A downpour overnight couldn’t drown out spirits at Calalla beach as competitors lined up for the third round of the Real Insurance XCM Series powered by CycleNation, the Husky 100k’er.
The postponed race had again looked at risk with torrential rain and lightening at 8pm on Saturday, but riders awoke on Sunday to clear conditions on Sunday.
The 100km riders had the early start, setting off at 7:30am. Hundreds of riders streamed out of the startline for their journey around what is regarded as the flattest race of the series. The day’s racing is likely to have a major bearing on the outcome of the overall series.
The absence of series leaders Ben Mather and Vanina Vergos saw favourite status fall upon other riders who were anxious to make up points on their rivals.
A fit and focussed Dylan Cooper and Matt Fleming were joined on the startline by veteran strongman Troy Glennan. In the women’s field Jenny Fay and Becky Mates looked the ladies to beat.
Fleming proved his pedigree early taking a 20 second lead at the 20km mark and claiming top points at the King of the Mountain’s point. Mark Griffin claimed second at the hill climb, with Cooper claiming third.
Fay claimed the women’s points, while Mates followed her rival across for second in the Queen of the Mountain’s point, which the Torq rider currently leads.
In the 50km event Garry Millburn looked like a man on a mission as he uses the shorter distance to improve his form for the XC series.
Early DNF’s indicated quite a bit of mud out on course, so it looks like a dirty day for the 1000 brave souls who’ve taken on the challenge.
Stay tuned to MarathonMTB.com for a full report of all the action from both events.