Article 7: Winds dry out track

Winds dry out tracks for successful race day

WAYNE POOL

Last updated 13:00 14/10/2013

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Strong winds on the preceding day and evening had dried out Codgers' muddy trails, giving sublime riding conditions for the second round of the Nelson Mountain Bike Club cross-country series which combined with the 2013 South Island Masters Games.
Yesterday's short course multi-lap event used Tantragee Rd to gain altitude for a return to the Brook Valley via many of the free-flowing tracks around Summit Rd area.
Under-17 rider Scott Barr accelerated away from the rest of the field as the mass start of riders jostled for position around the start loop of Andrews' field before heading uphill for the first time.
Barr continued to gradually extend his lead, completing his five laps in 1hr 10min 35sec, 1min 31sec ahead of second place overall Vet 1 rider Edward Kerly.

Arguably the most impressive ride of the day was by one of the oldest competitors, Motueka's Thomas Dunn, who comfortably beat Rangiora rider Charles Barlthrop to win the 70-79 age group. Dunn completed four laps in 1hr 27min, this after completing a full lap as a warmup.
At the other end of the age spectrum, the under-15 boys stuck to each other like glue with only 1min 30sec separating the entire pack and Jake Todd a mere second behind winner Cameron Jones.
Zoe Nathan put in a determined effort in winning the under-15 girls while Mum Jacqui took gold in masters 2 ahead of Jo Anderson.

The largest class of the day, the 40-49 masters 2, saw a tight battle for the top three places between Jake Stowe, Seamus Ryan and Mike Anderson with Jake putting in a strong second lap to take the lead which he never relinquished.
Meg Bichard proved to be the strongest woman of the event, completing six laps in an impressive 1hr 35min to win the senior women's class ahead of Eloise Fry, who claimed the masters 1 title. Diana Bowering completed her three laps in just over an hour to win the masters 3.
Jacob Anderson completed his seven laps with style to take control of the under-19 men, while Oliver Miller showed the same strength to win the under-19 women.
The senior men's winner, Jake Glover, was the only other rider to complete seven laps in a time of 1hr 51min.

In the masters 3, Andrew Scott faded on lap three and was overtaken by Doug Sharland and Tim Bygate in an always competitive class.
Round three of this series will be held on Sharland's Creek trails next Sunday.