Roadtrip time! The Coffs Harbour round is fast becoming one of the classics if not “the” classic round of the NSW downhill series. Anyone who as been just knows this is the truth, Coff’s is a top notch track looked after by devoted locals (thank you dozer and crew) with a wicked atmosphere and a unofficial side competition just to keep things interesting. Thats right its the ‘State of Origin’ mountain bike style, the hardest of Queenslanders versus the toughest of New South Welshman.
Arriving mid week I was able to sneak in a few runs myself (for once) and view the new track changes including the new World Cup-esq section. The rest of the changes included some beefed up berms and some general track maintenance that just made the whole flawy experience just that much better.
There were plenty of elite and U19′s riders on hand for the battle including first round winner Graeme Mudd and last years Coffs winner Gregg Palmer also joining the elite field were returned Worlds Junior representatives Vejvoda, McMillan,Moir and Crimmins. Podium positions would be hard won.
In U19′s it appeared to be a continuation of the first round with young U17′s riders Matt McCorkell, Joel Willis and Andy Crimmins pushing their way into the competitive category taking on riders such as Brent Smith.
The weather had been forecast for rain but managed to hold out mostly till Sunday where unpredictable showers made racing interesting. U19′s and the first half of the elite field managed to get down on a dry track before rain took hold. Bikes were tossed a google torn off in frustration as seeding became a shambles. Crashing and unscheduled tree hugging saw some riders further down the seeding list than expected. Jack Moir was one of those riders. As the sun briefly returned it was game on and Moir after a crash and a poor seeding was able to put in a solid time to eventually claim the win.
A second shower in the midst of finals destroyed a few more race runs with the podium ending Moir first Ricky Boyer out classed in second and Joey Vejvoda last years U19′s winner in third. Outclassed and out gunned the first Queenslander Lindsay Klein was down in 5th and last years winer Gregg Palmer was left somewhere down in the top twenties the win clearly going to NSW this year. In Elite Women a truce was called after seeding due to track conditions so results were made up on their first runs with Michelle Crisp out riding the resurgent Sarah Booth and Jo Fox.
In the U19′s it was a different story with seeding going down on a dry track and the race on a patchwork of wet and dry. Surprise third seed Hayden Poptie went down hard in finals leaving the door open for the smooth riding of Joel Willis. Andy Crimmins threw it all on the line but it was enough to beat the consistent Smith the top two mirroring the results from Del Rio.
Race done and dusted it was time for the long trip home with most riders averaging a travel time of 5 hours or more, thanks for the great turnout. Thanks to Rocky Trail for running the event hope to see you all at Lithgow.
Results
Elite Men
1. Jack Moir 3:28.40
2. Ricky Boyer 3:30.94
3. Joey Vejvoda 3:35.95
4. Brendan Moon 3:37.02
5. Lindsay Klein 3:37.03
Elite Women
1. Michelle Crisp 4:13.40
2. Sarah Booth 4:24.48
3. Jo Fox 4:33.43
4. Claire Ly 5:08.84
U19′s
1. Brent Smith 3:38.13
2. Andy Crimmins 3:44.70
3. Joel Willis 3:47.86
4. James Murphy 3:48.32
5. Geoff Wilson 3:52.04
Full Results in PDF HERE
CREDITS
Words & Photos : Robert Conroy
Helmet Cam Footage :
