The Aorere Enduro is making the most of a perfect Labour weekend in Nelson. The EWS Asia Pacific continental event deserves the good luck – it was meant to run back in February but had to be cancelled a devastating fire in the region.
More than 180 riders from around Australasia have made the trip to the country’s home of sunshine and rowdy, technical riding. Day one was devoted to practicing four diverse trails, a feast of single track winding through a mix of native and pine. The 40 kilometre course left riders was a big day but left riders fizzing to test themselves on the clock.
Day Two was devoted to the Aorere trail, one of the stand-outs of Nelson’s expansive trail network. Riders pedalled up for a practice lap in the morning before taking the 4.1-kilometre, 636 vertical metre beast on for real in the afternoon – though they were shuttled up for the race run.
After the massive stage, Shannon Hewetson was the fastest man down in 9:26.96, ahead of Todd Ballance and Ben Karalus. Rae Morrison was too quick for the rest of the women’s field, finishing in 11:07.58, just clear of Rebecca Hufflett (11:17.59) and Louise Kelly (11:29.26).
A huge day of racing is lined up for Monday – Spoke will have a race wrap up after the event finishes. For now, enjoy a few shots from the first couple of days of action.
Day One results are available here.
The MCG (Matai Cricket Ground) is a great setting for the event village.
The event started with a blessing and welcome from Ngāti Koata, the local iwi and guardians of the land being raced on.
It was thirsty work in the hot weather.
There was a fair old sprint in the middle to keep things enduro, and competitors were blowing hard afterwards.
