"Spectacular action highlighted the inaugural Corona Dirtmasters Downhill in the Ben Lomond Forest as 80 competitors took on the challenge with top honours going to national downhill exponent Reon Boe of Queenstown, in a time 5.08.50 minutes.

Boe was the fastest qualifier and the top seed and a big crowd gathered at the Brecon Street steps to watch him put in the quickest run of the day ousting second fastest rider, Rupert Chapman of Christchurch, who clocked 5.13.56, from the “hot seat.”

“This was an awesome race and it such a good thing for Queenstown,” says Boe. “I am sure we can get lots more people to come here in summer and hopefully one day we can hold a World Cup downhill.”

Festival co-ordinator Geoff Hunt predicts the Dirtmasters will grow into a major event.
“This was the inaugural event in the inaugural festival and the huge interest it has created amongst both spectators and riders bodes well for the future. Judging by the numbers of people on the hill, lining the street and gathering on nearby balconies, it’s the sort of action people love.”

Tony Moore (local Qtn Mtn bike enthusiast) “Today’s race was impressive, a really good start. Riders have come from all over the country and the draw is Queenstown and also the gondola."

“We set a reasonably mellow course to allow ‘have a go’ downhillers to enter but as the event gets sharper the hill will become more geared to it and focus around higher end riders.”

So to 2012
We have mapped out the course already and it will be a little harder than last years event. It uses some of the well known trails in the Qtn Bike Park and some not so well known. The exact details of the route will not be announced till the day before the race. While Qtn riders have a chance to ride the hill regularly, they will not have an undue advantage.

Note: the course will be almost as long as last year (5.08 winning time), but will leave the hill in a different place to ride through the camp ground and down Mann Street before dropping the stairs for the ceremonial finish.

The stairs attracted a huge crown and proved to be a highlight for everyone - bringing the downhill mountain bike sport right into the heart of Queenstown.

Course: The course covers 3kms down steep downhill tracks, finishing with the steep stairs dropping into the finish line outside the Lone Star Brecon Street Queenstown. (Sun only) Actual finish (timing) on departure from the mountain.
Date: Practise Day Sat 7th April
Race Day Sun 8th April
Divisions: Male and Female. Junior - under 15 thruogh Master
Entry fee: $130 (Qtn Mtn Bike Club discount)