03.11.07 - National XC Round 1: Adelaide, SA

XC

Eagle Park is Adelaide's latest upgraded MTB venue. Situated just out of town, it was easy to get to and offered some fun tracks. The XC course was fast, flowing, and fun. With not may open areas, local knowledge and positioning would be critical. And with some showers in the morning, the track was tacky and ready to be carved.

The first national round each season is always a bit of an unknown for riders. Nobody knows how the other riders are going, so they're always keen to see how their early-season form is going. Adelaide was no different, with most riders seeming relaxed, but eager. Jongewaard, Taberlay and Cooper the three senior riders back from the World Championships, no doubt wanting to make a mark. Jongewaard was the clear favourite, coming off plenty of tough road racing to race on his home course. Taberlay had been popping his head up at a few big road and mountain bike races. Lefmann, McConnell, Lewis, and Henderson were a few riders willing to give them a run for their money.

Cooper lead the race to the top of the first climb, with Jongewaard taking the lead into the first descent and never looking back. He won by two minutes. Taberlay and Cooper were close all race, fighting for second place, with the Tasmanian taking it by 30 seconds. Lewis and Lefmann were another minute back, with Henderson in sixth.

ST

With Jongewaard and Taberlay absent from Sunday's short track, it was an open race. What was a great track in the dry became clay hell in the wet. Riders were caked in red mud and their bikes weighed double. Cooper and Mather faught it out for half of the race, before Cooper attacked and took it all the way to the finish. Paul Van Der Ploeg Van Der Ploeg had a good ride to claim third.