BENDIGO MTB RIDERS DOMINATE STATE RD PODIUM

Local rider and 2009 Australian world cup representative Jo Wall revelled in the hot and rocky track conditions at Brian/Scottys Track in Sedgwick, and ended up dominating the women’s Elite category, although she crashed on the first lap, she still managed to complete the final 3 laps of the 7.6km course with only 4 gears. Coming in 2^nd was another member of the Bendigo MTB club Peta Mullens, who is a past Australian Champion on the road, but is trying her hand on the “dirt”, along with road racing.

The Elite Male category was won by Murray Spink after his main opposition local teenager Rob Hucker flatted on his 2^nd lap, yet even though loosing 6 minutes with the flat tyre, managed to work his way through the field, from last place to finish a credible 2^nd 2 ½ minutes behind Spink. Another local ex Olympian Josh Fleming coming in 3^rd ,a good result after a time away from the race MTB scene.

Teenager Jack Haig controlled the under 19 men from the start gun and ended up racking up lap times that would be respectable in the Elite race.

Strathfieldsaye’s Tyler Hamilton took out the under 17 mens category after a tussle with Ryan Lloyd from Geelong, the sprint to the line was taken out by Tyler by “half a wheel”.

“fast” Gary (Lewis) took out the Supermasters (50-59yr) category after leading from the start and comfortable taking the win by minutes in a larger field of riders.

Other podium winners from the club were Nick Cherry 3^rd in under 15 and Toby Parkinson 2^nd in Sport men.