02.02.08 - National XC Round 4: Mt Beauty, Vic
XC
Mt Beauty locals always work hard to put on a good show for the travelling mountain bike circus. This year was no exception. The weather and the track were perfect for the XC races. Some riders were keen to finish off the season, some wanting to get a good result to end on a high note. The vibe on the start line was very positive. A lot of joking going on to relieve the tension. Perhaps to do with the closeness of the top three in the series. Cooper, Lefmann and Lewis all had to go well to win the series or maintain that order. Jongevaard was eager to maintain his good form. And Van Der Ploeg really wanted a win on his home course. The crowd would definitely help him along.
The race was very strung out and positions didn't change much. Jongevaard lead for most of the race, McConnell trying desperately to hunt him down. Van Der Ploeg rode strongly, trying to hold off Cooper and Flemming. Lefmann pulled out after going too hard too soon. Jongevaard took a convincing win over McConnell, while Van Der Ploeg pipped Cooper on the line in a rare sprint finish. Flemming rode consistently and came in fifth.
ST
The short track race was the usual spectator-friendly deal at the base of the mountain. But the weather turned bad and it was a greasy affair. Most riders pulled the pin due to mechanicals, including Cooper, Lewis, Blair and Jackson. Others slipped around, trying desperately to gain traction and find cogs that meshed. Spurred on by the locals, Van Der Ploeg did his best to stay with Jongevaard. He did so for most of the race, hanging a few metres back. But it took it's toll and he couldn't maintain it. His brother Paul wasn't far behind, set to finish third, until mechanicals knocked him out of the race. Spink took over and finished third.
It was a mixed season in many ways. A variety of locations, tracks, weather, and riders. The lead changed regularly to make it exciting. And the introduction of the short track series was a standout crowd puller. A discipline that should certainly be embraced. In the end Cooper won both the Short Track and XC series'. Followed by Lefmann and Lewis.