CL OHESY ON THE RIGHT TR ACK

TOWNSVILLE’S Nathan Clohesy is banking on local knowledge giving him the edge over Australia’s best mountain bikers this weekend for the 2017 XCM National Championships.

More than 200 riders will hit the Pallarenda trails which have been described as unpredictable due to the constant up and down of reverse gradient and nasty pinch climbs.

It will be the first time many competitors have ridden the tracks and Clohesy, competing in the Under- 17 25km category, said he had a huge advantage knowing what to expect.

“It’s brilliant. I’ve ridden these tracks every week for the past two years, so I’m all over them,” Clohesy said.

“In the technical sections it’s going to help a lot, knowing what’s coming up and getting ready for it … I’m pretty comfortable with it.

“Last weekend I did pretty well in the preview race, so I’m hoping for a podium this weekend. I’m just keen to get out there and give it a crack.”

Brendan Johnston will be gunning for his third- straight Australian title as part of an impressive elite men’s field which also includes three- time Olympian Daniel McConnell.

Johnston has been unbeatable this season, winning all three rounds of the National Series, but the Canberra rider wasn’t expecting an easy ride to victory this weekend.

“I will really have to lift come Sunday to get it done, however, I think I’m capable if everything goes to plan in a 95km race,” Johnston said.

“Dan will definitely be in the mix – my race plan will remain the same as always – he does tonnes more volume than I do, so don’t be fooled by his XCO speed, he can go all day.”

“I go into every race not expecting competition from one or two people. There is always a start grid full of competition and in my experience anyone can have a blinder and make my job very hard.

“Townsville is quite an unknown, it doesn’t worry me, though. From what I hear it’s similar to the last few marathons I have done, Bendigo, Alice and Stromlo.”

A new champion will be crowned in the elite women’s event, with dual Olympian and current cross- country Australian champion Rebecca Henderson looming as the rider to beat, along with 2016 XCM bronze medallist Briony Mattocks.

Racing starts at 8.30am today with the elite men’s and women’s events from 8.30am tomorrow.