If there was one race on the NZ DH calendar that had everyone's attention, it was this one. Here is a track, built inside a venue that didn't even exist just months ago - The Christchurch Adventure Park. This was a track which no one has ridden, let alone raced on. A track which had been freshly cut in for this very race, and sat accumulating inches of dry, powdery dirt in the lead-up. This meant no-one had the chance to learn the track, to figure out the best lines, to practice, or bring with them local knowledge. This track would level the playing field.
This particular race gained the attention of nearly all the top-tier riders in New Zealand, and a few international entries as well. Everyone was keen to try out the new track, and no-one was complaining about the chairlift laps either. Conditions were challenging, but epic, we're told. The weather has been dry of late, and therefore the track had dried out too. Really dried out. Reminiscent of the track conditions in the Val Di Sole and Andorra for the world cups last year. This track was epic for spectators wanting to see corners get annihilated, berms getting blown up, and riders railing knee deep ruts. This track was not so kind on lungs, eyes and cameras, however.
There were a few mechanicals throughout the day and a lot of flat tyres. This came down to the large rocks that were slowly uncovered as the loose dirt was peeled away. Riders were opting for a 'shorty' style tyre or similar, to help them find any sliver of traction in the corners or when braking. Pivot Factory Racing came through with a 1-2, with the Brits getting another win in a row, in the form of Bernard Kerr, and recent addition Rupert Chapman who is on the road to defending his NZ Champions sleeve. Matt Walker rode his Cube into 3rd, and Sam Blenkinsop and Brook Macdonald rounded out the podium respectively. Alanna Columb returned to the DH racing arena once again to establish her dominance as New Zealand's women's champion. She was flanked by Kathy Morris in 2nd, and Agata Bulska returning to the podium once more.
| I don't even know how much I gave them - Bernard Kerr |
Results
here.
MENTIONS:
@FRNZ
But on the other hand I'm a big fan of high pivots, big bearings and low COG.
PS:
www.pinkbike.com/news/norco-prototype-dh-bike-first-look.html
p.vitalmtb.com/photos/forums/2017/02/16/4915/s1200_IMG_1368.jpg
Remember that the next time you read a "review" on this site.
Enthusiast press reminding us that they're a part of the problem.