Barjarg... what to say, that hasn't already been said? Maybe I'll let the words of this world class rider tell the tale.
"This track is brutal" - Connor Fearon
As sincere of a statement as you'll ever hear. The Victorian Downhill Series has copped a bit of flack in recent times for holding downhill races at venues that leave a lot to the interpretation of 'downhill'. This is not the case with Barjarg, it makes your hands, legs, body and mind hurt, it provides that skill level separation that has genuinely gone missing in this sport.
Riders looking through the first rock garden, trying to pick a way down.
With almost 200 riders braving the unforgiving rocks, it was all set for a stellar weekend. Practice began on Saturday morning, and I'd be lying if I said the shuttle lines were full, many riders knew what was coming and that every run was going to take a lot physically, especially if you planned to even attempt a full run, which was virtually impossible with the amount of riders stalled up, scoping out lines.
Connor Fearon over the rocks in the stair rock garden, only a few were taking this line (after they saw/heard Connor was doing it) and it paid off for those who did.
Conditions were perfect, the air was still and the sun was causing no unwanted interruptions, rider after rider came down.. until over the radio we heard someone had a crash and the track was closed, we proceeded to sit there for the next 2 hours, not knowing what was happening, until a call came through on the radio that stated a rider had come off and broken there tib and fib! This track really does claim victims, we wish a speedy recovery to Jake Royle.
Shannon Hewetson threading through one of the lower rock gardens, at this stage your whole body is depleted and the last rock drop caught a few out.
Lachy Tactor going high right over the Coffin Rock, this was the line for most.
Jackson White scrubbing over the drop, this was a fun little section with a quick S berm.
Elite Men:
1. Connor Fearon - 2:31.883
2. Dean Lucas - 2:34.738
3. Shannon Hewetson - 2:36.809
4. Liam Panozzo - 2:39.374
5. Joel Panozzo - 2:40.284
Full results here.Words, Photos and Video by
LR Productions /
@LiamRenaut