The
Giant 2W Gravity Enduro a four-stage hybrid race, with both downhill and cross country elements, was the final event in the inaugural
Rotorua Bike Festival. It was fitting 20-year-old Shaw, who has grown up on the vast Whakarewarewa Forest trail network, was able to negotiate the 18.7km distance in the fastest overall time, clocking 38mins 55secs and finishing 16secs clear of Nelson Enduro specialist Jamie Nicoll.
Nearly 300 riders from New Zealand, Australia and the United States entered the Enduro, a format similar to car rallying in which riders have 5hrs to get around and ride the four timed stages. As the stunning Rotorua summer continued, with blue skies and hot sunshine, the event neatly captured the imagination of weekend warriors and serious athletes alike.
Nelsons Chaci Melrose hauls round the first corner of the final stage on 'The Corridoor' overlooking Rotorua.One of those serious athletes was former Olympic cross country star Rosara Joseph, who showed she'd wasted no time getting used to her new discipline by winning the women's overall title. She finished in 43mins 19secs, ahead of Auckland 21-year-old Sasha Smith and former world cup downhiller Jenna Makgill. Joseph, who turns 31 this week, will link up with the Yeti team to ride the Enduro circuit in the United States this year, although she admits she's still getting her head around the concept.
Rosara Joseph rides along a boardwalk on the course route heading into the forest.'Nicoll' said 'the tracks were super-cool and I had a good group to ride with and I found it physically really challenging." Nicoll just managed to see off the threat of Aucklander Byron Scott to finish second in the men's race, although he took out the 23-39 division. The Nelson rider has been plying the Enduro circuit for several seasons and came prepared for Rotorua's introduction to the format.
Nick Lambert shows some skills on his route down 'Be Rude Not To.'Organiser Neil Gellatly of Dare to Sweat Events was delighted with the weather, the turnout and the spirit of the competitors and has vowed next year's race will be even better. "It's really captured the imagination of people and is probably the most relevant event for all those riders who like coming out and spending a day in the forest with their mates," Gellatly said. "Adding the competitive element to the camaraderie gives it the perfect mix."
Racers Rosara Joseph and Sasha Smith with their cheques.For full results, check the 2W Gravity Enduro website at
www.2w.co.nzA gallery of images can be seen at
JTPix