In an awesome display of power riding Dunedin rider Kashi Leuchs won the
first round of the G-Shock national mountainbike championships. The race was
held over 7 laps of a punishing 4.2km course around the Cardrona Ski Resort.
Leuchs took the race by over 4+IBk- from former champion Tauranga rider Jon
Hume. Leuchs said that the steep nature of the course with many long climbs
gave him an advantage over some of the heavier riders. He felt that the heat
and the 2000m altitude were also to his advantage. The win was just the
start to his championship campaign that he was looking for. As he tries to
claim his second national title.
Jon Hume was delighted with his second placing. After a two year absence
from the sport he is looking but build his speed and fitness as the season
develops. Hume is hoping to reach peak fitness in time for a world cup race
in April. He says that he had heard the Leuchs was good but today he found
out just how good. He is looking forward to being closer at the second
round in Dunedin next weekend.
The women+IBk-s race was held over 5 laps of the same course as the mens race.
The race was won in convincing fashion by Commonwealth Games silver
medallist Auckland rider Susy Pryde. Pryde the defending national champion
was far too strong for the rest of the field winning by over 6 minutes from
second placed Takaka rider Lisa Savage. Pryde is also looking to develop her
fitness through the series as she prepares to compete again on the world
circuit.
Many riders found that the mountain conditions affected their performance
especially the 23+IBk- heat and the altitude.
Boarder Zone Correspondent - Chris Vile
