Australian Nationals XCO Round 4, Thredbo - Race Recap

Exciting times under blue skies at Thredbo Resort today with a stacked women's field and Dan McConnell missing from the elite men's field, racing was sure to be interesting.

Australian Nationals at Thredbo - XCO Round 4

2015 close rivals, Rebecca Henderson and Peta Mullens stare down the start climb of the XCO course for Round 4 during rider briefing.

A lap of the XC short course to kick off, and racing is tight as the ladies battle for a lead into the singletrack and the next 6 laps.

Peta Mullens leads the first lap, closely tailed by Samara Sheppard and Bec Henderson as they exit the forest and climb one of the lower ski fields.

Teagan Atherstone ahead of U17s series leader Zoey Cuthbert in their first lap; ambitious to break Zoey's undefeated season.

Eliza Kwan is loving it - 2 laps in and 5 to go, how long would the smile last? The Liv rider has performed consistently all year, and looks stronger and stronger with each round.

Up and coming Zoey Cuthbert may be competing in the U17s field but she has little trouble holding the tail of Elite Women during her race. With less laps and less experience but great role models and time on her side Zoey has a very bright racing future ahead of her.

Up and coming Zoey Cuthbert may be competing in the U17s field, but she has little trouble holding the tail of the elite women during her race. With less laps and experience, and great role models and time on her side, Zoey has a very bright racing future ahead of her.

Even on descents, riders had to be on their toes to keep up the pace and hold their place. Gaps close quickly on the trail that offers no respite.

Jenni King, on pace through the descending switchbacks that overlook the start-finish line. Quiet and modest, Jenni lets her riding do the talking - would she be able to cut the lead of Bec Henderson this round?

Lizzy Kwan with her eyes on the prize all action and a consistent pace in every lap from start to finish. Not enough to put pressure on the top 5 but enough to keep her inside the top 10 with 9th place.

Lizzy Kwan with her eyes on the prize. Lizzie put in a consistent pace in every lap from start to finish but it was not enough to put pressure on the top 5. Lizzie still finished inside the top 10 in 9th place.

Back to the event centre, ready for another gruelling lap.

Across the creek, but certainly no time to stop and admire the view.

A lone rider climbs to the highest point on the course, as the chairlift station and DHI start loom overhead.

Bec takes no glances back, putting distance between herself and second place in a maze of race tape.

Jenni King climbs away from the event centre showing no signs of pain. The series leader just off the pace behind Henderson Mullens and Sheppard but still taking some points home with 4th place.

Jenni King climbs away from the event centre, showing no signs of pain. The series leader was just off the pace behind Henderson, Mullens and Sheppard, but still took some points home with a 4th place finish.

Lucky number 13 Holly Harris digging deep to catch the top 5 and just coming up short of the podium with 6th place.

Lucky number 13, Holly Harris was digging deep to catch the top 5, and just came up short of the podium with 6th place.

Alone, but not far enough ahead to relax - Bec well into her final lap for the 4th XCO round of the 2016 National Series.

Always watching.

Across the line with a #1 - Bec Henderson once again proving why she is a force to be reckoned with on the national circuit.

The moment when the muscles can relax - time to wind down after a hard slog under the mid-day sun for the Elite Women.

The women's top 3 reflecting on what was undoubtedly a tough race. With less than a minute between the riders over nearly 2 hours of racing, the pressure was on right until the end for Bec.

And they're off - the Elite Men's field leave the start line, straight up the hill and into the action - with no Dan McConnell, who will vie for the top spot?

First pass of the feed station and Ivory opts out of a drink, instead holding on the throttle (figuratively) and cranking back into the forest for lap two.

Nearly 2 full laps in Cam is still attempting to create a lead for himself while Scott Bowden and Brendan Johnston battle for second place.

Nearly two full laps in, Cam is still attempting to create a lead for himself, while Scott Bowden and Brendan Johnston battle for second place.

Gareth Cannon, in the hurt box at the peak of the village climb, approaching the winding descent that leads to the start/finish area and feed station.

Bowden keeps his eyes on Cam Ivory's rear wheel, determined not to let him gain any real lead.

Bryan Dunkin leads Benjamin Green through the groomed forest singletrack, each battling fatigue on the relentlessly demanding 5.1km course.

Just minutes left of racing and small packs of riders continue to push each other as if they're part of a tow-line.

The leading group of 3, barely bike lengths apart as they approach the final climbs and descents of their 8-lap race.

Andy Blair leads one of the tight groups fighting to hold position and take 8th place ahead of Reece Tucknott and Paul Van Der Ploeg.

Andy Blair leads one of the tight groups, fighting to hold position and takes 8th place ahead of Reece Tucknott and Paul Van Der Ploeg.

Across the line after an epic race, Specialized's Cam Ivory narrowly takes first ahead of 4SHAW/Focus Bikes' Scott Bowden.

Elite Men's Results:
1st - Cam Ivory
2nd - Scott Bowden
3rd - Brendan Johnston
4th - Kyle Ward
5th - Tasman Nankervis

Elite Women's Results:
1st - Rebecca Henderson
2nd - Peta Mullens
3rd - Samara Sheppard
4th - Jenni King
5th - Karen Hill

Full results: HERE

Join us for more coverage this weekend with the DHI practice and racing!

MENTIONS: @RideDirtWake / @benstevens / @ThredboResort

Posted In:
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Author Info:

RideDirtWake
Member since Dec 4, 2008
10 articles

5 Comments

Worm-Burner (Feb 6, 2016 at 13:32)

Well I can proudly/ashamedly say I have held up several of these riders during XC races in my time.

Munopana (Feb 6, 2016 at 13:49)

Great scenery & photography????

russthedog FL (Feb 6, 2016 at 13:57)

Bunting that course would have been horrible

Worm-Burner (Feb 6, 2016 at 21:48)

...it would have been a *unting job!

iamamodel (Feb 6, 2016 at 21:21)

I agree with the predictions about Zoe. She is phenomenal.