Race 4 of the NSW/ACT State Series went off over the weekend at Mount Stromlo, this was of course home to the 2009 World Championships. A stacked field including juniors who have recently returned from the World Championships made up the field.A�Check out this exclusive edit from Ty Bowmaker (www.facebook.com/captyvatemedia) of the weekend.
Willunga is an old favourite on the South Australian racing calendar and held a national round many years ago! Photo: Matt Bird Photography
This year the sixth and final race of the SRAM South Australian state series were held at Willunga.A� A venue that is a permanent fixture on the calendar, Willunga is known for being the fastest most open track of the year. Top speeds reach around 50km/h, the complete absence of trees to shield riders from the wind and the abundance of rocks hiding in the grass makes this track tough on riders and bikes alike.A� Much to riders surprise and delight a track that was raced in the late 90a��s was resurrected, and tuned to suit modern DH standards, was used.
The track used was an old track but albeit retuned for the race, some riders chose to really send this kicker, it was up to each rider. Photo: Matt Bird Photography
Going into this race the Elite men’s series was wide open with the top two contenders, Steve Gebert and Ngari Jenkins separated by 2 points (subjectively as it is a drop-a-round series).A� No surprise both riders were going for it, even in qualifications, where Steve qualified 1st and netted 15 points and Ngari flatted taking home 0 points and a large section of bunting.
Being the last race of the series meant there were riders thinking of the overall series rankings… Photo: Matt Bird Photography
In under 17a��s Callum Morrison completed a clean sweep of the series with his 6th race win from 6 rounds, he was reportedly disappointed with his run (that would have qualified him 3rd in Elites) and later that day went on to make amends in his un-official u 19a��s run setting overall the second quickest time of the day.A� He was followed by Cody Barker in 2nd and Hayden Vanderwolff in 3rd.
The u 19a��s series had already been decided before this round but that didna��t slow any of the riders down, series winner James Chambers came 2nd, Jake Adams 3rd with top honours going to Matt Taylor.
Overall Under 19’s Men winner James Chambers setting up for a turn. Photo: Matt Bird
Elite women was a shootout between Molly Payne and Jolene Knight, both of which having problems in their race run.A� Jolene flatted half way down the course and managed to ride it out, Molly had a bad crash in a rock garden but got back up to finish her run, unfortunately not fast enough and Jolene took the win and the series.
A return to racing for Angus Maddern after a lay off due to surgery
Elite Mena��s was a tough race with most riders going a lot faster in their final run, 5th place went to Angus Maddern, it was great to have Angus back as this was his first race back from shoulder surgery and he showed that he hasna��t lost any of his pace or style.A� In 4th place Steve Gebert, not a win but a good run.A� Bronze and silver went to Giant riders Craig Yates and Cameron Ryan respectively, the younger displaying supreme confidence gapping into the final chute where most other riders were on the brakes.A� But fastest time of the day, ultimate bragging rights and a gold medal went to Steve Marsh, this capping off a successful return to racing for the club legend. Steve walks away with the overall series too, this made Steve one happy camper and a deserving winner, Steve was consistent all season long.
With the State Series finished there is still one more South Australian race this year, the State Championships
The amazing weather also played a part in making it a successful and enjoyable weekend for all, and an excellent prelude to state titles which will be held 13th and 14th of October at Fox Creek.A� With 6 different winners from 6 rounds ita��s any ones guess who will be crowned state champion in 2012.
Round 3 of the CORC series was at Isaacs over the weekend and on a brand new track! It featured a BIG road gap, here Phil Piazza sends it with no problems. Photo: Tom Clarke
A new track greeted riders for the race, this meant everyone got equal practice on it. Everyone enjoys riding new tracks and this one was super fun, it was fast with lots of off camber sections to keep you on your toes.
It was great to see Troy Brosnan back racing! No surprise he took the win by over 5 seconds, how he stayed so clean at the muddiest race of the series is beyond us though…
Downhill is an outdoor sport and we are at the mercy of Mother Nature, the South Australian State race at Fox Fast was a perfect example of this. It was wet, really wet! Ask the racers though and they will tell you it was still a blast to race. Continue reading “South Australian State Series – Race 5 – Fox Fast”→
The South Australian State Series returned back to Eagle Mountain Bike Park, the site of the 2012 Australian National Championships. This was our favourite image from the weekend, we don't know why but it instantly reminds us of World Cups! Maybe it is the speed blur, the riders position or their appearance whatever the case we love it! The rider is local fast man Brad McDonnell, hash tag: sofactory!
Round four of the South Australian State Series saw riders take onA�the revisedA�track at Eagle Mountain Bike Park. The track hadA�seen some revisions since the last time it was raced on.
