Queenstown-based professional George Brannigan surprised himself in claiming his first national mountain bike title in Rotorua today. Lower Hutt’s Sarah Atkin took out the women’s honours, with both riders earning their first national elite titles at the championships which is part of the 10-day Rotorua Bike Festival that features a plethora of events including mountain bike, BMX and road cycling.The elite field had to wait for more than an hour after three crashes in the under-19 competition forced delays on the famed Taniwha national track in the downhill contest.
George Brannigan flying high on his way to the win aboard his prototype 650B Trek Session.
The 21 year old Brannigan (Trek Factory Team) thought an indifferent start over the technical part of the track would prove costly, but his 3:01:40 was the fastest of the day, with the final rider, Lapierre International rider Sam Blenkinsop unable to pip the time.“We were waiting for so long, the mind was not ready for it. I didn’t ride the top section well but then got into it. So I was surprised to go faster than my seeding but that is pretty cool.I am really happy. I wanted to win this and so I am really pleased with that.”
Brannigan, who struggled last year after coming back from a serious injury, said the victory showed that he is fit and healthy again after a frustrating 2012 international season.“It is amazing to be feeling how I was a year or so ago. I have put in a huge amount of work to get back. So this makes me so happy.” Another key is his move from his family home in Hawkes Bay to Queenstown in the off-season. “It has been the best thing for me. The riding and training are excellent and now I am really looking forward to the first World Cup.”
Blenkinsop was second just 0.6 seconds behind with Swiss visitor Nick Beer third in 3:04:26.
Defending champion Brook MacDonald (Trek World Racing) could only manage fifth place ahead of Kawerau’s Matt Walker and Christchurch’s Cam Cole.
Sarah Atkin, 20, had come to Rotorua hoping for a top three effort, even after topping the seeding run. Favourite Alanna Columb grabbed the hot seat with a 3:51:85 in the third to last run, but Atkin was in a class of her own winning with the final run in 3:45:83. Like all the elite riders, she found it a test to cope with the unavoidable race delays.“I got hungry, thirsty, warmed up, cooled down, warmed up again, cooled down, got bored,” Atkin said. “It is part of racing though. You get mentally tired so I was really pleased with that effort. I am really stoked to win the national elite title. I was going to be thrilled to get in the top three so to win my first elite national title is unreal.”
Rotorua’s Keegan Wright impressed as a rider for the future winning the under-19 title in 3:14:22, which would have placed him mid-pack in the elite competition, with fellow Rotorua rider Robbie Wong-Toi claiming the under-17 honours.
ResultsPhoto Credit: Fotoengineers
For details:
www.rotoruabikefestival.com
Sic as day, great riding by all and watch out for George, he's the next Kiwi to win a WC! He has the skills and work ethic of Loic Bruni, I expect him to make as big a splash this year too.
2012 @ Hafjel WC he was 2nd to last years World Cup overall Champ Stevie Smith, who had his first WC win also that year at the same place!
Brook was in clips as well, wtf!
Wyn was injured from Sats practice, didn't ride practice Sunday or seeding, but couldn't hold back and raced, Wyn you Warrior!
Brannigan and teammate Brook MacDonald took possession of their prototype Sessions a few days before Nationals. They had the option to ride their team-issue 26in Session, but they both chose the 27.5.
“I felt comfortable on this bike from the beginning. It’s crazy the difference to the 26, as a race bike. It’s a lot faster for sure! I’m really looking forward to racing it on the World Cup this year,” said MacDonald
team roster:
johannes fischbach
david trummer
harry molloy
phil atwill