Rocky Trail Gravity Weekend – State Championships

The racing calender is well underway, and in 2014 the Rocky Trail Entertainment NSW / ACT State Series opened with State Championships; held at Thredbo Resort. Approaching the end of the summer season, the weather was kind enough to only shower during saturday, before clearing up to perfect conditions on Sunday. With the Flow Rollercoaster event held on Saturday, all had their wet weather gear in action. Read on for the action, including Sunday’s DH event.

Saturday's weather made for a cold shock approaching the chairlift peak, low clouds and showers set an extra challenge for competitors - but riders were having too much fun finding their flow in the mud to notice. — Saturday’s weather made for a cold shock approaching the chairlift peak, low clouds and showers set an extra challenge for competitors – but riders were having too much fun finding their flow in the mud to notice.

For those competing in both the Flow Rollercoaster and Downhill competitions, it was a great mix of riders, and huge variance in bikes. One thing's for sure; everyone was having a tonne of fun on Thredbo's Flow Trail. — For those competing in both the Flow Rollercoaster and Downhill competitions, it was a great mix of riders, and huge variance in bikes. One thing’s for sure; everyone was having a tonne of fun on Thredbo’s Flow Trail.

With mud flying everywhere (usually at the photographer), mud guards (of the homemade and shop variety) were essential.

Braap! Enduro riding lets the downhillers breathe easy on a technical level, and brings out the steeze in all of us!

In the Rollercoaster Event, Thomas Crimmins took first place, with two runs of 7:26 (now that’s consistency!). Claire Whiteman of the ACT took the State Champion crown from 2013’s elite female category winner and race favourite Genevieve McKew.
(results courtesy of Rocky Trail Entertainment)

Elite Male

1. Thomas Crimmins / Giant Bicycles Australia, Thredbo MTB / Bredbo (NSW) / 14:52
2. Ben Cory / Giant Bicycles Australia, Onya Bike Canberra / Kambah (ACT) / 15:01
3. Ryan Walsch / Trek Bikes / Scullin (ACT) / 15:14
4. Michael Vanos / Springwood (NSW) / 15:17
5. Tim Eaton / Giant Bicycles Australia, Thredbo MTB / Canberra (ACT) / 15:19

Elite Female

1. Claire Whiteman / LIV/giant Australia, Onya Bike Canberra / Kambah (ACT) / 18:05
2. Genevieve McKew / Endless Flow, Knolly Bikes / Chatswood (NSW) / 18:20
3. Sarah Booth / ADCC, Kona / Newcastle (NSW) / 18:37
4. Jo Fox / Cell Bikes / Emu Heights (NSW) / 19:32
5. Kellie Weinert / Tight’n’Toned Fitness / Kearns (NSW) / 20:25

U19 Male

1. Jackson Frew / Gowrie (ACT) / 16:16
2. Bryan Dunkin / Wallsend (NSW) / 16:29
3. Connor Mackne / Alltrack Bicycles / Helensburgh (NSW) / 16:34
3. Callum Carson / Phantom Racing / Figtree (NSW) / 16:34
5. Connor O’Dwyer / Avanti Plus Wollongong / Wollongong (NSW) / 16:35

RollerCoaster State Champions for 2014 in other categories:

Expert Male: Rob Wardlaw (Thirroul NSW)
Veteran Male 30+: James Collins (Weston ACT)
Master Male 40+: Daniel Segeri (Kaleen ACT)
Master Female: Coleen Boyes (Thornton NSW)
SuperMaster Male 50+: John Myssonski (Farrer ACT)
Junior U19 Female: Rachel Weinert (Kearns NSW)
Junior U15 Male: Matthew Dinham (Turramurra NSW)
Junior U15 Female: Mackenzie Diver (Thredbo NSW)
Hardtail Male: Jim Le (Lurnea NSW)

Come sunday morning, and despite perfect weather conditions, the trail was developing moto-style ruts in some sections. As much a mental obstacle as a technical one, plenty of riders were caught out more than once.

Harry Parsons hovers above the rocks, carrying serious pace. Much of the alpine trail was holding it's ground against the barrage of riders and soggy conditions. — Harry Parsons hovers above the rocks, carrying serious pace. Much of the alpine trail was holding it’s ground against the barrage of riders and soggy conditions.A�

By qualifying the ground had begun to dry out, giving riders more speed. Plenty of crowd pleasing whip action on the final jumps throughout the afternoon!

Under 19s reigning champion, Joel Willis sprints to the finish, spent after a blistering fun. — Under 19s reigning champion, Joel Willis sprints to the finish, spent after a blistering run. With a time of 5:31:26, Joel secured his title by over 12 seconds.

NSW/ACT State Championships Downhill Podiums:

Elite Male

1. David McMillan / Thredbo MTB, Swell Design, Spezialised / Canberra (ACT) / 5:19.58
2. Thomas Crimmins / Giant Bicycles Australia, Thredbo MTB / Bredbo (NSW) / 5:20:50 +0.92
3. Tim Eaton / Giant Bicycles Australia, Thredbo MTB / Canberra (ACT) / 5:28.74 +9.16
4. Jake Newell / Mondraker Australia, Flowbikes / Kincumber (NSW) / 5:34.88 +15.30
5. Luke Garnham / Thredbo MTB / Thredbo (NSW) / 5:35.76 +16.18

Elite Female

1. Genevieve McKew / Endless Flow, Knolly Bikes / Chatswood (NSW) / 6:29.08
2. Michelle Crisp / High Country Firewood, Asn Miranda, Norco, Deity, Gamut, Evoc / Caringbah (NSW) / 6:46.78 +17.70
3. Jo Fox / Cell Bikes / Emu Heights (NSW) / 6:54.13 +25.05
4. Kellie Weinert / Tight’n’Toned Fitness / Kearns (NSW) / 7:02.20 +33.12
5. Sarah Booth / ADCC, Kona / Newcastle (NSW) / 7:02.39 +33.31

U19 Male

1. Joel Willis / Shimano, Fox, Lusty, Bikeminded / Lithgow (NSW) / 5:31.26
2. Alec Reid / Gwynneville (NSW) / 5:44.64 +13.38
3. Jackson Frew / Gowrie (ACT) / 5:46.07 +14.81
4. Josh Lea / KTR / Helensburgh (NSW) / 5:53.72 +22.46
5. Connor O’Dwyer / Avanti Plus Wollongong / Wollongong (NSW) / 6:01.28 +30.02

DH State Champions for 2014 in other categories:

U17 Male: Harry Parsons (Mittagong NSW)
Expert Male: Tom Wilson (Eastwood NSW)
Sport Male: Jonathon Foley (Glenmore Park NSW)
Veteran Male 30+: Daniel Seidel (Kiama NSW)
Master Male 40+: Daniel Taliana (Thredbo NSW)
Master Women: Coleen Boyes (Thornton NSW)
SuperMaster Male 50+: Steven Bullard (Hacket ACT)
GrandMaster Male 60+: Steve Coles (Orange NSW)
Junior U15 Male: James Findlay (Jindabyne NSW)
Junior Women: Mackenzie Diver (Thredbo NSW)

The State Downhill series kicks off again with Round 1 on July 26 & 27 at Green Valleys Freeride Park. The Rollercoaster series will continue in Kempsey on June 29. See the Rocky Trail Entertainment website for more info.

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April 15, 2014

SA State Series – Willunga

Willunga has some of the best views going.

We always love going out to Inside Line races in South Australia, they always put on a good show so we were keen for round 1 at the infamous Willunga. This race was using the ‘Kite’ track which got its name after after a club member came into a spot of bother when attempting to fly his kite A�few years ago…

Willunga is always wide open with the wind playing a big part of puzzle when it comes to getting down with a fast time!

The weekend played out well with beautiful weather conditions and even the iconic kite flying wind wasn’t at its full strength. The track itself was much the same as raced previously with a few changes here and there, the bunting made the biggest difference.

With a few storm clouds around it threatened to rain but never really did.

There was a good turn out of racers with plenty of new faces, unfortunately there were also a few gnarly crashes, get well soon everyone! We also noticed that a lot of riders were out on trail type bikes, a growing trend no doubt.

Cam Ryan pulled a 4th place on his 'small bike' in Elite, clearly it didn't hinder him that much! — Cam Ryan pulled a 4th place on his ‘small bike’ in Elite, clearly it didn’t hinder him that much!

Sussing lines and chatting with your mates, an important part of the race experience!

The crowd was also enthusiastic with a range of noise making devices... — The crowd was also enthusiastic with a range of noise making devices…

The plate everyone wants... — The plate everyone wants…

There seemed to be a lot of thorns causing everyone issues!

Racing as always was good, full results can be found on the Inside Line club website. We will just leave you with a few more images from the race.

There was a good crowd lining the track near the bottom drop.

There was an odd two or tree to be found out on the track.

The bunting was wide open and allowed riders plenty of flexible. — The bunting was wide open and allowed riders plenty of flexibility for line choice.

James Chambers took the under 19 victory.

Will Rischbieth took the Elite victory, the spectators had to see more!

See you at the next round!

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April 14, 2014

WC1 – South Africa – Finals

The first world cup of the year is always tough because you never know who has been doing what during the off season. One thing is certain, Steve Peat and ripping, he again showed us despite being near on 40 he can mix it with the best, foot out style!

The first world cup for season 2014 is done and dusted, this finals report from South Africa also happens to be the 300th article up on downhill247.com happy days all round! The crowds came out and lined the track with most down towards the bottom section where riders had to it big jumps after 3.5 minutes of flat out pedalling and exhaustion further up the track. The day kicked off with the junior classes, whilst it is great the juniors get recognised in their own category it means they don’t feature on the live broadcast. So if you’re not lucky enough to be trackside you can’t see just how fast these riders are going and believe us they are flying!

It was young American Luca Shaw who took the victory and the overall leaders jersey followed by Loris Vergier and in third Amaury Pierron. For the Aussie contingent it was AidenVarley in fourth who got everyone back home in Australia off their seats! Aiden matched his qualifying position, a great result for Aiden.

Junior Men

1. Luca Shaw 4:15.267

2. Loris Vergier 4:17.257

3. Amaury Pierron 4:23.668

4. Aiden Varley 4:27.376

5. Benjamin Boutie 4:29.731

Luca Shaw, one of two bike riding siblings, took the first junior win of the year and made sure America took out both male classes for the day.

Next up we saw the women divisions hit the course, there were three Aussies to watch out for, one junior and two senior riders. By default as the only junior rider to line up and take on the track here in South Africa Tegan Molloy claims the overall leaders jersey. Her race run didn’t quite goes as planned with a crash in the rock garden but she dusted herself off and finished her run. Moving onto seniors and Danielle Beecroft just missed a top ten in 11th place. The best Aussie result goes to Tracey Hannah in 6th place, no doubt she will be looking to do a lot better than that in Cairns in 2 weeks.

Check out those crazy fans in the background! The noise of chainsaws filled the last gully! Tracey Hannah pushing hard to the finish line, 6th place was her reward.

In the end a fresh new face grabbed her first world cup victory, after a successful transition from juniors Mannon Carpenter showed that she has made the jump and is now a contender in seniors too. Rachel Atherton did well to beat her sickness into second place and Jill Kintner put her 4X/BMX background to good use to take 3rd.

Senior Women

1. Manon Carpenter 4:34.923

2. Rachel Atherton 4:38.831

3. Jill Kintner 4:44.041

4. Myriam Nicole 4:44.651

5. Emmeline Ragot 4:44.662

6. Tracey Hannah 4:48.045

7. Tahnee Seagrave 4:52.285

8. Morgane Charre 4:52.400

9. Emilie Siegenthaler 4:58.117

10. Fionn Griffiths 5:00.973

Her first win and we are sure not her last, Mannon Carpenter on her way to gold.

The last class of the day Senior Men, with 80 riders battling it out it was set to be a good afternoon and it didn’t disappoint! We watched the Green To Gold team race their first Senior Men’s race, with Chris Barlin and Brent Smith finishing 68th and 65th respectively it was a successful debut. Dean Lucas cracked the top 50 in 49th with Jack Moir a few positions ahead in 46th, finishing just ahead of Jack was second fastest qualifier Josh Bryceland who lost his chain and couldn’t pedal, he ended up a not too shabby 43rd. Brook MacDonald and Brendan Fairclough have had better days in the office with 35th and 37th placed finishes respectively. Nick Beer crashed aboard his custom Devinci and finished 29th one place ahead of Danny Hart in 28th.

28th for Danny Hart but this was never going to be a track where he would be a favourite. Check out the extreme photo stance of old mate on the left!

Moving up the results we see Connor Fearon in 25th, a solid result and as usual we will have his Inside Info for you all – watch this space! Bryn Atkinson was less than 0.5 of a second ahead in 23rd, with such close times a second could easily move you up 5 positions.

25th for Connor who was trying to match his plate it would seem, he will drop that number at the next few rounds we are sure.

Home town rider Andrew Neethling was 17th one place behind Steve Peat, an honourable mention to Cam Cole in 12th who is a coming back from a A�nasty run of injuries but showing he still has it. Whilst South Africa has never been his strongest track we were surprised to see Gee in 10th, not a bad result but after 2013 double digit results are rare! One place ahead and the highest flat pedal finisher was Sam Hill. By this stage it was still Mic Hannah who was in the hotseat as he came down earlier on in the day, with a lot of heavyweights not getting close to his time it looked like this might finally be his day… The young guns of Loic Bruni, Troy Brosnan and Sam Blenkinsop couldn’t displace him and finished 4th, 5th and 6th respectively. Greg Minnaar, arguably the danger man here for Hannah came down and looked fast but even with the crowd egging him on couldn’t knock Mic out of the seat. Had he finally done it, with just one rider to come Mic was still on the hot seat. Aaron Gwin was up at the first split and the second and as he blasted into the finish area he was up there too. Proving a point to his doubters Gwin is back, Mic finished second, so close! We are sure Mic will get one back next round in Cairns.

Podiums are always good! Top 5 for Troy Brosnan.

So close! Second for Mic Hannah, this will make him hungrier for a win in Cairns.

Aaron was quicker everywhere, are we going to see a repeat of 2011/12 where he was unstoppable?

Thumbs up! Winners are grinners, no unlucky 13 around here!

There's a fair chance next races podium could look like this but will it be a different order? — There’s a fair chance next races podium could look like this but will it be a different order?

What a race and it answered many questions but created a few new ones too! Will Gwin be unstoppable? Can Mic use this to win in Cairns? Will Stevie Smith be back in time to shake things up? Will a young Aussie such as Connor or Troy bring something exceptional out of the bag and show the world how Aussies ride on home soil?

Senior Men

1. Aaron Gwin 3:59.344

2. Mick Hannah 4:01.381

3. Greg Minnaar 4:02.168

4. Loic Bruni 4:02.237

5. Troy Brosnan 4:02.675

6. Samuel Blenkinsop 4:03.387

7. Sam Dale 4:05.347

8. Neko Mulally 4:05.705

9. Sam Hill 4:06.195

10. Gee Atherton 4:06.243

Tune in for Cairns where we will be going all out for our home world cup, Aussie Aussie Aussie!

Before then there is still plenty coming up on the site.

Images: Phunkt.

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April 13, 2014

WC1 – South Africa – Qualifying

Back, back again Shady is back tell a friend, actually sorry that should be Gwinny is back! First place in qualifying and sending out a clear message to his rivals.

Well, well, well,who picked that? Results from qualifying here in South Africa are complete and there is definitely a few eye brows being raised in the pits. Aaron Gwin showed everyone he is back finishing some 2.5 seconds ahead of Josh Bryceland, who has been training hard during the off season. Fellow teammate and pre-race favourite Greg Minnaar was in position 3 just 0.1 behind Josh, it was then a Lapierre double with Loic Bruni (how fast is this kid) and Sam Blenkinsop rounding out the top 5.

Conditions in South Africa are warm and dry, as you can see riders are just railing turns with traction no problem.

In 6th place was Australia’s own Troy Brosnan, the next Aussie was Sam Hill in 9th place, a bit of a gap back to Bryn Atkinson in 23rd. Bryn spent some time in the local hospital after a concussion during practice but got the all clear from the quacks to suit up and race, fortunately he did as all the points riders can get for the overall are super valuable. Connor Fearon was a few spots back in 26th place and ready to pull the trigger on Saturday (for this race the finals are on Saturday instead of the usual Sunday). In his first senior men’s world cup Dean Lucas grabbed a super respective 41st. With only a few weeks on his new bike Jack Moir was 52nd, watch out for Jack this year as his speed improves. In their first world cup Green to Gold racing had all their riders qualify, Brent Smith in 62nd and Chris Barlin 74th (their female rider Danielle Beecroft also qualified). The biggest surprise was Mich Hannah in 92nd, having a moment on the track, possibly related to a mechanical but being a protected rider he will still ride finals despite finishing out of the top 80.

Fastest Aussie in quallys was Troy Brosnan in 6th place, he would want to come out of the race with a podium at least... — Fastest Aussie in quallys was Troy Brosnan in 6th place, he would want to come out of the race with a podium at least…

Local Andrew Needling never seems to have the best race at his home track. At least he looks stylish though... We know he wants more than style points though. He is also rocking plate 12 just like junior Aussie Aiden Varley who also happens to be riding a Giant to confuse everyone! — Local Andrew Needling never seems to have the best race at his home track. At least he looks stylish though… We know he wants more than style points though. He is also rocking plate 12 just like junior Aussie Aiden Varley who also happens to be riding a Giant to confuse everyone!

Greg Minnaar booooosssstiinggg! The jumps here are big and riders are clocking close to 70kph. Third in qualifying but you can't argue with his record here. — Greg Minnaar booooosssstiinggg! The jumps here are big and riders are clocking close to 70kph. Third in qualifying but you can’t argue with his record here.

Looking at some of the other results Gee Atherton crashed and tumbled down the results to 15th (see what we did there!). Brendan Fairclough rode his trail bike to 28th and Brook Macdonald crashed finishing 66th.

In the women’s race Manon Carpenter showed she means business, first place by over 9 seconds ahead of Rachel Atherton who had to take her IV drip out to go to the track! Emmeline Ragot was thrid, Tracey Hannah fifth. We saw Danielle Beecroft in 13th at her first senior race. Junior Tegan Molloy was 16th and will give her more confidence as her experience increases.

In 13th place let's hope the 13 turns out to be lucky for Danielle Beecroft. — In 13th place let’s hope the 13 turns out to be lucky for Danielle Beecroft.

Manon Carpenter qualified first and looks like the rider to beat at the first round of the year.

Style check! Marc Beaumont passes with flying colours, scrub-a-dub-dub!

Junior men was taken out by American Luca Shaw, Loris Vergier was second and Taylor Vernon third, these names might not be common place but as the season continues and the years roll on it’s the juniors who will be making inroads tot he senior classes. One name you should recognise in fourth is Aiden Varley! Riding well we would love to see Aiden crack the top 3 this weekend, fingers crossed!

Luca Shaw was the fastest junior with our own Aiden Varley in fourth place yeewww.

Racing will be taking place on Saturday so check back soon for all the action.

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April 12, 2014

WC1 – South Africa – Practice

Greg Minnaar 'won' practice, nothing surprising considering he has won 3 out of the past 4 UCI events here, not to mention some of the local South African races. Make no mistake he is the man to beat here. — Greg Minnaar ‘won’ practice, nothing surprising considering he has won 3 out of the past 4 UCI events here, not to mention some of the local South African races. Make no mistake he is the man to beat here.

Practice is done for the day here in South Africa, an interesting day, there were still a few trail style bikes kicking around under riders but there were a lot more ‘light’ downhill bikes. Specialized, Devinci, Chain Reaction just to name a few were all getting around on beefed up trail style bikes, so less travel than full on downhill bikes but more beefy than regular trail bikes. Riders were sporting triple clamp forks to deal with the new rock additions.

With defending champ Rachel Atherton battling sickness but expecting to start the qualifying run, Emmeline Ragot grabbed the fastest timed run for the ladies. — With defending champ Rachel Atherton battling sickness (but expecting to start the qualifying run tomorrow) Emmeline Ragot grabbed the fastest timed run for the ladies.

In fact Emmeline's team mate Loris Vergier took out the junior mens practice so Lapierre is looking like the team to beat. Add into this Loic Bruni and Sam Blenkinsop contending the men's race and they may walk away with the teams point lead this weekend. — In fact Emmeline’s team mate Loris Vergier took out the junior men’s practice so Lapierre is looking like the team to beat. Add into this Loic Bruni and Sam Blenkinsop contending the men’s race and they may walk away with the teams point lead this weekend.

Disappointing times for the Kona team with junior rider Andrew Crimmins out after crashing in the ‘Money Maker’ A�section of the track, the crash leaving his knee cap in two pieces… Now on his way back to Australia the world champs in Norway will become his focus. A real shame as he has the potential to mix it up in the juniors with anyone. He wasn’t the only rider to succumb to the track here in Pietermaritzburg, Innes Graham went down and broke his ankle or foot. We also saw Bryn Atkinson eat dirt but not sure how he pulled up afterwards, hopefully fine!

Never a nice sight, Andrew Crimmins being stretchered out. He will be back and charging soon.

Mic Hannah looked good, with a string of podiums here we all know he can get the job done. Will his new 27.5" ride be enough to tip the balance in his favour? We will find out Sunday. — Mic Hannah looked good, with a string of podiums here we all know he can get the job done. Will his new 27.5″ ride be enough to tip the balance in his favour? We will find out Sunday.

Oh yeah, that is a classic Sam Hill shot right there, feet up laying down the style and dust going every where! 6th in timed practice shows he has his lines sorted. In typical Sam Hill fashion he was taking some pretty unique lines in the rock sections.

Tomorrow sees qualifying and a true indication of who has been training hard in the off season, catch you soon!

Images: Phunkt

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April 11, 2014

WC1 – South Africa – Track Walk

Yes sir you are correct this is the first world cup race of the year, thanks for reminding us it is race number 1!

World cups are back! The 2014 season has kicked off in South Africa, home of the 2013 World Championships and Downhill247 as always is bringing you all the action! Today was the track walk day, a chance for riders to check out the track and see any changes. Having been on the circuit for a few years now most riders knew where the track would go but what they weren’t expecting was what was in their way, rocks! The course builders have been busy adding big rocks to make it a ‘proper’ downhill track, this raises the question, medium bike or full size downhill rig? Check out some of the antics from the walk below, it looks casual but believe us things are going to get serious real quick here in Pietermaritzburg!

Protection is essential! Manon Carpenter knows the drill and with a few seasons under her belt now she will be a real contender for the overall. — Protection is essential! Manon Carpenter knows the drill and puts the sun hat to good use, with a few seasons under her belt now she will be a real contender for the overall.

It might be sunny now but just a few weeks ago the track was under a deluge of water! The dust and heat are back, the conditions in South Africa are unforgiving at the best of times.

Aaron Gwin was talking to himself? Or maybe it was for that microphone he had clipped to his t-shirt! Having absolutely dominated the field for 2 years everyone knows he can do it but the question still remains has he found his mojo again?

This team represents some of Australia's best chances to take the win. The Hannahs have tasted success here before but they haven't taken a double world cup win, something they must want pretty badly. — This team represents some of Australia’s best chances to take the win. The Hannahs have tasted success here before but they haven’t taken a double world cup win, something they must want pretty badly.

Time to reflect? Or a cheeky display pic for your social media profile?

Don't back down! Old School and the current World Champ check out the track. How many people have one of these two penciled in for the win? — Don’t back down! Old School and the current World Champ check out the track. How many people have one of these two penciled in for the win?

Young Dean Lucas throws the horns! Moving up in the world to Senior Men and the World Cup Devinci team he will be looking to make a good start to the season here.

Is Sam Hill looking slimmer to you? With an off season dominated by recovering from injury he looks fit and ready to go on a track that, by his own admission, isn't his favourite! — Is Sam Hill looking slimmer to you? With an off season dominated by recovering from injury he looks fit and ready to go on a track that, by his own admission, isn’t his favourite!

Now we are keener than ever for the bikes to be rolled out and practice to get underway! Check back soon as we bring you all the action from practice.

Images: Phunkt

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April 10, 2014

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