In the meantime, Brad Fisher was busy consolidating his lead over the faster flowing latter stages of the race. Keeping Brad honest in second place was Adam Wiggins with Ash Webster in third place.

In the ladies section, Sharon Dilley was an early leader ahead of Marlie Hodge but as the race wore on, Marlie gradually reeled in Sharon to win going away. The ever consistent Kirstin Curtis came in hot on their heels in third place.

The future looks extremely healthy for Gippsland MTB with junior riders of the ilk of Tom Deller, Malte Adebahr and Troy Taylor regularly leading home more seasoned riders at the pointy end of the field. Indeed, Tom Deller looked a strong possibility to win the race outright before his mechanical problems intervened. A great performance from Malte Adebahr after a gruelling 27.5kilometres saw him leading home the junior’s category and coming 5^th place outright. The luckless Tom Deller was second junior with Troy Taylor.

Most riders mingled after the race for a BBQ and presentations, sharing highlights and tales of woe and wearing the satisfied look of having achieved something they could be proud of.

Next on the calendar for GMTB is the popular Pete’s Track Sprint which pits riders against the clock, over a 5 km course on Sunday 26^th of May.