Mid NI XC final - Rotorua

While Dirk Peters fired out an early warning shot to his rivals ahead of the upcoming NZ national MTB season, it was the debut of the yet to be named Rock Garden that drew all the attention during Sundays final of the Mid-Nth island MTB series.

Over the previous month Rotorua locals had watched with interest as an evil looking trail began to take shape plunging off the side of Nursery Rd. The brainchild of Pete Calnan (and thanks to numerous hours of volunteer labour) the yet to be named trail was conceived to add real challenge to the upcoming Oceania Championship. A signature element to remember on the already famous trails.

Whilst the much loved Rotorua trails reward technically competent riders with a smooth flowing style, there was nothing to strike fear and doubt into an XC rider’s heart. Nothing that made a rider stop to really consider and calculate the risk versus reward equation. With trail development progress consistently leaked out via facebook, a large crowd of both riders, and spectators assembled to put the challenge to the test and perhaps; witness the consequences of those making an ill-advised choice to try the A-Line.

In front of a large and vocal crowd the course produced close and hard fought racing. Perhaps none so close as the Open Men where Carl Jones, Mike Northcott and Dirk Peters (Current NZ Elite # 1 & 2 and U23 #1 respectively) waged a race long battle which was only decided on the final lap when Peters pushed clear for a deserved victory. While junior standouts Nigel McDowell (U19) and Brad Jones (U17) dominated their respective categories as they chased down many of the Open field.

In the women’s race it was a dominant display from Katie O’Neill, while Raewyn Morrison impressed many as she bombed the A-Line to keep things close. Impressive also was local junior Amber Johnston (U19) who was kept honest by the efforts of Jemma Manchester. Racing U15 but having such a good time she charged off for an extra lap to chase Johnston. Exciting to see such enthusiasm in the younger ranks.

It was a fitting conclusion to a very successful 7th running of the Mid-NI series. Congratulations to the series winners listed below. No doubt all now looking ahead to a successful national season and a return to Whakarewarewa in March for the 2012 Oceania Championship.

Series Winners

Open Men Mike Northcott
Open Women Kathryn Campbell
Junior Men (U19) Nigel McDowell
Junior Women (U19) Amber Johnston
Junior Men (U17) Brad Jones
Junior Men (U15) Lewis Eccles
Junior Women (u15) Jemma Manchester
Vet 1 Men Garth Weinberg
Vet 2 Men Bryce Giddy
Vet 3 Men Paul McDowell
Vet Women Sarah Beadal