Australian National Series Mt Taylor - XCO, Round One

First light, first race. Things kicked off today with the U17/U15 male categories; Elites of tomorrow making their claims at the National Title.

The formalities this year begin as usual, with the XCO racing for men and women, and DHI seeding and racing scheduled for Sunday. With a somewhat thin Elite Women's field missing Peta Mullens and Bec Henderson, the opportunity to grab points was high. The Men's group remains as competitive as ever. Dan McConnell has a podium to be taken down from, and hot riders from last year such as Andy Blair and Scott Bowden have ground to fight for at a fresh National Series.

Comradery throughout disciplines and classes, the national series sports the best riders and the best attitudes. There's more to love about mountain biking than just the trail. Victor Sam Fox congratulates 2nd place Matthew Dinham on a great race.

The Torq Australia team travelling in style - not the only riders to have accomodation in tow

The Torq Australia team travelling in style - not the only riders to have accommodation in tow, but maybe the sweetest.

U17 2014 Series Winner Zoey Cuthbert who took a steady lead throughout her race inspired by the Elites that raced simultaneously.

U17 2014 series winner Zoey Cuthbert, who took a steady lead throughout her race, was inspired by the Elites that raced simultaneously with her category.

The Elite Women s field take-off in front of an energetic crowd as they dust the event centre. Em Parkes leading the way though quickly fell back in the field to finish in 9th place.

The Elite Women's field dust the event centre and an energetic crowd as they take-off. Em Parkes lead the way but quickly fell back into the field to finish in 9th place.

Holly Harris leads the way on lap 1, tackling one of many pinch climbs and setting the pace for this year's first national event.

A quick grass haul leads to the finish straight - decline to incline in front of the event centre brought excitement to the crowds, and fight to the finish for competitors.

Jenni King lone in the forest with her head in the game - her Canyon steed taking her well ahead of the rest of her field with a 1min40s lead after 6 laps.

Jenni King, alone in the forest with her head in the game. Her Canyon steed took her well ahead of the rest of her field, with a 1min40s lead after 6 laps.

A small peak at the Victorian highcountry though the riders had little time to admire as they faced a lung-burning ascent to the highest point on the course.

A small peek at the Victorian high country. The riders had little time to admire the view and instead faced a lung-burning ascent to the highest point on the course.

Despite a shorter track, riders quickly spaced out by a minute or more - the beauty of XCO racing is in the solitude, and personal battles a rider faces.

Determination and passion overcome pain and obstacles; Jenni King was hurting today coming into the finish.

Dan McConnell radiates speed and fluidity in his riding - from start to finish the race on home ground was in his sights.

Dan McConnell radiates speed and fluidity in his riding from start to finish. The win on home ground was in his sights today.

Dusty, fast, flat corners divided legs from riders today in a battle to maintain pace over the short but demanding race loop.

Ben Green in solo mode, burning down the back of the mountain toward the next feed station and the end of his 4th lap.

"When the going get's tough, the tough get going" - Murray Spink gets into gear on the toughest climb of the track; an endless hill with loose, rocky finish.

Elite Women's Podium - 1st to 5th: Jenni King, Karen Hill, Myra Timena Moller, Holly Harris, Naomi Williams.

Elite Men's Podium. 1st to 4th: Dan McConnell, Chris Hamilton, Tasman Nankervis, Andy Blair. Not pictured, 5th: Steven Cusworth.

Full Results: HERE.

Don't miss our DHI seeding and race coverage coming tomorrow, as Mt Taylor comes alive again - this time with hucks and risky lines.

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RideDirtWake
Member since Dec 4, 2008
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