SIANA ’HERN
Sian is no stranger to Thredbo, and you could say she is well-accomplished on the trails of the mountain, as she was the Queen of Cannonball in 2017. “I came to Thredbo for the first time about 4 years ago, and it was my first ever race, back in February 2015. It was my first National round and my first race. I’ve been coming here most weekends while Thredbo is open since then.”
Living near Canberra, Thredbo is barely a two hour drive for Sian and her brother Kye. Which means it is a handy location for the two aspiring riders.
“Thredbo is two or two and a half hours from Canberra, and I love coming back here. And having a great time riding. I get to ride all sorts of trails when I travel to ride and race, but I think Thredbo has everything. You can ride your trail bike, your pump track bike and your downhill bike. You can blast all the different trails here and it’s awesome.”
And just like us, Sian appreciates the updates that have been happening on the mountain.
“Thredbo is progressing pretty fast. There is a lot behind the approvals for each trail, but they have made changes every season. From new sections of trail, or a new add on to the flow or all-mountain trail.”
The trail that everyone knows of course is the Cannonball downhill – but even that has been changing year on year. “The Cannonball downhill trail has stayed pretty similar, but they have made plenty of changes, adding a few sections. They have progressed and advanced each trail every year, and with the addition of the top section of the all-mountain trail and flow trail, they have made more exciting trails, which is good.”
We’re surprised to hear that even the more mellow trails are a draw card for a gravity rider. As we’re sat at the Thredbo pub catching up, Sian exclaims that she was just back from a trail rider with her brother.
“Kye and I just did the TVT! With the Friday Flat trails and more in the village, the bottom tracks are great for kids and for people who don’t want to take risks. There’s a pump track and a skate park and some kids’ skills equipment in the tennis court. There is really something for everyone. I think Thredbo has similarities to resorts overseas. While they might not have as many trails, they have the quality of trails with the elevation and with some trails for cross-country too.”