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.

It's obvious that You Yangs is an extremely dedicated club, with dialled trail building features and techniques throughout the course.  From trail crossings to planterboxed jumps that couldn't be much more bulletproof, the trail sets a standard for sustainable competition trails.
It’s obvious that You Yangs is an extremely dedicated club, with dialled trail building features and techniques throughout the course.
From trail crossings to planter-boxed jumps that couldn’t be much more bulletproof, the trail sets a standard for sustainable competition trails.

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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.

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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!
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!

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Jackson Davis
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.
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.

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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.

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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.

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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)

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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.
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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….

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Australian National Series – Round 2 – Mt Buller

Mount Buller provides an awesome alpine background to the excitement of Nationals racing, whether it's looking out over the surrounding mountains, or amongst the beautiful Australian Gums.
Mount Buller provides an awesome alpine background to the excitement of Nationals racing, whether it’s looking out over the surrounding mountains, or amongst the beautiful Australian Gums.

In 2014 nationals style, heatwaves were once again forecast for a long weekend of racing. Dust is practically jumping off the ground, as lift-assisted practice run mean efficient and easy practice sessions for everyone. After a nasty accident during practice yesterday left a rider airlifted to hospital with a broken Femur, practice was delayed so many were making up for lost time with another full day of practice on Saturday. Here’s a taste of the action!

Jackson Davis is impressive in all areas of his riding. Whether it's jumps, rocks or wallrides, the confidence and speed with which he tackles the trail has spectators eyebrows high indeed.
Jackson Davis is impressive in all areas of his riding. Whether it’s jumps, rocks or wallrides, the confidence and speed with which he tackles the trail has spectators eyebrows high indeed.
A foot through the lens is never ideal; in this case a high-risk, high-profit photo opportunity was put to the test (followed by very fast moving after this frame).
A foot through the lens is never ideal; in this case a high-risk, high-profit photo opportunity was put to the test (followed by very fast moving after this frame).
Shelly Flood has a strong hold on her confidence this year, seen here railing a rocky berm near the top of the track. What will the Elite women's podium look like? Time will tell.
Shelly Flood has a strong hold on her confidence this year, seen here railing a rocky berm near the top of the track. What will the Elite women’s podium look like? Time will tell.
Line choice is highly varied in the wide-trailed, super rough top section. With near constant riders, the trail won't get any smoother come Sunday racing.
Line choice is highly varied in the wide-trailed, super rough top section. With near constant riders, the trail won’t get any smoother come Sunday racing.

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Ben Hill swoops through, passing the rock hit and taking an inside line, hovering above the rocks and keeping good pace through the rough top section.
Ben Hill swoops through, passing the rock hit and taking an inside line, hovering above the rocks and keeping good pace through the rough top section.
Troy Brosnan was as rare as a drop bear on track today, with a number of practice runs you could count on one hand. TB still stood out as one of the very fastest on track, we can't wait to for seeding and racing tomorrow!
Troy Brosnan was as rare as a drop bear on track today, with a number of practice runs you could count on one hand. TB still stood out as one of the very fastest on track, we can’t wait to for seeding and racing tomorrow!

Plenty of action tomorrow with practice, seeding and racing! Keep up to date and join us for a wild ride.

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