National 1 Race Day

Protrains were commonly seen in the Victorian landscape, this one featuring Ryan Hunt as he beats the dust kicked up by — Pro-bike-trains were commonly seen in the Victorian landscape, this one featuring Ryan Hunt as he beats the dust kicked up behind T Crimmins.

The 2014/15 Subaru Australian National series commenced on a warm note – on a perfect summer’s weekend in December. Upon arrival and track walk, it was clear that the weekend would be exciting racing, as our practice articlesA�1 & 2A�show an established trail with opportunity for tight racing.

With a total of 231 riders as a result of the combined VDHS / National round, seeding and racing were moved forward in the day to ensure a smooth day for all. Still, in the heat riders were feeling the effects of dehydration and the medics were kept busy. Although one rider was reported to have “superman-ed” over the off-camber rock drop pictured below during seeding, there were no major incidents to interrupt racing.

Shelly Flood bearing yesterday's damage, and a smile - nothing brings Shelly down, it's time to ride! — Shelly Flood bearing yesterday’s damage, and a smile – nothing brings Shelly down, it’s time to ride!

Michelle Crisp took the 2014 National Series Title for Elite Women, will she hold it in 2015? With 3rd in the first round, the rest of the series will be exciting!

Jackson Davis slaying the blind rock gap, one of many rider trains making the most of practice.

Aiden Varley has had a massive year travelling with his Dad, Peter, to World Cup events. Aiden has had a hugely promising year but suffered a wrist injury which hampered his season. Another rider to move into the Elite category for this series, Aiden placed 8th, a promising result for 2015.

Turn down for what? Sorry. Troy laying down some signature style during seeding! — Turn down for what?!?
-Sorry-
Troy laying down some signature style during seeding!

Andrew Crimmins was clearly comfortable with the track, declaring his speed with a blazing seeding run. Check out a little clip he shot on our GoPro after the results... — Andrew Crimmins was clearly comfortable with the track, declaring his speed with a blazing seeding run.
Later in the week we’ll be releasing a little clip he shot on our GoPro.

The Fox chill out tent was the place to be after seeding runs, with times going up and misting fans, MTBA made a big effort to make a statement about the new National Series. — The Fox “Everyone’s a VIP” chill out tent was the place to be after seeding runs, with times going up and misting fans, MTBA made a big effort A�in Victoria to make a statement about the new National Series.

Captions we got for this one included... "ooh, a piece of candy!" "My hand's over the line!!" .. we're sure you can think of some more. — Captions we got for this one included…
“ooh, a piece of candy!”
“My hand’s over the line!!”
.. we’re sure you can think of some more.

Bilt Bikes scrubbing hard on a track where the slightest difference can be the winning move. — Bilt Bikes rider Brendan ‘Moony’ Moon scrubbing hard on a track where the slightest difference can be the winning move.

Some good looking elites catching some sun before their race runs. (Left to right: Andrew & Thomas Crimmins, Ryan Hunt) — Some good looking elites catching some sun before their race runs.
(Left to right: Andrew & Thomas Crimmins, Ryan Hunt)

Tim Eaton - aboard the striking 2015 Reign - capably throwing it like he would his downhill bike. — Tim Eaton – aboard the striking 2015 Reign – capably throwing it like he would his downhill bike.

After pedaling the many traverses between obstacles, the bottom section saw riders feeling the lack of natural assistance down the hill. Angus Maddern here attackes the last 20m of trail... — After pedaling the many traverses between obstacles, the bottom section saw riders feeling the lack of natural assistance down the hill. Angus Maddern here attackes the last 20m of trail…

Sarah Booth took the Elite Women's title, with a 3.7 second lead over Junior World Champ, Tegan Molloy. who has just moved into Elite. Reportedly Molloy crashed during her race run; Thredbo will be one to watch! The Womens' field grows every year, a trend we all hope continues, embracing diversity and family within our sport. — Sarah Booth took the Elite Women’s title, with a 3.7 second lead over Junior World Champ, Tegan Molloy. who has just moved into Elite. Reportedly Molloy crashed during her race run; Thredbo will be one to watch! The Womens’ field grows every year, a trend we all hope continues, embracing diversity and family within our sport.

Troy always has the crowd buzzing by the finish line; the existing quarry landscape makes for an awesome atmosphere! Moments later Troy claims the win, half a second faster than NSW's Graeme Mudd. — Troy always has the crowd buzzing by the finish line; the existing quarry landscape makes for an awesome atmosphere!
Moments later Troy claims the win, half a second faster than NSW’s Graeme Mudd.

Graeme ‘Muddy’ Mudd recaps and revives after a blazing run, with serious threat to the top of the podium.

RESULTS – Courtesy of Mountain Bike Australia

Category	First	Time	Second	Time	Time behind	Third	Time	Time behind
Elite Men	Troy Brosnan	1:55.42	Graeme Mudd	1:55.98	0.56	Connor Fearon	1:56.85	0.87
Elite Women	Sarah Booth	2:31.30	Tegan Molloy	2:35.06	3.76	Michelle Crisp	2:35.46	0.40
Junior Men	Andrew Crimmins	1:57.69	Jackson Frew	1:59.34	1.65	Max Warshawsky	2:01.72	2.38
Under 17 Men	Baxter Maiwald	2:05.01	Joshua Clark	2:09.45	4.44	Darcy Coutts	2:11.23	1.78
Under 15 Men	James Findlay	2:22.99	Oskar White	2:27.54	4.55	Downey Cooper	2:35.12	7.58
Under 13 Men	Troy Weinert	2:40.15
Open Men	Liam Thomas	2:12.54	Connor Hunter	2:14.22	1.68	Jamie Dunlop	2:15.23	1.01
Sport Men	Aaron Churton	2:18.86	John Hunter	2:23.04	4.18	Luke Campbell	2:24.16	1.12
Masters 1/2 Men	Jack Tattersall	2:09.45	Lee Ellis	2:11.58	2.13	Sean Martin	2:21.18	9.60
Masters 3/4 Men	Mathew Molijn	2:13.94	Tom Gilfedder	2:13.95	0.01	Matt Wise	2:15.68	1.73
Masters 5/6 Men	Craig Kirkpatrick	2:34.62	Mark Gardner	2:49.92	15.30	Rick Hauck	2:59.90	9.98
Masters 7+ Men	Stephen Coles	3:11.14	Conway Ganderton	3:44.76	33.62
Senior Hardtail Men	Jamie Essam	2:49.92	Pac Diesel	4:10.39	1:20.47

The next round of the Australian National DHI series will commence in Thredbo on the 6th of February, followed by Bright and National / Oceania Championships in Toowomba. Check the National Series website for information, rego and updates.

In the meantime, follow @downhill247.com and our photographers on Instagram and Facebook for the latest Premium MTB Content.

Article:A�Jaime Black

Image Credits:
Jason Stevens / www.jasonstevensimagery.com
Ryan Hunt / RFPhotographics
Jaime Black / www.jaimeblack.com.au

Elite Men's Podium cooling off after a hot day's racing! — Elite Women’s Podium cooling off after a hot day’s racing!

After a front flat pretty well ended Connor's contention for National champion last season, 2014/15 is a new story. What will Mr. 10K/International have up his sleeve in Thredbo and Bright? — After a front flat pretty well ended Connor’s contention for National champion last season, 2014/15 is a new story.
What will Mr. Fearon have up his sleeve in Thredbo and Bright?

A splash of new colour in the field from U17s to Elite is the new Mondraker Australia DH team. Stay tuned, we will be speaking with them soon.... — A splash of new colour in the field from U17s to Elite is the new Mondraker Australia DH team. Stay tuned, we will be speaking with them soon….

December 17, 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!

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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!

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March 11, 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!

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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

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February 22, 2014

Australian National Series Round 2 – Mt Buller – Race Day

Despite heatwave conditions off the mountain, Sunday had great racing conditions aside from medium gusting winds. Riders had a 2 hour open practice to dial in their lines, before back to back seeding and racing. With a small race group of less than 150 riders, bikes flowed on the trail like a dripping tap; and Connor Fearson seeded first ahead of Troy Brosnan and Dean Lucas; building anticipation for the early afternoon. As the weekend’s largest crowd gathered at hotspots on the trail, battling flies up to 10 at a time, racing got underway.