Australian XCO National Championships, Bright 2016
With both the National Championship jersey and Olympic qualification riding on the line this year’s XCO championship race was always going to be a spectacular one. The cycling Mecca of Bright is an ideal location to host the championships. Set at the foot of Mystic Mountain the course was a tough combination of twisty single track, pinchy climbs and some technical descents through pine forests.
Friday’s practice day saw the heavens open and the trails were soaked creating tough times for the riders. Steep climbs became unrideable due to the slick mud. Race day looked like it could stay as a wet one, however the sun managed to make its way out just enough to dry the track to perfect racing conditions.
Dan McConnell and Bec Henderson had a flawless season in the National Series both going undefeated, leaving them as the front-runners leading into this weekends event. Both Trek riders stayed true to form taking the wins in the elite categories and defending their previous championship crowns.
Peta Mullens, riding her new Focus, did her best to challenge Bec in the Elite Womens race. However big efforts on the climbs from Bec in the first lap created too big a gap for Peta to recover even with her strong finish that kept her in front of Jenni King in third. Holly Harris had a great race to beat Em Parks and Chantel Eheim to take the Under 23 women’s title.
In the Elite men’s race, McConnell put down a fast first lap to shake off his closest competitors Cam Ivory and Kyle Ward, who then locked into an epic battle for second while still attempting to close in on Dan. In the Under 23 men’s race, Scott Bowden held off Torq riders, Tasman Nankervis and Chris Hamilton, to take his second consecutive Championship win.
Full Results here.
MENTIONS: @benstevens
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 The beautiful town of Bright once again plays host to the MTBA XCO National Championships. |
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| Bright's local Brewery was front and centre in the MTBA race village. |
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| Peta Mullens ready for a big weekend of racing. |
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| A mid morning thunderstorm on Friday did its best to spoil the day |
Friday’s practice day saw the heavens open and the trails were soaked creating tough times for the riders. Steep climbs became unrideable due to the slick mud. Race day looked like it could stay as a wet one, however the sun managed to make its way out just enough to dry the track to perfect racing conditions.
Dan McConnell and Bec Henderson had a flawless season in the National Series both going undefeated, leaving them as the front-runners leading into this weekends event. Both Trek riders stayed true to form taking the wins in the elite categories and defending their previous championship crowns.
Peta Mullens, riding her new Focus, did her best to challenge Bec in the Elite Womens race. However big efforts on the climbs from Bec in the first lap created too big a gap for Peta to recover even with her strong finish that kept her in front of Jenni King in third. Holly Harris had a great race to beat Em Parks and Chantel Eheim to take the Under 23 women’s title.
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| Team Trek set up and ready to race. |
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| Friday's lingering weather made practice wet and muddy. |
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| It was a fast start for the Elite Women, with Bec and Peta leading the pack into the first lap. |
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| Peta Mullens put in a solid effort, giving it her all to chase down Bec. |
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| Bec looking comfortable on the A-line. |
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| Bec Henderson crossing the line for a 3rd consecutive championship win, securing her place in the 2016 Olympic Games. |
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| Bec Henderson with a full XTR set up on her race bike. |
In the Elite men’s race, McConnell put down a fast first lap to shake off his closest competitors Cam Ivory and Kyle Ward, who then locked into an epic battle for second while still attempting to close in on Dan. In the Under 23 men’s race, Scott Bowden held off Torq riders, Tasman Nankervis and Chris Hamilton, to take his second consecutive Championship win.
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| Many keen paragliders could be seen floating over the XC race course throughout the weekend. |
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| Blue skies shone through to kick off the Elite Men's race. |
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| Dan McConnell putting the hammer down to sustain a comfortable lead. |
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| Cam Ivory. |
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| Torq team taking the A-line. |
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| This pinch climb is steeper than it looks. It had many riders in the hurt locker by the top on every lap of racing. |
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| This was the closest Ivory managed to get to McConnell during the first lap of racing. |
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| Scott Bowden looking comfortable throughout the entire race, taking out the top spot with a winning margin of 2min 17sec. |
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| Under 23 Winners post race discussion - Scott Bowden, Tasman Nankervis, Chris Hamilton. |
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| Dan taking the win to claim his 5th National title. |
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| The winners circle - Dan McConnell, Cam Ivory, Kyle Ward celebrating a successful weekend. |
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| Dan McConnell and his winning Trek Top Fuel. |
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| Dan running a full XTR Di2 drivetrain. |
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Full Results here.
MENTIONS: @benstevens
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Also love the fact that there is XCO coverage, and not just downhill/enduro. I love those just as much as the next guy, but XCO is what I race so I love seeing it!
But Pinkbike are you serious?
No coverage at all of the Cape Epic? Wtf
reviews.mtbr.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/proto.jpg
From pics I was thinking course was monster climbing but (sadly) not so:
www.strava.com/activities/519028575
But Hot Damn Victoria is Beautiful or what?