

Garry Patterson from Trailscapes Australia was chosen to do the building together with me and Eric. It was my 1st time to open up a new hill and scout for possible lines. Helped by the local diggers it’s not as hard as we thought. The hardest thing is actually getting your idea across the digging crew as Bali have their own language and dialek. We are lucky enough that Garry can operate machinery too…. which makes life easier for us. We are able to speed up the building and finished everything just in time. The track is located on a hill that is right next to the ocean. The view is just breath taking. I really enjoy spending time building the track no matter how hot it is…. the view will cool you down!

That view... All the way down to the beaches of Bali! — That view… All the way down to the beaches of Bali!

When the track was open 2 weeks before the race, most of the local riders were stunned and we received a lot of phone calls saying how good the view was and how gnarly the track is. We hit our goal once again. Everyone was struggling but enjoying the track at the same time. The loose soil, rocks, and so many off cambers sections made everyone think how to ride and what line to choose. Some sections are quite steep, so much so that some riders choose to sit it out and rather watch then race! The aim when building the track is to be able to get the Oceania Champs or World Cup race to Indonesia in the future. Track length is about 1.5km for Elite and 1.7km for the B line.

Troy Brosnan is a crowd favorite everywhere he goes but in Indonesia they went mad for him!

Troy Brosnan, Adam Ahmed, Yuki Kushima, Jackson Davis and Adrian Aakre are the usual big name suspects for this event. This year included in the mix were Wyn Masters and David McMillan. They were excited when they saw the track. Nothing like the previous years, where most of the riders would say, it’s like an XC track or that it was too easy so they didna��t need to practice that much. This time they all asked for more practice time right away!

The track was tough and riders asked for more practice to come to terms with it before racing it!

Come Friday for the official practice the track was open in the morning until lunch time, for all Masters category, Women open and Veteran. The track was so loose and we have few riders injured on their first run, nothing really serious and everyone was still able to walked away from their crashes.

David McMillan had his first Asia Pacific Downhill Challenge experience and loved it! Expect to hear more as we go behind the scene with Dave soon... — David McMillan had his first Asia Pacific Downhill Challenge experience and loved it! Expect to hear more as we go behind the scene with Dave soon…

This year we got new faces joining the race, Wyn Masters, David McMillan, Takuya Aoki, Kazuki Shimizu, Tracey Hannah, Fabien Cousinie and Guillaume Cauvin. It seems the event attracts more riders every year.

The crowd was going crazy at the event, Wyn Masters showing everyone how it is done!

When we opened the track for the fast boys to practice, the spectators were pretty loud in some technical sections. The pros made everything looks easy. Whipping the hip jumps, scrubbing the doubles and making the technical drop easy…. I was blown away by their riding too. It feels like we have a World Cup race, watching how these guys do runs after runs. The scorching heat of Bali sun doesn’t stop people from coming out and watching, by the end of the day you see their faces and arms were burnt but they got had smiles on their faces. Garry and I went up to see how bad the track condition was after all the riders skidding around it all day. Surprisingly the track held up very well and the only thing we needed to fix was just the racing line and few of the safety nets, apart from that it was all is in good condition.

Rain overnight still wasn't enough to keep the dust down but after all everyone had to race in the same conditions! — Rain overnight still wasn’t enough to keep the dust down but after all everyone had to race in the same conditions!

The rain fell pretty hard on Friday night butA�sadly not hard enough to make the track less dusty the next day. A few riders put in few runs in the morning practice and said that the track was better than yesterday. WithA�better grip on track, we would expect the riders to push some more to put in a good time. We were also expecting some gnarly crashes at the famous section called “Kill Bill” full of rocks with couple of technical lines to choose. The fastest line attracted a few good riders to try, some made it and some ended up in the ambulance with a broken arm, collar bone and big cuts from the rocks.

Some sections of the track were really make or break, get it wrong and it was game over, Jackson Davis threading the needle.

The steep rock section towards the finish line also claimed a few riders. Yuki Kushima walked away from the most spectacular crash of the event I would say. He was coming in fast and the rear give away high sided him from 3/4 of the way straight to the flat bottom. It’s almost like you fall from the 2nd floor. You feel the ground shaking as he hits the dirt. You should be able to find the video on instagram or may be youtube now. Took him a while to gather himself and finish his seeding run. The Ninja is one tough kid.

Seeding results top 5 for Men Elite

1. Troy Brosnan 2.16.886

2. Kazuki Shimizu 2.19.765

3. Wyn Masters 2.20.336

4. Guillaume Cauvin 2.21.107

5. Fabien Cousinie 2.21.287

Finals day and you could feel the intensity as riders are putting their game face on. The price money of $10.000 USD in total for the Men Elite is up for grab. Troy Brosnan has been having bad luck in his final run a few times at this event and would really want to put an end to it. Afos Katana had a technical problem on his seeding run and will be starting first. Pornomo from UBK team was the fastest local rider and is a regular on the podium every year. Our fastest rider Popo Ariosejati was injured so he had to sit it out this time. He was there to cheer on his team mate and all Indonesian riders while promoting the new brand line up by United Bike, The Patrol Mountain.

This shot just gives you an idea of how steep some of the sections on the track really were.

Tracey Hannah took an easy win in the Women Open, with no threat from her competition. She won by almost 38 seconds from the 2nd place. She decided to enter the Elite Mens race as well.Men Expert, Ismail Nurdin from UBK was 9 seconds faster than the fields on seeding. He crashed near the finish and managed to grab 2nd overall. Master Expert category also a good one to watch as most of the riders use to be in the Elite in their prime time. Setyawan Hoho won the seeding by almost 4 seconds and he said he played it safe for final. That nearly give Paul De Klerk from West Australia the win, Paul was 0.003 back. Really close hahaha…..

Jackson Davis sorted out the issues he had during seeding and took the win come finals.

In Junior, Adrian Aakre took the seeding from last year’s winner Jackson Davis as he crashed at the top section. Not in final though, Jackson put his head down and put down the time of 2.26.354 a good 2.3 seconds off Adrian in 2nd place and top 10 in Elite. Local boy Abien also better his time and took 3rd with 9.1 seconds back.

Yuki Kushima charging one of the rock sections on the track.

Finally the category that everyone is waiting for, Elite final run…First rider left the starting gate is Afos Katana, he did a run that put him up on the hot seat for a long time. The 2.18.935 was seemed to be hard to beat as we see riders after riders fail to dethroned him from that seat. Dave the Drogan McMillan (we will explain Drogan in another article coming soona��) had a crash, Wyn Masters came into the finish with one of his knee pad falling off to his shin, Tracey Hannah put a shamed to some of the boys when she delivers a 2.29.376 that puts her in 12th overall. Fabien Cousinie was closed but almost a second off Afos’s time. Kazuki Shimizu, runner up at the Asian Championships this year finally beat the time with 2.18.796 almost 200th of a second quicker. His time didn’t last for long as Guillaume Cauvin came in with 2.17.217. All eyes on the last man down, Troy Brosnan. I think everyone was holding their breath as it felt quite long until we saw him coming out of the woods. Soon enough we saw him dropping into Sonjon section and into the Suksma rock with good speed. He hit the last chute and pedalled right away. Then it felt like a moment of silence for ages, before the crowd erupted as the MC announced Troy’s time of 2.16.322, faster than his seeding run too. I think all of his fans are happy to see Troy back in his winning form again.

Troy Brosnan took the win and the dollars, boy didn't the crowd just love it too! — Troy Brosnan took the win and the dollars, boy didn’t the crowd just love it too!

It was another great weekend and we hope everyone had a blast too. Healing vibes to all the injured riders. On behalf of the organizer Orange Sports Communication and all of our partners and Sponsors United Bike, Patrol Mountain, Specialized, Shimano, FJC, Castle, Kabuto, TLD, Maxxis, Pro, Park Tools, Daihatsu, Funn, Formula Bike, McDonalds and Surya Husada Hospital. Also the Government of Bali Province, we would like to thank everyone who came down to race or just spectating. You helped us make this event another one to remember. See you at the next Asia Pacific Downhill Challenge

Words: Andre Palmer

Images: Christopher Berry (thechristopherberry.com/ or facebook.com/Christopher-Berry-Photography)

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November 3, 2013

Gravity Enduro SA – Round 3 – Fox Creek

The third and final round of the Gravity Enduro South Australia (GESA) series was held at Fox Creek up in the Adelaide Hills, a favorite destination for riders of all disciplines. Hard to believe that the series is drawing to a close already, it seems like only yesterday we were at the inaugural event at Craigburn farm.

Fox had some of the biggest climbs of any of the events yet but this also translated to some of the longest and fastest downhills, earn your turn as they say! Still the dreaded climbing was made easier by the fact you could cruise up, chatting with mates (unless you have one of those mates who is super competitive about everything and they had to turn the up into a race too a�� everyone knows someone like that right?!). Despite initially being slated as a five stage race in the end three stages were used to determine the victors. This included the new Green Smoothie trail which was built by IMBA and is an absolute blast to ride!

Elite Men:

1. Andy ClarkeA�13.05

2. Brad McDonnell 13.39

3. Alex Waddicor 13.54

Elite Women:

1. Anna Puckridge 16.37

2. Bria Smith 17.15

3. Nicole Jefferies 20.21

Under 19 Men:

1. Cam Ryan 13.08

2. Curtis Dowdell 13.44

3. Darcy Grooby 14.19

Good racing across the classes, Cam Ryan won Under 19 but would have placed 2nd in Elite.A�With 90 or so competitors and it was well run and good end to a successful first season, see you next year!

November 3, 2013

TAS DH 13/14 Round 1 – The Lea

The Tasmanian downhill series is upon us again with round 1 held at The Lea in the states south over the weekend. The notoriously flat and rocky track had a tune up over the winter with a bit of smoothing out done to the course as well as adding a couple of new jumps and and wooden drops to keep things interesting.

Seb O'hollaran passes the The Lea cheer squad mid-flight off a log drop. Support from the crowd heightens the excitement! — Seb O’hollaran passes the The Lea cheer squad mid-flight off a log drop. Support from the crowd heightens the excitement!

Rock gardens were a notorious traffic jam — Rock gardens are a notorious traffic jam during practice.

Saturdaya��s practice saw 69 riders competing with plenty of new faces on plenty of different bikes everything from dirt jump hardtails to 29er enduro bikes to full downhill bikes.Saturday afternoon saw some light rain causing certain sections of the track to become a bit boggy for sundaya��s race.

Australian downhill is synonymous with 'rocks', as a few riders found out. — Australian downhill is synonymous with ‘rocks’, as a few riders found out.

Remy Adderton dropping in... — Remy Adderton dropping in…

Kaine Cannon powers through a rock garden during practice, finalising his lines before punching out a top run to take Elite Mens.

Sunday morning had perfect weather for racing, with not a cloud in the sky which luckily retained for the entire day. Riders punched out the practice runs all morning for some last minute tune ups and familiarisation with the track.

Ewan Favretto punches down the trail, comfortable and focused on the bike.

Even event director Matt Wood found some time for runs at The Lea. Perks of the job, hey!

Doug Austin leads Connor Greatbatch OVER the rock garden during practice.

Dereck West styling it up and getting low through the rough stuff.

Racing went relatively smoothly apart from Hamish Johns taking a spill and having to be taken away in an ambulance (Hea��s ok now) – the stoppage on the track caused some of the fielda��s race times to be thrown off resulting in race times having to be taken from the seeding results instead. A�Aside from this Dan Booker managed to take the win in Under 19a��s followed by Simon Palmer and Ewan Favretto. To no onea��s surprise Kaine Cannon took the win in Elite with Ben Hill and Remy Adderton closely behind.

Dan Booker on pace - staring the camera at full pace isn't usually a good thing, but he pulled it off. Next time give us a wink? — Dan Booker on pace – staring the camera at full pace isn’t usually a good thing, but he pulled it off. Next time give us a wink?

All race runs should start with a power wheelie.... Dan Booker taking off. — All race runs should start with a power wheelie…. Dan Booker taking off to 1st place in the U19s.

Dan Booker coming in to land on his Norco Aurum.

Ben Hill punching colour and style into the Tasmanian wilderness, yeeeewww!

Ben again, holding it wide on a tricky rock corner.

Adam Oates hitting one of Dirt Art's wooden features. — Adam Oates hitting one of Dirt Art’s wooden features.

Riders had to be wary of webs like this; they're no catch barrier! More of an unnerving inconvenience of "where's the spider?!" — Riders had to be wary of webs like this; they’re no catch barrier! More of an unnerving inconvenience of “where’s the spider?!”

Thanks to the event sponsors Track X, Ironhouse brewery, Bike Ride, Dirt Art, Hill St Gourmet meats and many others.

Photos & Words: Andrew Palmer

November 2, 2013

Alpine Gravity Series – Round 1 – Barjarg

Adam Aldous makes his way down the second part of the shoot, super loose and dusty by the end of racing.

Welcome to Barjarg, the first round of the Alpine Gravity Elevation Series, after last yeara��s success this year was highly anticipated with well over 200 riders showing up for the weekend of racing. Alpine Gravity put a large emphasis on making their races casual, relaxed and inviting. The first round of this series was no different, with friendly staff everywhere to help, but strict guidelines and rules to keep everyone safe, plus it helped the event run as smoothly as possible.

Lucy Crundwell makes her way down track.

As practice begun the dust stared to fly. With no rain to settle the ground over the past fewweeks, the track was dry and it didn’t take long for riders to have to space themselves quite a ways apart just to see the track. The dust being lifted also began revealing some surprise rocks, changing lines and at times catching people out. The elevation tracks have been designed with every rider in mind, from beginners to world cup standard riders.

Chris Panozzo pushes limits entering the valley kicking up the dust as he does so!

Mid-way through practice the shady areas became very popular spots to stop, watch, and practice as the sun got very warm in the midday sky. As practice wrapped up on Saturday there was many a dusty rider, with sizable smiles all round, though the track was slightly challenging the consensus was overwhelming amounts of fun.

A photographers life isn't all that bad at times - taking a break from the sun! — A photographers life isn’t all that bad at times – taking a break from the sun!

Todd Palmer pushes hard through a flat corner, holding in a big smile - riders really enjoyed themselves and turn around times were quick! — Todd Palmer pushes hard through a flat corner, holding in a big smile – riders really enjoyed themselves and turn around times were quick!

Race day arrived as did the sun again, though it was warm, the weather was outstanding with perfect blue skies. Morning practice saw a very efficient shuttle send plenty of riders down the hill pre-race runs to dial in any final lines and suss out any rocks that may of moved or appeared late Saturday afternoon.

Sean Frith somehow manages a run after Saturday nights shenanigans... — Sean Frith somehow manages a run after Saturday nights shenanigans…

Jackson White pushes through a corner in the afternoon sun.

Racing began and riders started flowing down the hill, and up the hill! With so much downhill under the belt it takes some getting used to seeing riders go up! Alpine Gravity Elevation allows riders two runs, taking their best run for the final result, meaning ita��s a very fair racing system which allows you to have a mechanical in one run and still be competitive, it also allows for personal competition to try and beat your own time! As the first runs finish up we see Dan MacMunn on top, looking good to keep his unbeaten streak at Alpine Gravity Elevation going.

Dean Lucas navigates through the rocky shoot mid track.

Dean Lucas shows brother Jake Lucas a thing of two about cornering.

The second runs begin there are many more accidents and slip ups as riders become tired and fatigued. this provides excellent entertainment for the spectators in the final valley section near the bottom of the track who see plenty of riders become unstuck, and also plenty stay rubber side down at high speed, which is just as exhilarating.

David Ferroni showing that the big wheels keep up with the rest of the pack!

Chris Panozzo shows off some of the skills which had him looking quick all event.

As racing wrapped up Dan MacMunn took the win keeping that record perfect, followed by Kaine Cannan and wrapping up the podium Dean Lucas.

Dan MacMunn pushes hard in the valley to claim top spot and keep his Alpine Gravity Enduro record perfect.

You can never take the downhiller out, Dean Lucas powers over the line.

Final Podium; Dan MacMunn, Kaine Cannan, Dean Lucas.

Report & images: Jason Stevens Photography

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October 23, 2013

Crash & Compression Session- VicDH Shepparton

You can probably guess how this is going to end up... — You can probably guess how this is going to end up…

We will wrap up our image coverage from round 1 of the VicDH series at Shepparton with this post; it’s all about crashes and compression! There is not really too much we need to say, the pictures do that, enjoy.

And now for the compression session…

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October 20, 2013

Pick of the Pics – VicDH 1 – Shepparton

Motivation?! You find all sorts of craziness at downhill races.

Round 1 of the Victorian Downhill Series and we just have so much content to show you guys but as they say ‘a picture says a 1000 words’ so with that in mind lets check out some more of the action in picture formatA�from Jason Stevens Photography.