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2021 NZ Open race report
The Covid-19 alert level was lifted on the Wednesday before the race bringing joy to the ears of many racers who were eager to attend the annual NZ Open at the Christchurch Adventure Park. With the New Zealand National Championships being held the following weekend, plenty of racers came from all over the country to get acquainted with the conditions in Christchurch.
Over 100 riders signed up to race the loose, dusty, rocky conditions that proved difficult to tame. Most notably, the newly crowned MTBNZ National Series champion,and sure to be podium threat, Tuhuto Ariki-Pene who succumbed to a broken scaphoid. Also best wishes to Jourdan Lethbridge and Reece Trotter who had pretty big crashes on the day resulting in more serious injuries. These riders were both well looked after thanks to the quick actions from the expert first responders from Christchurch Adventure Park who got them off the hill.
A $4000 cash prize pool was up for grabs for the podium positions in both Open Men and Women. Rotorua local Robin Goomes took the win and $1000 prize with a 3:43.15 a mere 0.57 ahead of Auckland's Sacha Earnest. EWS star Rae Morrison came in 3rd on her enduro bike in a time of 3:49.51. Last years winner Leah Smith came in 4th and Emily Wright rounded out the podium.
The Open Mens category was brimming with international talent but it was to be local Christchurch pinner Boaz Hebblethwaite taking the top step of the podium and the $1000 cash. Boaz laid down a time of 2:54.86, putting 1.58 seconds into 2nd place and Norco Factory Racing legend Sam Blenkinsop. Propain Factory racer George Brannigan would settle for 3rd 4.59 seconds back. Young gun Lachie Stevens-Mcnab slotted into 4th place just ahead of new Christchurch local Daniel Self.
A special thanks goes to the organisers and volunteers from Gravity Canterbury for once again putting on a smoothly run event. Thanks also to the Christchurch Adventure Park for hosting us.
An early start in the lift line.
The first lot of racers get a view on the way up.
Tuhuto Ariki-Pene in the mornings practice....a crash would rule him out of the afternoons proceedings.
Plenty of puzzling was going down in the top rockgarden.
while some just sent it.
Rae Morrison making light work of the track on her enduro bike, she would take the 3rd step of the podium.
Sacha Earnest very nearly took the win here, just 0.57 back.
Robin Goomes was in the money, 1st place woman and $1000 richer for her efforts.
Daniel Self's puzzling on this section paid off, 5th place for the local.
Expect big things from Finn Hawkesby-Brown this season, he's nipping at the heels of the big dogs.
Healing vibes to Jourdan Lethbridge.
The big nug Boaz on the gas.
Bryn Dickerson surfing the dust wave.
Bringing home a top 10.
A mechanical held back Max Hides today, he was on it in practice though.
Robbie Cochrane hanging it out for 1st place in under 17.
The futures strong with the GC incubator project, young Oli Clark on his way to 2nd in under 15.
Gravity Canterbury El presidente' Agata Bulska showing the track who's boss.
Pole team rider Joe Nation pinned into the finish line, 12th place for the EWS rider.
When your race plate matches your position...3rd place for Brannigan.
Sam Blenkinsop knows this track like the back of his gloveless hands, 2nd place.
Signature Blenki style.
9th place for the the YT mob rider Guy Johnston.
Rotorua local Jaden Kaempfe looking at home in the dust.
Boaz watched this section for a while...then proceeded to tear it a new one.
Bryn, full commitment to the finish line.
Austin Sue mixing it with the open men.
The deep dust and dappled light was no match for Jaden Kaempfe. 2nd place for the young gun.
Jason Hylkema still composed at the end.
Sam Weir's time of 3:08.43 would have got him a top 10 in open men. 1st place for the under 19 rider.
The GC incubator rider Jack Collins, 1st place in under 15.
The Union Santa Cruz rider Finn Hawkesby-Brown keeping it low on the final jump.
Lachie Stevens-Mcnab sent it into 4th place.
Warp speed, Bryn Dickerson.
26 ain't dead, you can't beat a classic Kona.
Last years winner Leah Smith was slightly off the pace today...4th place for the teenager.
Boaz...shouting the beers after taking home the $1000.
Your 2021 NZ Open champions, Boaz Hebblethwaite and Robin Goomes. Photo courtesy of The Perfect Line.
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Member since Nov 19, 2011
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