South Australian State Series - Race 6

downhill247com Willunga 12 — 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 1^st and netted 15 points and Ngari flatted taking home 0 points and a large section of bunting.

In under 17a��s Callum Morrison completed a clean sweep of the series with his 6^th race win from 6 rounds, he was reportedly disappointed with his run (that would have qualified him 3^rd 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 2^nd and Hayden Vanderwolff in 3^rd.

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 2^nd, Jake Adams 3^rd 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.

downhill247com Willunga 12 4 — 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, 5^th 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 4^th 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 13^th and 14^th 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.