Rae Morrison looked solid all day. (All photos courtesy of Dave Preece.)
Wellington Anniversary weekend turned on hospitable weather for the Miramar Enduro, run by the Wellington Mountain Bike Club. Conditions were overcast-turned-sunny, and a good crowd gathered to test their various mettles.
Conditions were dry and dusty, without being blown out. The stages took in the two main descents out at Miramar, but with a transfer halfway so that neither trail was ridden in full.
Nathan Rankin showing the composure and speed that netted him the win.
The men’s race was won by Nathan Rankin, who looked smooth and fast everywhere on the track. Local weatherboy Tom Adams nabbed 2nd by the skin of his teeth, 18 secs back from Nathan and a mere 0.3 sec clear of Hamish Kay in third.
In the women’s race, Rae Morrison finished on top 35 secs clear of Sarah Atkin, with Sasha Smith 1:27 back in third.
Besides two well-known shredders taking the overall, the top 10 was scattered with a host of minor local celebrities. Miles the Pool Boy was happy to take away 4th, and was overheard saying that he’d “better get on the Tinds to celebrate”.
Tom Adams abandoned these shenanigans in his race runs, probably gaining him that crucial 0.3 sec.
Karapoti winner Eden Cruise managed 6th place on his XC hardtail, and three juniors cracked the top 10.
Overall, the event demonstrated the grass roots appeal of local enduro racing – egos were low and heckling was rife. The organisers were pretty chuffed with a 100% reduction in Ambulance callouts, and a 50% reduction in A&E visits.
Apparently this sort of lounging around is half the appeal of Enduro racing.
Likewise this.
With riding destinations similar to, and more extensive than, the Miramar trail network dotted all across Wellington, the scope for a local Enduro series is high. With relaxed and fun days like this showcasing the benefits of the format, it can’t be long before someone puts the wheels in motion.
Full results here: http://www.webscorer.com/racedetails?raceid=60751
