Leov Wins NZ Open, Sets Sights On Oceanias

10.3.2008

Justin Leov (Yeti Fox Shox Factory Team) took another important win on the weekend, on his return to top level international form, and now has his sights set on the Oceania Championships Title.

The New Zealand Downhill Open took place yesterday on a demanding track made up of sections of rocky lava flow and some very open and fast corners in dry slippery conditions. The corners forced the riders to find their limits early in training, and Justin found his speed without issue, and had two excellent runs to get through the seeding and win the final by more than 3 seconds ahead of his nearest rival on a short 2 minute 20 course.

Photo:Radek Drozdowicz

Justin said: “The turn out was good for the Elite field and it was a bonus to have my team mate Sam Blenkinsop onboard his freshly built up Yeti 303. From seeding to race run the conditions stayed the same and a lot of people looked to be struggling in the wind, especially on some of the rocky drops. It was a good day and I was happy to put two clean runs together to take the title.”

Wind definitely played a role catching some people off guard on the drop offs, with strength required to pedal through the wind to maintain the speed to the line. The gap between Cameron Cole in 2nd and Sam Blenkinsop in 3rd was a mere 8/100ths of a second.

Next weekend sees the continental championships, namely the Oceanias, being held in Nelson. This is a major event, and a title that Justin is keen to add to his resume. Shortly after the Oceanias, both Justin and Sam will depart for the USA to start their international race season.

Results:

1. Justin Leov 2.22.86
2. Cameron Cole 2.26.06
3. Sam Blenkinsop 2.26.14
4. Kieran Bennett 2.26.58
5. Nathan Sharratt 2.26.97

LEOV WINS IN NEW ZEALAND