Images by: Duncan Philpott
Riders set out in torrential rain to cover seven stages, spanning out over 57 kilometers and 1500 meters of climbing. A big contrast to the dry and dusty conditions that were seen in practice.
Race day shed a new light on stages hailed as “the most fun ever”, as the heavens opened and torrential rain began to catch riders off guard.
As with round one in Rotorua, challenging conditions made for exciting racing with unpredictable results throughout the men’s category. Greg Callaghan seemed destined for the win, leading after stage six, but a crash would see Adrien Dailly come out on top – his second race as a senior, and his first win since moving up from the U21 category. A big push for Sam Hill later on would earn him the win in stages five and seven, clinching third place in the process.
Adrien was “very happy, but also very surprised to take the win. I’ve won as an U21 before but this is my first win in the men’s category and it means a lot”.
Isabeau Courdurier took lead right from the beginning, taking the win in the first three stages. Stages four and five saw Commencal rider Cecile Ravanel taking the win, but it wasn’t enough to match the Isabeau’s pace as she took her first Enduro World Series win. Cecile had to settle for second, with a well deserved third place from Ines Thoma.
Isabeau wasn’t feeling great leading up to the big day, but said she felt good come racing. With intentions of riding calm and safe, it was a somewhat unexpected win for the young French rider. “I’m not used to riding in the wet but I just kept calm and chose some nice lines and it worked. i have no words for today – It cannot be better than this”.
Karim Amour was crowned the winner of Masters Men, followed by CRC’s Pagey in second, and reigning World Champ Michael Broderick took third.
Coming up second in stages one and three to Jodi Newton, Mary Mcconnelough had a questionable start but came out on top, with Jodi taking second, and Sharon Heap in third.
In the U21 men it was Australian Ben Mcllroy who came out on the top step, taking the win in stages two, three, and seven. Fellow Aussie Blake Pearce followed in second, along with New Zealand’s Ben Friel who took third.
Being the only rider in the U21 Women’s category, Martha Gill posted a very competitive time nonetheless
Team of the day went to Rocky Mountain Urge bp, with Canyon Factory Enduro in second, and Ibis Cycles Race Team in third.
However, GT Factory Racing still lead the overall team competition.
Full results from the days race are available here.
