The short track (XCC) fell final day of cross-country racing at the Subaru MTBA National Round in Toowoomba this weekend. While not as popular as XCO, the shorter discipline is high on action – as well as burning muscles and lungs after the previous days hard efforts.
Arriving in time to just catch B grade men, it was a showcase by Luke Pankhurst, as he rode away from the small group towards the end of the first lap – and masters rider Peter Lister could just chase and hope to not be caught.
Peter Lister chases Pankhurst.
The Women’s A grade race had a blistering start through the opening singletrack, as Anna Beck pinned it for the hole shot.
Anna Beck grabbed the lead from the gun.
Leading for the first lap, Beck was pursued by Katherine Hosking and Bec Henderson.
By the third lap Henderson was in charge, and set about putting more time into her rivals. Beck held on to second place, with young talent Hosking holding off young Zoe Cuthbert.
The Elite Men’s race was a red-wash of Trek Racing Australia riders – but that didn’t mean they would have it all their way. Like yesterday, Dan McConnell took the race lead, but Brendan Johnston was stuck to him right away.
McConnell leads Johnston through the Toowoomba turns
Michael Potter improved through the race.
So many red power rangers.
With a gap opening behind, it ended up being young Michael Harris who found his way into riding in third place. Shaun Lewis (Real) was chasing behind, but had to pull out after a flat. Our rider Sebastian Jayne rode clear of the chasers to cement himself in 4th, despite a resurgence from both Luke Brame and Michael Potter.
Seb Jayne worked his way into 4th place.
The leading duo kept on building their gap.
On the bell lap, McConnell attacked Johnston and rode clear, with Johnston finishing second, Harris 3rd and Jayne in 4th.