Blair and Fay crowned Champions at Port to Port

Having created a stunning event in a stellar location with the Cape to Cape, the same organisation have brought their skills to the east coast of Australia, creating the Port to Port MTB race. Starting in Nelson Bay and ending in Newcastle, the race was four days of diverse trails and terrain in one of the most heavily populated areas of Australia. The first year was set for a great start with a number of elite racers attending – including Cape to Cape victors Andy Blair and Jenny Fay, both from Swell-Specialized. Torq Australia had a huge representation, with countless U23 and U19 riders filling the start chute in a sea of orange.

Stage 1:

Starting at Nelson Bay last Thursday, the first stage was a little under 40km of bush tracks, sand, road and some cycle path. Perhaps not what you’d head out for casual mountain bike ride on, but a brilliantly fast and testing race course. Although this was a first year event, the race organisers have a great volume of experience, and a key part of this is enlisting Big Hill Events to assist in running the race. Having a group of mountain bike racers mark the course, and take the Race Director role makes a big difference. The briefing was succinct and useful, and the course easy to follow, even through maze like back streets and through scrubby bush. This day was notable for the sand, with an ability to float over it a bonus. Andrew Blair and Chris Hamilton broke away from the main bunch, with Blair pretty certain he could assume the lead when running the ‘Vertical Beach’, a 40m sand dune.

Perhaps assisted by experience in sand, and also by as many years racing as Hamilton has been breathing, Blair did get into the lead, and maintained his position to win solo. A slow leak in his rear tyre which had him finish on 13psi – half what he normally runs, might also have helped for the floatation! Jenny Fay won the women’s race, about 6 minutes clear of Em Parkes in 2nd and Imogen Smith in 3rd. The pace was high for everyone, and there were a lot of buzzing riders at the marina post stage.

Stage 2:

One of the popular aspects of Cape to Cape is the use of vineyards. They’re not a bad place to start or finish a stage – especially if you’re not racing but accompanying someone who is! Lindemann’s winery hosted the start and finish – and a dramatic background with the ridgeline behind shrouded in cloud. With plenty of rain overnight no one was too sure what conditions the trails would be in. As the major climb lead into off camber motorbike singletrack, and a long descent, there was a need to play it safe with your bike so it would last the distance of about 55km. The first climb went straight into cloud – and I was soon in that curious moment where at one point you’re surrounded by a few hundred people on the start line, and within half an hour you’re alone in the bush – unable to see anyone ahead or behind. That didn’t last for long, as the motorbike singletrack had been torn up by the front group and was rapidly deteriorating. Riders tripoded, ran, swore and crashed their way through. It was all acceptable until the mud bog which was a new foresty track that heavy machinery had been through. Few made it through, and it clogged forks and frames, drivetrains, pedals, and wrung out the last bit of humour from most competitors. A long descent, long road section and some dirt road climbs brought riders back to the winery and a welcome hose. Chris Hamilton out sprinted Blair to win the stage, Jenny Fay won ahead of Em Parkes and Imogen Smith. Many were tempted to join the bikewash line instead of crossing the line.

Stage 3:

Another day, another winery. And a new drivetrain for many riders. Feedback from the previous day had not fallen on deaf ears at the race organisers were quick to amend the course to suit the conditions. Still starting at Briar Ridge winery and ending at Richmond Railway Museum, the course was shortened to 51.2km – saving about 10km and a lot of mud. With a sharp climb from the gun, a quick descent and then a prolonged climb, the bunch was split very quickly.

Tired legs appeared, but thankfully the worst of the climbing was done early in the stage. Rolling through the forests of the Hunter Valley, we crossed through towns via singletrack and dirt roads. The four main features were wet ruts, trails like pump tracks, dumped rubbish and power lines. The Hunter Valley locals have a wonderful environment, but they have a terrible problem with dumping rubbish in the bush.

The high pace and wet and sandy conditions took their toll – and race leader Andy Blair broke his chain right near the finish. He ran his bike in to limit his losses, but Chris Hamilton cut his gap to Blair on GC to just 28 seconds with one stage to go. Fay had another brilliant stage, proving she is in top conditions ahead of the European XCM Championships and World XCM Championships. Imogen Smith rode to a fabulous 2nd place with Em Parkes just behind in 3rd.

Stage 4:

One to go, and a little bit of a drive to Cam’s Wharf for the start. Another point to point day, with a mix of road, singletrack, beach and cyclepath. A furious start was certain with the Torq team throwing their arsenal at Andy Blair. Blair had team mate Shaun Lewis watching everything, an besuited in his skintight cycling onesie and aero helmet, Lewis was ready to be there for Blair. The course threw up many challenges, mostly from where ti was set. The use of public shared paths seemed to be universally disliked – by racers and general public alike. A Sunday morning is a popular time to walk the dog, push a pram, or go for a stroll – which doesn’t mix well with a few hundred riders coming through.

The race hit the beach just after high tide, forcing riders to the waters edge for firmer sand. Most got wet, some were swept off their bikes. All were challenged! The last few kilometres on shared path were into a headwind, and the front group stayed together with Blair and Lewis placing first and second in the sprint. Fay won well ahead of Em Parkes, riding with the assistance of one of her team mates, with Imogen Smith just behind – and this is how the final podium looked too. The stage was not overly popular for a few reasons, but was able to showcase the sport to the public, especially by finishing right at Nobby’s beach. Looking at Cape to Cape, and seeing how an event that started with 80 entrants has grown to one that sells out months in advance, it’s fair to say that Port to Port will grow to be a premier event on the Australian, and even global, race calendar.