Race 4 Dunsborough
With valuable series points on the line a hand full of NBCC riders headed down to Dunsborough and Margaret River for the weekend double header. Race 4 held around the golf course trail in Dunsborough started with a wide open sprint into the single track, (thats right, XCO races start with a sprint, not ending with one).
Riding C grade I was totally swamped at the start and settled into the middle the pack trying to ride some tempo as we Congo lined through the single track, my line of thought was to hit the B line on the first two tricky obstacles and pass anyone getting caught up on the A lines. Of course this failed terribly and I lost several more spots on the first lap.
After regaining my composure I turned up the gas and managed to pass riders on the more open part of the track to get myself into 3rd place on the second lap. This was one of those races where my legs felt great and I was mowing down the the front runners.
As with all great plans things went pear shape on the a fast rough downhill section with my chain bouncing off and tying it self in knots.
Stopping for a minute to untangle the mess nearly the entire field of C grade buzzed past me with the odd shout of “You Ok Mate” I’m sure I heard Richard Reeves giggle as I noticed a flash of NBCC Green fly by.
Now angry that I had lost over a minute to the field, I solved rubiks cube of chain tangles and got going again.
Attacking the back markers I made my way up to 4th spot passing several riders using the more difficult but shorter A lines on the obstacles by the 4th and last lap. With 1 rider in sight I attacked again and squeezed past the 4th place C grade rider just before the single track narrowed. Looking back I could see he wasn't happy and he powered on trying to get onto my tail. ( its important not to let another rider get too close, they use your momentum to stay on your wheel) on the switch back sections I turned it on again and managed to distance myself from the chasing rider with only the fast downhill section to go.
Unbelievably I finished 3rd, still a couple of minutes down on the leaders, but very happy with the result.
Well done to all the D grade riders form NBCC
Richard Reeves (Vice President) 3rd place
Mike Thorman 13th Place
James Papadopoff (JP) ( I don’t train) 19th Place
Race 5 Margaret River
With a bigger field of riders for the Monday race the pressure was on form the start, again I settled into the top 3rd of the field trying to pace myself after smashing my legs the day before. The track for the day included the new Compartment 10 trails. Smooth sweet flowing, hard pack single track. Digging deep on the switch back climbs I consolidated my position and started taking in all the trail had to offer. I love this trail!!!
2nd lap in, myself and a good mate of mine Mark Rubery were closing in on the 5th place rider until we both dropped a chain on a bumpy fast section. Stopping to swing the chain back on I managed to get myself in to 6th place and it looked like I was going to hold it with no one else in site on the last lap. Then out of nowhere Mark Rubery was visible through the trees and gaining on me fast. I knew my legs were gone and there was no way I could hold him off for another half lap of climbing. Sure enough I was passed and finished in a credible 7th position.
Its wasn't happy hunting for the others, Richard broke a chain (obviously way too much power) and scored a DNF
Mike Thorman burped one of his tubeless tyres and also scored a DNF.
However James Papadopoff (JP) ( I don’t train) finished in an impressive 20th position out of a very large 45 starters in D Grade. He also had to stop for a few minutes to sort out a cramping calf.
Well done and thanks to all the organisers, supporters and riders that made the weekend an awesome one!
Mark Papadopoff
Director MTB
