Nationals wrap up!
The final of the Rabodirect 2011 NZ MTB CUP came to a finish in Christchurch’s Port Hills.
This course rocked! It had so much flow, and a big mixture of everything from rock gardens, to endless switch backs downhill and even a few water crossings! Once again there was a great turnout of spectators cheering and egging everyone on course to go harder and faster. This was hugely motivating especially on the first lap as we were sent straight into a steep 1-2 minute climb, (which really got the heart beating fast!). I had a great race, which was awesome after the previous weekend in nelson, coming 3rd just behind Rotorua’s Nigel Mcdowell, who rode a great race also!
With that being the final round I was up on the podium again finishing 2nd overall for the series. With my confidence rebuilt, Dunedin was sure going to be a blast.
As we arrived in Dunedin, the temperature was so not what I expected after being around 30 degrees since last year some time I was in shock at the temperature gauge only reading 13 degrees! On the Thursday before Saturday’s race, I headed out to check out the track with some mates from Auckland who had also been doing the circuit, and boy was it muddy! Reminded me exactly of Glenbervie forest in the middle of winter after a week of rain. I got a wicked start, 2nd into the single track behind Anton Cooper and was going really strong, until the first hill.. I was dead! My legs were just not responding, I was putting everything I had into them, working as hard as I could and still nothing, as I watched almost the entire field cruise past. Eventually though, I managed to reel a few riders in and managed to collect 7th place in the finish. I was a bit disappointed with my result, but I put everything I had into it so couldn’t dwell on it too much. Despite my result it was great to see everyone on the podium and give them the applause they deserved, especially elite champion Carl Jones who had been aiming for this event and Anton and who smashed it!
Stoked on such a fun trip traveling with mum and a great season! Met so many cool people along the way have a bunch of new friends. Cant wait to do it all again.
About Harley Going
Our latest "Sponsored Rider", Harley Going ....the young man to watch out for on the Mountain Bike circuit!!!
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