Wilcox sews up Winter Series
Difficult conditions did little to dampen the enthusiasm of competitors, as hundreds turned out to celebrate the final of the Winter Series in Rotorua on Sunday.
After what has perhaps been the wettest Winter Series, it was fitting that clouds rolled in and temperatures plummet during Sunday’s finale, adding an extra element of difficulty to the already challenging courses.
Palmerston North’s Josie Wilcox, the standout rider of the series, was in imperious form as she took her third straight win in the women’s long course.
The wet conditions and technical descents provided a demanding test for the former runner.
‘‘That was the toughest race so far,’’ she said. ‘‘A nasty crash early on saw me flip my bike and break my helmet, but crashes are all part of this sport.
Fellow Palmerston North rider Fiona Macdermid overcame an inadvertent early detour, to come back through the field and claim a strong second place.
It was the third straight podium for the former national series champion. Series stalwart Amy Haddon was third.
For the men, any hope Cosmo Bloor had of matching Wilcox’s series clean sweep was soon dashed, as the race was dominated by 2016 series champion Ed Crossling.
Having missed the earlier rounds, the Wellington rider returned to fire a clear warning shot to his rivals ahead of October’s Whaka 100, showing all as his strength and experience as he played his cards perfectly to cross the line almost 30 seconds clear of Brad Jones. Bloor rounded out the podium a further 2min back.
Having represented New Zealand at the mountainbike marathon world championships in June, Crossling had had a quiet couple of months, and arrived in Rotorua looking for a good hitout to see where his form was at.
Both Crossling and Wilcox will head into October’s Whaka 100 as warm favourites for what is undoubtedly one of the toughest mountain bike races on the calendar.
Manawatu’s Max Taylor was fifth in the long course and the first under-17 rider. Caleb Bottcher was sixth overall and second in the under-17 event.
There was excitement in the mid-course events , as the winning streaks of Alex Coventry and Sammie Maxwell were broken with fresh faces at the top of the podium; as young under-17 riders Matthew Wilson and Ruby Ryan earned their maiden Winter Series victories.
Young Auckland rider Wilson secured third placings in each of the first two Winter series races and had been right in the mix. Having finished just 4sec and 10sec respectively behind the winner.
On Sunday he found the conditions, and the tough climbing to his liking as he was finally able to take the honours after a race long battle with fellow under-17 athlete Adam Francis (Manawatu¯ ), who was second.