Race Report: Victorian DH Series - Round 2

Round 2 of the Victorian Downhill Series was at the always popular Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort. Olly, Beno, Darcy and Mitchell all have ridden this track with all of them loving the mixture of dirt, roots, rocks, wood features and blown out fire roads that the Baw Baw layout offers. Despite the wet foggy conditions, all riders where keen to get into the action. With rain coming overnight prior to both days, the course was still bit water logged with the main features of the track all being affected by the wetness. There was carnage at most turns but the lads all did their best to keep the rubber side down and kits relatively clean as they punched out run after run getting a feel for the ever changing conditions.

Ben “Beno” Hill - Elite Mens
Beno was strong through Saturdays practice, remembering his lines and the love for this track from years gone by. Come race time Sunday Beno was looking good cutting some sweet lines through the top section, making the smallest of mistakes in the Jeep track but finished incredibly strong to get a top 10 and amongst some big names in his first year Elite. Beno is loving being back racing and enjoying the challenge of the Elite Category.

Beno keeping it upright on the wet and sketchy wall ride during Saturday practice.

Beno dipping in and taking the wide line into Jeep Track during his race run Sunday.



Oliver “Olly” Zwar - Elite Mens
Olly was the quietest of the crew having a slight fever/flu and pulled the pin early in practice on Saturday after 4 runs to get some rest. Overnight, Olly had gotten worse but wasn’t going to let that stop him from racing. Olly has always done well here having a 1st and a 4th in the past. Showing why he is one of the top riders this season, Olly put in a massive effort to qualify 4th then put in a solid race run to be only 2 seconds off the pace to claim 3rd spot on the podium, a massive cheque and a champagne shower courtesy of Devinci Global racing’s Dean Lucas.

Olly negotiates one of the many lines on the Jeep Track during Sunday practice.

Olly keeping the tight line entry into the Jeep Track on Sunday.



Mitchell Tamanika - Under 17
After a mistake in round 1, Junior Development rider Mitchell, has now found himself riding in U17’s and having never been part of a qualifying run before, enjoyed the experience and tension of it all. Saturday’s practice Mitchell had a big crash in the jeep track, resulting in a handlebar to the gut and yet another broken visor (maybe he is the new Crundy…) but carried on a few more runs before calling it a day. Sunday he put in a solid effort to Qualify 8th, then back it up in his race run to get 9th and claim his first top 10 in racing.

Mitchell coming out the mist.

Heels down and hold on tight, Mitchell smashing through Jeep Track in his race run.


Darcy Coutts - U17
Following a strong 3rd place finish at Round 1, Darcy was pumped to get out on one of his favourite tracks. Saturdays practice was filled with run after run pushing the limits and resulting in a few episodes, with one crash bruising his thumb, but all it in kept things pretty safe. Come Sunday Darcy was all business. Keeping practice pretty simple he then qualified 1st to then back it up in the final to claim the top step on the podium putting 4 seconds into the field. Darcy backs up his 3rd place at round 1 with this 1st place and this should see him at the top of the table for the overall points in the series.

Darcy boosting the double at the bottom of the ski jumps during Saturday practice.


Darcy railing the entry to the Jeep Track during qualifying.

U17's Podium with the days fastest rider, Darcy Coutts, and the days fastest bike #lookslikearockymountain

Final Results:

UNDER 17's.
Mitchell Tamanika 9th
Darcy Coutts 1st

ELITE MENS
Ben Hill 10th
Oliver Zwar 3rd

Half way into the season and we cannot be more proud of our team. Two rounds in and our overall results would have us very close as to being one of the top teams this season and this would not be possible without the support of our great sponsors Rocky Mountain Bicycles, One Industries Clothing, Mountain Bikes Direct, Swift Supplements, Stans No Tubes, Jet Black, Schwalbe, Renthal Cycling, Scott Goggles, Ride 100% Goggles and Ride Fox Suspension.

See you all at Mount Buller in 2 weeks!

Photos provided by Harry Hartwig Photography, Jason Heidrich Photography, and Adam Shaw.

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Mentions: @RockyMountainBicycles, @schwalbe

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