The weather was still wet and cold and the course was cutting up rough with many slippery roots and rocks being exposed by the constant barrage of rain and riders meaning whoever was going to take this out not only had to have a good set of legs, but also the presence of mind to keep their bike upright.
Anton went to the front early and lead a pack of four consisting of French rider Victor Koretzk, Pommie Grant Ferguson and fellow Kiwi Sam Gaze. Looking a lot like their Commonwealth Games effort a couple of years earlier Sam and Anton appeared to be pacing off each other, when Sam had a crash and unfortunately given the pace of the other three at the front couldn't manage to make it back to bridge the gap.
The race then turned into a one-on-one battle between Anton and Victor for the last two laps as they shared the front before Anton wound up his legs and managed to out-sprint the Frenchie over the last 400m.
- Photo Credit: Armin Kuestenbrueck - Cannondale Team
Sam still managed to roll across the line in a very respectable fourth place.
There were three other kiwis battling their way through the pack in the forms of Ben Oliver, Craig Oliver and Jack Compton, who all struggled with the conditions but were able to to finish, 47th, 54th and 67th respectively, which is a great effort considering the weather conditions and pace of the race!
Kate Fluker rolls off the line tomorrow at 12noon.
Connor Sandri was the best of the Junior downhillers during seeding in 14th place, Cole Lucas being the next Kiwi in 17th. The conditions are making some of the sections are real gamble at speed and times are well spread out across the board. Mud spikes and head-games will need to be sorted before race runs on Sunday night.
