Tauranga, TGA, Concrete Jungle, Donny's Hood, call it what you may, but for the first weekend of the new year it was the home to the most prestigious race series of all; the MTBNZ New Zealand Downhill Cup. As per usual Friday practice was rather busy with track walks, autograph signings and media commitments. As myself and James Baron were both making comebacks to competitive racing, we found ourselves quite popular with the media. For those of you who don't know James Baron burst onto the seen in 2004 with a 7th place in Pro before becoming somewhat of a recluse as he struggled with the demands of domestic fame and fortune and consequently battled with sex, drugs and downhillers sisters. That aside I was very impressed with the work that had gone into the track. Tim Lawton and his team had really stepped up and put on a track that was better than dome valley. With some steep hairy sections at the top and a “supercross-like triple 9metre double jump” in the middle, the track was challenging the best. Visiting Italian Road cyclist turned downhill racer, Jorge Branigano was heard comparing the track to the likes of Schladming, Mont Saint Anne and Champery. Throughout the day the track got progressively rougher and rougher that by the end of the day there were more holes than a thai party girl. One thing I noticed worth mentioning was the standard of riders in attendance. Kai Chow, who is generally the only Chinese downhiller had some stiff competition from visiting Chinese Downhillers riding out the Mei Wah takeaway team. Brook Macdonald and Sam Blenkinsop were inseparable as they chased each other like gay schoolboys. Richard Leacock chasing the illusive world cup qualification changed his name to Ryco in an attempt to scare bergamont rider, arch rival and nemesis Joe Nation.
With practice all wrapped up, riders headed back to their respective bases to relax and prepare for the big day ahead. As elite athletes, it is very important for us to prepare ourselves the best we can, and back at team base, myself, Jake Robinson, Brook Macdonald and Matt Walker decided on a spot of Kayaking. Two near drownings and a broken paddle later we felt we were ready to pounce. Wyn Masters decided to sit the Kayaking out this time round as he had suffered a horrific injury the day before while trying vacate the Kayak.
On race morning everyone had their eyes on the 'prize'. Team Monster Energy were on the scene early and it seemed to work well with Louis Hamilton taking poll position in the U19 class. The track had seemed to bed in over night and many of the lines were now far more predictable than the day before. Blenky showed his true class by seeding first ahead of Jesus Masters and Brook MacDonald. Always the strategist, Myself and Mike Davis opted to play the rain game as the El Nina climate was bound to play into my hand. Career criminal Reon Boe posted the 6th fastest seeding run as he burgled the Senior men's class.
Come race runs, there was some serious tension in the air, mind games were played and everyone knew it was business time. With Rueben Olorenshaw taking the U19 a bee's dick ahead of Jay Barrett. Joe Nation stormed the track to take the hotseat early on in a 2.04. 85 before I snuck in ahead of him on a 2.04 65. I was good enough for fourth place while Ryco Leakdick got one over his nemesis scraping into 5th place on a 2.04 80. Matt Walker running on the smell of a Vodka rag claimed 3rd place, with Rankin and blenki taking the honours.
The final results don't always tell the whole story, Brook Macdonald crashed out while Italian Jorge Branigano couldnt quite piece it all together. Louis Hamilton drank too much monster between seeding and finals and subsequently exploded. Rides of mention go to Lexington Meilink who scored a 10th place in pro. This is a real achievement as he has to pilot 10kgs of love muscle down the hill as well as his bike; a feat in itself. Scott ' the bedifile' Bedford managed to make it down the hill without arrest to take the hardtail class.
On the whole it was an awesome race, very professional and it really took NZ downhill to the next level. Saturday night was very uneventful as there was no official afterparty, but rumors are floating around that Brook Macdonald will be hosting a keg party as well as the NZDH invite only funnel fest. More info as we get it. Last but not least thanks to my personal sponsors, Donny for the sweet bergamont, Wyn and mavis for components and The Rockstar motorcycle gang. Ben Stewart is gay. Until next time |
