Two titles for Avery family at the NZCT NI Champs

It was a family affair for the Avery’s today at the 2nd round of the NZCT North Island Cross Country Cup.

Maryanne Avery started the day with a win in the Masters 3 women, followed up in the afternoon by her son, Clinton Avery, who won the Pro Elite race in convincing fashion.

Not to be outdone Clinton’s younger brother, Patrick picked up 2nd in the Under 19 Mens race.

Despite pushing Avery hard in the Pro Elite race, Stuart Houltham had to make do with 2nd to cross the line followed by Eric Drower in 3rd.

Home advantage was evident in the Pro Elite Womens race with the top four places being local Rotorua riders.

Annika Smail rode a fantastic race in hot conditions beating Genevive Matthews, the winner of the 1st round of the North Island Cross Country cup.

All riders without exception were impressed with the course which is considered one of the top 5 cross country courses in the world.

Focus will switch tomorrow to Downhill with Rotorua also the venue for the 2nd round of the Subaru North Island Downhill Cup.Over 250 riders will test their nerve on the Downhill track which starts at Tawa Road and finishes at the junction of Pipeline and Nice Roads.

The 3rd and final round of the NZCT North Island Cross Country Cup will take place in Palmerston North on 10th February and the 3rd and final round of the Subaru North Island Downhill Cup will take place in Dome Valley, Auckland on the 17th February.

Events to come for mountain biking include the NZCT National Championships in Wellington February 21-24 and the NZCT Oceania Championships in Nelson 13-16th March.

Results:

Pro Elite Men

Clinton Avery (Rotorua) 2:14.20 1, Stuart Houltham (Palmerston North) 2:18.59 2, Eric Drower (Cambridge) 2:25.45 3,


Pro Elite Women

Annika Smail (Rotorua) 1:47.06 1, Genevieve Matthews (Rotorua)1:47.37 2, Sonia Hill (Rotorua) 1:50.54 3


Full results can be viewed on the BikeNZ website www.bikenz.org.nz