Last weekend played host to New South Wales final round of the State Downhill Series. The final chance for the states finest to battle it out for points towards the overall title. Dust did not subside from the first, to the final run of the weekend. The ground was torn up over the course of the two days and crashes became a regular occurrence, luckily most were injury free. In the case of the fallen, we send our positive vibes towards your healing journey. Sit back and enjoy our photo recap. Continue reading “NSW State Series – Lithgow”→
After emerging from a familiar frosty and wet winter, on a perfect spring-time weekend in late September, Rocky Trail Entertainment drew perhaps this years biggest state racing crowd to the Pony Express trail in Lithgow, NSW. With months of development and tweaking of the track completed in time for the event, riders were loving the extra speed and flow, and some nice big jumps in the trail’s late sections. Lithgow is a track that takes guts to ride FAST in practice or in racing, as the local trees and rocks took a few casualties on Saturday, and a few more on race day.A�Elite Women’s Kellie Weinert crashed Saturday, and raced Sunday before being diagnosed with a severely bruised neck and other injuries – and still attained 4th place – we hate to continue the soccer/downhill athlete comparison but… Shoutouts to Kellie and others injured for a swift recovery.
Read on for all the action in Lithgow!
The step up has grown since last time, and while there were cases-a-plenty over the weekend, it was generally agreed that the jump worked well on the track, and props were handed out to those that cleared it with ease. Photo: Edwin EmmerickThe last major feature on the track is a newly-constructed 25-30ft gap which catapulted riders into the final 150m of trail.Gaps like this and front-casing don’t mix. Liam walked away from this one, thankfully! The missing seat-post was borrowed for racing, and unrelated. (also thankfully)Pony express claimed some helmets and riders this weekend, we’re glad to know that each of the riders we heard got hurt are on the mend. Photo: Edwin EmmerickTim Eaton has had a strong presence throughout the National and NSW/ACT Downhill series’, and this round was no different, as he also broke the 2min mark with a time of 1:58.Sarah Booth grips the series with another win in Lithgow aboard Kona, here she tackles Mega Thunder switchbacks with apparent ease…Keiran Volk slays the exit berm at Mega Thunder, in a qualifying run that would set him up for 2nd in the Expert Male division. Photo: Edwin EmmerickLadies and Gentlemen, we have seen the U15’s become U19’s, getting faster and faster and now moving to elite – here we have the next generation. MTB Grom’s, hitting A-lines and generally looking good on their bikes – they’re on your heels men & women! Photo: Tim Shirvington
Dave McMillan AKA Mayhem Dave strikes again, displaying his signature speed and style to take the fastest time and an unprecedented 1 minute 57 second race run. Photo: Edwin Emmerick
Elite Male
David McMillan – 1:57:408
Tim Eaton +1.4s
Tom Lewis +2.4 (from leader)
Mark Conliffe + 2.7
Joel Willis + 3.1
Elite Female
Sarah Booth – 2:23:622
Joanne Fox +15.6s
Vanessa Thompson +16.7
Kellie Weinert +16.9
Clare Ly +45.2
Ryan Plunkett is one of a small group of U19 privateers competing at a National level, while doing the whole NSW/ACT series too. These riders know the stories of racing, from injury to triumph 2014 has been a big year. Who will bring it home in Canberra next month?
Mt Stromlo holds the final installment of the NSW/ACT DH Series on October 4/5, run by Rocky Trail Entertainment – check out their website for information and entering. www.rockytrailentertainment.com
Keep up to date with the Aussie racing scene with Downhill247.com on Facebook & Instagram.
Words & Photos (except where credited otherwise): Jaime Black / www.jaimeblack.com.au
On a weekend where Severe Weather Warnings outspoke TV news, over 160 riders gathered to race on Lithgow’s Pony Express trail. Warmly hosted by the Central Tablelands MTB Club and Lithgow Pony Club, the racing atmosphere was buzzing early Sunday morning.
A dry, dusty track had riders on their toes, pushing for grip to beat the clock.A�Downhill riders are familiar with coming home covered in dirt, dust and sweat, usually accompanied by a huge grin and/or battle scars. There were plenty of spills and near misses, including an unlucky fall by Steve Humphreys (NSWDH) who left by ambulance, but has since been confirmed OK.
Dust isn’t as soft as it looks, as many riders found out. JB.Rick Boyer carves a wave of dust late in his race run, moments before spectators are sprayed with dust. EE.Teejay Clark took the Expert Men’s title for 2013 with a blistering run. Here, midway down the track TJ has his eyes on the prize. JB.Del Rio and Ourimbah had a designated ‘Heckler’s Corner’, here is Lithgow’s. As Jacob McCormack hit the deck on ‘Mega Thunder’ the crowd winced. With a facefull of dust, McCormack recovered and finished 21st. JB.On a modest spring day, even reptiles made it out to watch the state’s fastest battle it out. Spot our reptilian friend.. EE.Michelle Crisp on the gas to Third place in Elite Women. Michelle has had an impressive comeback after a serious shoulder injury just one year ago. 2014 will be a big year for her! JB.Lithgow locals celebrate their racing with true Aussie rider style – here ‘Skin’ stops for a well earned draught mid-race run. EE.Megaphones, tree-climbing, yelling, cheering, and sometimes drinking, the Hecklers were out in force come race time. Despite all the noise, here it’s a rider and his bike against the clock. JB.It’s like a miniature world cup atmosphere. At any level, Downhill racing represents the same values and passion; from grassroots to World Cup people are united by riding their bikes, in the bush.A�JB.
Graeme Mudd, on a high since taking out Dual Slalom at Crankworx was expected to perform in racing, and he did, falling into second place to Andrew Crimmins by less than a second.Crimmins attacks the same corner, blazing a trail of dust behind him. Andrew has shown his pace at every round this year, tough competition with Graeme Mudd and Blake Nielsen.
Here’s a few extra snaps from Lithgow’s State Champs for 2013. What a great weekend of Downhill! The next round of the NSW/ACT RedAss Downhill Series is in Awaba, November 17/18.
