WORLD CHAMPS DOMINATE BLORES HILL 6 HOUR
The opportunity was also taken over the weekend of the race to run a raffle to support Bruthen’s Dan McConnell to help cover expenses in his quest for success at the London Olympics.
The enduro format saw competitors needing to cover as many laps as they could in the 6 hour time limit with categories including solo male and female, solo and triples over 40 and male, female and junior team’s categories.
The shuttle bus provided by Gippsland Mountain Bike Club also proved to be a big hit with spectators, taking them out to the course for a close up glimpse of all the frenetic riding action at the most challenging section of the course.
The conclusion of the days racing saw two former world champions taking out 1st place in the elite solo male and female sections. In the mens solo, former world mountain bike orienteering champion and winner of the Otway odyssey 100km and tour de Timor, Adrian Jackson from Melbourne, took the title by almost 10 minutes over Sam Chancellor. Last years winner Phil Orr, came home in third place a further 4 minutes behind.
The women’s solo category saw former world and Australian solo 24 hour champion, Jessica Douglas from Forrest in SW Victoria, first across the line with a lap to spare over her nearest rival Peta Mullins from Warragul. Rounding out the podium in third place was Rebecca Luppino.
In the junior team’s category, Jared Lane and Jack Walk came in first ahead of the team of Dru Berryman, Malte Adebahr and Lachlan Tactor. Third place was taken out by the team of Myles De Keersmaker, Nicholas Bodey and Tom Hunt.
The solo male 40+ section was a very closely fought affair with only 15 minutes separating the top three after 6 hours of battle with Tim Jamieson leading home Simon Ellis and Bairnsdale’s Brad Fisher.
Further information regarding team categories, times and placings is available at gippslandmtb.com.au
This event continues to be a big hit with all the visiting riders struggling with weather affected tracks, who will no doubt keep returning in search of suitable mid-winter riding conditions. This coupled with a friendly, professionally run event sent most participants home with a smile on their face and a strong desire to return.