2012 Summer Series Race 1

Post date: Feb 6, 2012 11:19:57 AM

Summer Series Takes Off!

The Summer Series of mountain bike races has begun with the first round being held on Monday 6^th February. These races are run by New England Mountain Bikers (NEMTB) and are being held for the first time on the newly renovated track at Kookaburra Crest, right in city of Armidale. The track was a success with all riders having a satisfying workout.

There are two races each Monday afternoon. The Junior and Female race started at 5.30 pm with the men and elite women racing at 6.10 pm. Registration for both races needs to be done at least 10 minutes before race start. Both races are 35 minutes long with riders completing as many laps as possible of the 1.7 km track.

There was a great turnout on Monday with 44 riders testing their skills on the track.

In the first race, the Under 15 Male division was won by Mick Harris (6 laps in 40:15). Second was Oscar Lamb (5 laps in 39:25) with Jacoby Brown third (5 laps in 45:43). The Under 15 Girls was won by Kathryn Hosking (5 laps in 35:52) from Bella Hosking (4 laps in 36:15) and Emily Wooster (2 laps in 16:36). Kathryn really showed the boys how it was done as she came second overall in this race.

The Open Women division was dominated by Holly Harris (6 laps in 36:54) with Jo Benham second (6 laps in 39:03) and Lisa Harris third (4 laps in 32:04).

The Open men’s race was always going to be exciting. Could Greg “Gregatron” Manttan upset the Mountain Bike Master David Harris. Greg is improving all the time. It was a great race with David (7 laps in 36:47) just managing to hold off the fast finishing Greg (7 laps in 37:07). Peter Hosking was third (7 laps in 39:55). These three riders were the only ones to complete 7 laps and set the benchmark for others to follow. Forth was President Ben Harris (6 laps in 35:22) from Matt Benham (6 laps in 36:18) and Steve Chapman (6 laps in 36:34).

The Under 19 Men’s division was won by Sam Hutton (6 laps in 37:43) from Clarry Butcher (6 laps in 39:25) and Harrison Munday (4 laps). Harrison was flying up hill, but had trouble with the down hill bits.

It was great to see riders of all ages and abilities racing on Monday. Everyone is invited to race next Monday. The Juniors and Female race starts at 5.30 pm with registration at 5.15 pm. The men and elite female race starts at about 6.10 pm. The cost is $5 per race for members and $2 for junior members. Non-members need to buy a day licence to race for a cost of $15. Membership for 12 months to NEMTB is just $35 for 3 – 12 year olds, $80 for $13 to 18 year olds and $110 for adults. These fees cover the insurance cost to race and train. Check out the website for more information www.nemtb.com.au. Meanwhile NEMTB is busy getting ready for their biggest event ever! The UNE 12 Hours In The Piney. March 10^th from 10 am to 10 pm. Get a team or ride it solo.

Kookaburra Crest - 6 Feb