Round Two, New Zealand Community Trust South Island Cross Country Cup, 6 January 2008, Coronet Peak
Eric Drower (Cambridge) dominated the Elite Men’s field at Round Two of the South Island Cross Country Cup held in glorious sunshine on Sunday 6 January, Coronet Peak. Showing good early season form and wanting to banish the demons of his previous racing season, Drower lead from start to finish, producing a 9 minute winning margin over second placed Dayle McLauchlan (Christchurch). Drower posted the fastest lap time of the day with a scorching 19.06 minute lap on the fun, purpose built mountain bike tracks at Coronet Peak.
The Elite Women’s field was a closer race between rivals Jeanette Gerrie (Christchurch) and Cathy Hamer (Hokitika) with Gerrie taking the lead on the first lap and retaining it to win line honours over the course of 5 laps. As Hamer won Round One of the South Island Cup, the series winner in the Elite Women’s category will be determined at the upcoming third and final round to be held in Omihi (North Canterbury) at the Vulcaniser race, 20 January 2008.
In a new format for Mountain Bike New Zealand, Under 19 and Under 23 age categories raced with the Elite field, allowing the up and coming talent to test themselves against the best riders in New Zealand. Of particular note was the winning performance of Under 19 rider Ashley Hough (Tauranga) who posted lap times that would have ranked him high in the Elite field.
In the earlier race start for Under 15, Under 17, Senior and Master categories, it was local rider Geoff Small (Masters 30 category) of Lake Hawea with the standout performance. Small, the winner of the annual Brakeburner event held at Coronet Peak, used his home advantage and great bike handling skills to blitz the field.
The local action continues this week with Coronet Peak opening their tracks to the public and Round Two of the Subaru South Island Downhill Cup moving to another alpine venue, Dirt Park, Wanaka 8-9 January.
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