Rowena Fry makes final after crash at UCI World Cup eliminator in France

Posted on May 19, 2012 by chris

Fry (left) and Moseley about to hit it hard

Tasmanian Olympic hopeful Rowena Fry has put in a gutsy performance overnight at the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup 4 x Cross Country Eliminator in La Bresse in Northern France.The semi final was an super race with Fry crashing into a garage door after being clipped by Tracey Moseley who ended up head first into a barrier. After a career of ups and downs it’s good to see Rowena getting a massive result against the worlds best, giving her confidence for the rest of the season.

The eliminator format takes in a short course which is suited to powerful cross country and versatile 4 cross riders, who speed around the narrow course. Fry does not posses the power of the other riders but rode a good line around a tight curb to put herself in a position to qualify for the final. Up the final short punchy climb, whilst riding head to head with Moseley, they clipped bars and both careered off course. Fry was the quickest to recover, running the final 400 metres to finish second.

The final was a mere formality as Swedish 17 year old Jenny Rissveds lead from the front to win from fellow country woman Alexandra Engen and Swiss rider Kathrin Stirnemann. Fry had pulled up sore from a tough semi to finish fourth.

The full race coverage is available online here. The women’s semi finals start at 1.03.37 and the final at 1.22.07

Posted in MTB, SHORT TRACK | Leave a comment

Hellfire Cup MTB coming in 2013…..

Posted on May 12, 2012 by chris

$60,000 in total prizes, $15,000 for the first elite pairing, MTB racing in southern Tasmania.

With Wildside MTB on every second year, there is always potential to put on another quality stage race with plenty of fine trails in Tassie to choose from. There should be a strong national field with prizes like this on offer. Check the first edition press release from race director Duncan Giblin…….

Press release Hellfire Cup.

4 days of pairs racing January 25th – January 28th 2013.

As race director I wanted to create an event that put all the things I liked about the events I’ve managed, competed in and covered as a photographer. So over the last 4 years I have been working on an event that had to tick the following boxes:

•              Seriously memorable trails in a beautiful location.

•              The camaraderie of pairs racing.

•              The social atmosphere of 24hr enduros.

•              Good support for riders with young families.

•              Prize money that recognises the achievements of elite and professional riders whilst holding an event that was equally rewarding for the guys who roll over the line last.

•              An event that had different trails and stages, but had one base so we could limit the logistic headaches for riders, support crews and families.

We at Storm Bay Promotions have come up with a race that meets these criteria – The Hellfire Cup.

 4 days of mountain bike racing in south east Tasmania. 30mins from Hobart airport. 1 race base, 6 different stages of riding.

Entry will be $400 per rider, free camping, lunch and evening meals provided each day.

Prize pool of over $60,000 in podium prizes, spot prizes and giveaways including a total of $15,000 for first elite pair.

Last Day culminates in a lunchtime banquet, presentations and onsite after party with bands and beers.

The new 200k race course has loads of new single track, mad forest trails, awesome descents and beautiful landscapes. This course has awesome stages that will reward all skill levels.

Full website online May 30th 2012. Entries open July 1st 2012. Entries Close November 1st 2012.

Further enquiries:

Storm Bay Promotions, Race Director – Duncan Gilbin

www.hellfirecup.com

Posted in MTB | Leave a comment

Hodge train steams through the Bussleton 70.3 field

Posted on May 6, 2012 by chris

Image courtesy Tim Carrier, Perth Now

James Hodge is used to winning. Even when he is up against a quality pro field in his first major 70.3 at Bussleton, he finds a way. There are plenty of good athletes out there, but this 20 year old Tasmanian knows how to win.

A strong swim always sets Hodge up for a good day out, coming through T1 in third position, only 8 seconds behind Dylan McNeice. By the time they had completed the 90km ride, Hodge had taken the lead.

In a sign that Hodge will be a superstar of the future he was able to defend his lead on the run which has been his weakness in the past. A solid 1h19m26s was enough to give a fantastic finishing time of 3h 55m 09s, ahead of South Australian Matty White (3.56.33) and Queenslander Callum Millward (3.58.07).

With a qualification spot for IM 70.3 World Championships in the bag it will be great too see the further development of the kid we all know is going to be a world beater.

To find out more about James Hodge, check this interview from last year.

Posted in TRIATHLON | Leave a comment