New Zealand Open // Summer 2010/11

The local DH racing scene comes to a close as NZ prepares for the nationals series. The New Zealand Open anaually held in Christchurch is always brimming with action, although it's a small race, we always get a few Pros who turn up. This year was no different as Justin Leov and Cam Cole put on a show for the spectators.

Video and Photo Coverage insideThe local DH racing scene comes to a close as NZ prepares for the nationals series. The New Zealand Open anaually held in Christchurch is always brimming with action, although it's a small race, we always get a few Pros who turn up. This year was no different as Justin Leov and Cam Cole put on a show for the spectators.

This year, as it was last year, the race was held on Lava Flow, which is, well, a solid Lava Flow. The Port Hills of Christchurch are the bordering hills of an old, old volcano that lies dormant in the middle of Lyttelton Harbour. All through our tracks you'll find volcanic rock, and our rockiest track, lava flow, is pretty much just one big rock garden the whole way down, no joke. Numerous rims and Tubes are disposed of every year due to the sheer brutality the track unleashes on the rider's bikes. Being almost solid 100% solid rock also means that hardly anything other than scrub bushes grow on it. Leaving it very exposed, and VERY windy.

Results are as follows....

HT Junior -

1st. Ben Walker
2nd. Angus Chapman

Open Women -

1st. Amy Laird
2nd. Melanie Blomfield
3rd. Pippa Holdom

Vet Men -

1st. Mark J
2nd. Blair Christmas
3rd. Cameron Bisset

Under 15 -

1st. Carl Goodwin
2nd. Connor Sandri
3rd. Richard Scandrett

Harry Chapman entering one of the harder rocky chutes down the course.

Under 17 -

1st. Reece Potter
2nd. Harry Chapman
3rd. Thomas Gornall


Jamie Chapman after shredding a berm near the top. Focused.


Daniel Franks dropping into one of the many step rocky chutes

Under 19 -

1st. Dan Franks
2nd. Jamie Chapman
3rd. Reuben Olorenshaw

Justin Leov entering the very first rock garden

Open Men -

1st. Justin Leov (NZ Open Champion 2010/11)
2nd. Cam Cole
3rd. Joe Nation

The race video from the day...



And of course, Freddie's massive crash.

Freddie King Before his massive crash.


Freddie's massive crash.

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Video and Photos by Tom Cuthbert/Shred-NZ.

Next Stop, Nationals!