Asia Pacific Downhill Challenge 2011

Shaun O'Connor smooth through the rock gardens at the 2011 Asia Pacific Downhill Challenge, Shaun finished 2nd. Photo: Andre Palmer.

Even though it’s the ‘off-season’ this race is getting bigger ever year, returning this year were Sam Hill, Troy Brosnan and Shaun O’Connor, travelling over with them for the first time was Mitch Delfs. With $3000 USD up for grabs for first place alone, you could bet these guys were giving it 100% to for the win.The track itself featured a variety of rocks, jumps, drops and man made features, multiple line options catered for all the riders.

Rocks littered their way down the track, easily catching a pedal if you weren't careful, nice and green though! Photo: Andre Palmer
Man made features complimented the natural terrain, this step down would be more challenging the faster you go. Photo: Andre Palmer.
Definitely a track of contrast between natural and man made. Photo: Andre Palmer.

Readers might not realise just how big mountain biking is in Indonesia and some Asian countries but make no mistake these guys were like rock stars, beingA�given the full treatmentA�everywhere they went.

Not your usual downhill press conference, sweltering tropical heat, thongs and the beach near by! Photo: Andre Palmer.

It wasn’t to beA�a walk inA�the park for the Aussies as the locals were keen to hold onto the crown which they won last year in horrible wet and muddy conditions. Young Aussie Troy Brosnan qualified strongly, however, come his race run he had a huge crash. His mechanic, Steve Marsh, explains “Troy had a massive rag at warp speed, he was coming off a drop and slide on his back and got whiplashed. He reckons it is one of the biggest rags he has had…”. Troy said he was lucky not to suffer concussion so you know it was big!

Troy qualified first, it didn't quite go to plan in his final run though having a massive crash.
Local rider Pornomo sending the gap and finishing in 5th. Photo: Andre Palmer

Results:

1. Sam Hill 3.28.77

2. Shaun O’Connor 3.32.34 + 3.56

3. Popo Ario Sejati 3.34.25 + 5.47

4. Mitch Delfs 3.45.65 + 16.87

5. Pornomo 3.45.81 + 17.03

It was good to see Sam Hill get a victory this year as they have been far and few between due to injuries. We had a a chat to Sam about his up coming season stay tuned for that.

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