After campers dutifully stuffed down their preferred source of pre-race carbs for the Tamworth Five Hour Smash The Mountain on Sunday, the sun finally warmed the air and Tamworth Mountain Bike Park was open for business.
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Riders rolled in and registrations were processed before the race began.
The excitement began straight away as the Smash the Mountain riders pointed their bikes skywards for a sharply ascending 600-metre hurtfest to claim the title of BC Bike Shop KOM (King of the Mountain) and QOM (Queen of the Mountain).
A photo finish was required to determine the KOM with Armidale’s Michael Harris stealing the title on the line from Tamworth’s Stevie Roberts. Only a smattering of heaving KOM contenders crossed the line before Armidale’s Emily Wooster breezed through to claim victory.
While the silliness transpired up the mountain, the much more sensible Fast and Furious riders were released onto the Tamworth Mountain Bikers lower and less technical race loop.
The 96 racers soon settled into a gentle rhythm and the attention turned to the next generation of shredders.
Eleven Dirty A youngsters set out on the purpose-built race loop that wound through the picnic area and pump track.
Half an hour later, it was down to a sprint finish with Ben Shaw putting the foot down to take first by a small margin to Jock Barwick. Harry Meppem claimed third place with a large, but relieved, smile on the line.
Five Dirty Bs lined up for the same funky loop and were not short on smiles, or effort, as they gave their all. Eliza O’Connor had her sights on the number one position from lap one and delivered 16:23 minutes later. Jordan Day came second in his first ever MTB race and Toby Wright claimed a well deserved third.
Back on the mountain, fresh legs were a distant memory and delirium had started to set in as riders were met with the sight of a bagpiper, in full kilt, heralding the A line descent of Northhill. It was Felix Peake, brightening those darkest hours for the solo riders. The spectators back in the event centre were also working hard to raise the spirits of riders and ensure food and hydration needs were met.
RESULTS
BC Bike Shop KOM: Michael Harris
BC Bike Shop QOM: Emily Wooster
Smash the Mountain
Open Male: 1st Garry James, 2nd Martin Tink, 3rd Russell Maxwell
Open Female: 1st Ann Buchan, 2nd Jemma Burtonwood
Masters Male: 1st Al Miller, 2nd Peter Marshall, 3rd Peter Selkrig
Masters Female: 1st Alyssa Rogan
Male Pairs: 1st Moto Boys, 2nd BC Bikes XC Bandits, 3rd Hare and Tortoise
Female Pairs: 1st Short but Fast
Young Guns Mixed: 1st Olive, Archie and Harry, 2nd Cyclopaths
Young Guns Male: 1st Inland Young Guns, 2nd NIAS 1, 3rd Coastal Young Guns
Fast and Furious: 1st Mair Boys, 2nd Team Rocket, 3rd Broken Spokes 1
