Shaun Lewis (Rockstar Racing) reclaimed the lead in the Series by taking his 3rd win in 4 events at this past weekends Stevens Bikes Husky 100’ker.
The 4th leg of the 6 event Real Insurance XCM Series visited the beautiful town of Callala Beach. The riders were greeted by the most perfect day the Husky 100’ker has ever seen in its 3 year existence.
The Elite field was once again stacked to the brim with newly crowned Australian XCM Champion and Real Insurance XCM Series leader Andy Blair, World 24 Hour Champion Jason English, KOM leader Adrian Jackson and Shaun Lewis along with most of the usual suspects. A noteworthy new face to the Series Cam Peterson, a highly revered road cyclist, joining the lineup.
That’s a heavy start line. Photo: CycleNation
The race started fast and it was Trenton Day who looked the most dangerous as he crested the KOM climb at the 30km mark ahead of Adrian Jackson and Kyle Ward. They were closely followed by a pack of 10 riders including roadie Cam Peterson, but not including Jason English who had to stop to fix a mechanical problem. English impressively caught the leaders later on.
The lead group dwindled down to Lewis, Blair, English, Shippard, Peterson, Jackson, Day, Jackson and Hall with about 15km to go. Peterson put in a big attack which only Lewis were able to follow. It looked like the winning move but Blair, Shippard, English and Hall managed to bridge in the final couple of kilometres and it was down to yet another sprint.
Trenton Day leads over the KOM. Photo: CycleNation
Lewis timed it perfectly and took his 3rd win out of 4 events so far in the Series.
The women’s event was once again dominated by defending XCM Series champion Jenny Fay, who is still yet to meet her match.
The next event in the Series is the Wollombi Wild Ride on the 1st of September. The Wollombi Wild Ride is one of the least technical difficult courses in the Series making it perfect for anyone to come and try their hand at mountain biking. The Briars Highland Fling in Bundanoon is the last and biggest event in the Series with over 2,000 riders expected.