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.

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.

Keep up to date with premium Aussie and World Cup coverage with Downhill247.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/downhill247
Instagram: @downhill247

April 15, 2014

Inside Info: Bright Head Cam

Continuing our Inside Info experiences of the 2014 Nationals tracks, we have Bright, Victoria by Connor Fearon. From this head cam taken during National Championships, you can see why it’s one of the favourite stops on the series; fast and loose, see it for yourself!

Facebook:A�www.facebook.com/downhill247
Instagram:A�@downhill247

April 6, 2014

Australian National Championships – Bright – Day 4 Racing

Come Sunday, race day, the trail was feeling the brunt of the biggest National DH event of 2014. Overall the track was in excellent racing condition, but there were a few sections to keep track of... — Come Sunday, race day, the trail was feeling the brunt of the biggest National DH event of 2014.
Overall the track was in excellent racing condition, but there were a few loose sections to remember…

Day 4 of the Bright National Championships and the business end of proceedings! A short practice session before racing for both the A and B categories let riders ensure they had their lines sorted but more importantly to see how much the track had deteriorated before they tried to race on it! When seasoned world cup riders are exclaiming how much they enjoy the track and that it should be a stop on the world cup calendar you know it is the real deal. A large portion of the track has a ‘natural’ feel to it with very few man made obstacles to ruin this experience, as we found out in racing though the track did get rougher and more blown out over the course of the four days….

A picture says a thousand words so we have gone all out to show you a range of shots from the weekend below.

Tracey Hannah rode fast all weekend, seeding very well on Saturday afternoon. Both Tracey and Sik Mik turned heads all weekend in their matching kit, silent bikes and sheer speed. — Tracey Hannah rode fast all weekend, seeding very well on Saturday afternoon.
Both Tracey and Sik Mik turned heads all weekend in their matching kit, silent bikes and sheer speed.
From weekend warrior to World Cup racer, riders were having so much fun.

Outside of the forest the view was picturesque. A beautiful summer alpine scene with dozens of paragliders! — Outside of the forest the view was picturesque.
A beautiful summer alpine scene with dozens of paragliders!

In the forest the chutes were steep, and the trees were tight; closing in on riders as the weekend wore on. That only meant one thing, go faster! — In the forest the chutes were steep, and the trees were tight; closing in on riders as the weekend wore on.
That only meant one thing, go faster!

U17's standout Remy Morton has been dominating in 2014, showing very impressive speed and skill, under a cool and calm face off the bike. Finishing off the season with a convincing 18 second gap win is very promising for Remy's future. Here he gets above the rough stuff and into the next corner, with seemingly minimal effort. — U17’s standout Remy Morton has been dominating in 2014, showing very impressive speed and skill, under a cool and calm face off the bike.
Finishing off the season with a convincing 18 second gap win is very promising for Remy’s future.
Here he gets above the rough stuff and into the next corner, with seemingly minimal effort.

There’s always good racing in the B category, despite not being the premier classes. We do have to make mention of Remy Morton and his emphatic win in under 17’s with a time 18 seconds ahead of his closest competitor and good enough for 6th place in Under 19. We are going to bring you further insight into one of our sports brightest potentials soon!

Moving on to the A racing and it was the junior females who started off proceedings, it was always going to be hard to see Tegan Molloy not win. In the end she did, we can’t wait to see what she can produce overseas this year.

An emphatic and well deserved win for Tegan Molloy.

Next came the junior men, with the chance to represent your country at the world champs on the line riders were going hammer and tong. Some crashed (some multiple times), some had mechanicals and some put together the run of their lives. With Ben Hill absent there was definitely another place freed up near the pointy end of the field, in the end a quality field rounded out the podium.

Jackson 'The Mexican' Davis had to contend with a low seeding position to claim 4th. — Jackson ‘The Mexican’ Davis had to contend with a low seeding position to claim 4th.

Max Warshawsky has been riding well all year and 3rd pace confirmed this.

Aiden Varley put his local knowledge to good use claiming second place. He will be back here in a few weeks to try and get his hands on the VicDH race win.

With a 20+ minute shuttle process, there was plenty of time to recall runs and sections, and get mentally closer or further away from riding your best. Andrew Crimmins waits patiently to blast out another run... Little did he know the next time up he would arrive to the village U19 Australian National Champion. — With a 20+ minute shuttle process, there was plenty of time to recall runs and sections, and get mentally closer or further away from riding your best.
Andrew Crimmins waits patiently to blast out another run… Little did he know the next time up he would arrive to the village U19 Australian National Champion.

No denying Andrew Crimmins the win, a solid gap sees him avenge his overall series loss.

Next up we moved to Elite, a solid field were there to ensure that Tracey Hannah had to earn her victory, some good riding by a few lesser fancied riders kept everyone on their toes.

First year elite rider Danielle Beecroft claimed a solid 4th.

Shelly Flood can handle a crash or two but she kept it upright in the finals and claimed 3rd.

Emma McNaughton used her years of experience to take 2nd place.

Realistically it was Tracey's to loose but anything can happen in racing, Tracey showed us why she is such a class act. — Realistically it was Tracey’s to lose but anything can happen in racing, Tracey showed us why she is such a class act.

With the females done and dusted for the day it left only the elite men at the top of the hill. Would the Hannah family be taking home all the gold? We didn’t have long to find out!

The view from the top was grand, the para-gliders in the area clearly loving it.

Not quite....! The last corner was the story of many riders day! — Not quite….! The last corner was the story of many riders day!

The bus ride up was a mission in itself with the steep sides meaning you had to trust the drivers!

Any how Elite, it was going to be a shootout and the stakes were high! First rider down the hill was Troy Brosnan, after not seeding he was at the start of the list. He went straight into the hot seat, little did he know how long he would be spending in it!

Blake Nielsen scored an injury mid run and had to DNF, he will be back stronger then ever soon!

Some riders were dancing, if you can call it that?! Down the hill with varied degrees of success... — Some riders were dancing, if you can call it that?! Down the hill with varied degrees of success…

Photographers talk about golden light, Bright was a clinical study in it. Here Jason Stevens captures Sam Brownlie lapping it up - awesome! — Photographers talk about golden light, Bright was a clinical study in it. Here Jason Stevens captures Sam Brownlie lapping it up – awesome!

David McMillan on the hunt... Looking for those seconds. — David McMillan on the hunt… Looking for those seconds.

Timmy Eaton is bouncing back form an injury riddled 2013 year.

Unfortunately Luke Ellison had a few injuries over the course of the weekend but was looking good. Next time Booga!

6th place for Mayhem Dave, he has been riding well all season and really deserved a top 5!

Mic Hannah getting wild! This was the case in his race run loosing a front wheel and going down with the ship, he recovered to claim 5th, super impressive!

Todd Madsen surprised a few people with a handy 4th place.

A new team and bike, Jack Moir claimed third, he almost had to go chainless after snapping a hanger but one was sourced!

Cool, calm and collected! Connor Fearon took care of business in second.

As Connor drops into the finish arena, the crowd was amped, on edge as he battled Troy's time to the line, securing Second place just 2.26s behind Troy's set time. — As Connor drops into the finish arena, the crowd was amped, on edge as he battled Troy’s time to the line, securing Second place just 2.26s behind Troy’s set time.

After a shuttling issue left Troy's bike unrideable, SRAM were quick to do what was necessary to get him on track again. With a couple of practice runs under his belt, after the final U19's rider had crossed the line, Troy blasted out of the forest and into the arena, setting an incredible (and unbeatable on the day) time of 3:42:90! — After a shuttling issue left Troy’s bike unrideable, SRAM were quick to do what was necessary to get him on track again. With a couple of practice runs under his belt, after the final U19’s rider had crossed the line, Troy blasted out of the forest and into the arena, setting an incredible (and unbeatable on the day) time of 3:42:90!

Some riders didn't quite have the runs they were looking for! — Some riders didn’t quite have the runs they were looking for!

Smashing corners - yeeewww! — Smashing corners – yeeewww!

we can't wait to go back to Bright, the whole vibe of the place is just amazing. — we can’t wait to go back to Bright, the whole vibe of the place is just amazing.

Good times in the pits, everyone having a laugh before the serious end of proceedings.

We saw some interesting things in the pits.... — We saw some interesting things in the pits….

But it was what we saw outside the pits that really had us worried haha!

So a good weekend of racing, with crashes definitely keeping riders on their toes the track and town of Bright was top notch and we can’t wait to go back.

We aren’t quite done with our coverage with Bright as JB Photomedia and Jason Stevens Photography have provided so many amazing shots it would be an injustice not to show you guys, more to come soon!

Keep up to date with Downhill247.com on Facebook & Instagram:

Facebook.com/downhill247
Instagram: @downhill247

March 11, 2014

[R]evolution Mag Issue 34

Our friends over at Revo mag have been busy beavering away on the latest issue. If you dona��t know [R]evolution they feature, downhill, freeride and enduro; similar content to Downhill247.com in a shiny print copy.

With the Cairns WC approaching, Issue 34 is their biggest mag to date, jam-packed with top photos, race reports, bike reviews and special features. More than enough to satisfy our bike needs on the drive to Bright!

While downhill247 has been around for some time now it was [R]evo we grew up reading; their no-nonsense reporting was always refreshing and kept our bike cravings satisfied. If you havena��t got a copy yet you know the drill, grab one from a newsagent or at your local bike store, and keep on supporting good Australian media!

March 3, 2014

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!

Facebook: www.facebook.com/downhill247
Instagram: @downhill247

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

Facebook:A�www.facebook.com/downhill247
Instagram: @downhill247

February 22, 2014