It has been said that if you want it to rain in Dunedin, organise a mountain bike event. Well, Round 6 of the Clark Land Surveyors DHCoNZ bucked the trend. Dry trails proved an unexpected treat for those who made the trek from all corners of NZ and beyond. Whilst far removed from the ankle deep dust baths of Christchurch, the sun baked earth and high-calibre start-list gave riders the confidence they needed to bring both speed and style to the slopes of Signal Hill.
Phil Atwill takes third place this time
The rain gave way for sun this time in Dunedin
As well as being the final round of the DHCoNZ, the event looked to crown winners in both the CJ Suspension South Island Champs and the NIDD Realty Otago Champs; with both titles bringing a number of Southern riders out to play.
George Brannigan took the win by just over a second
Alanna Columb took five seconds out of her nearest competitor for the win
At the end of a tough days racing the kiwis managed to keep the northern hemisphere riders at bay, taking the top step of the podium in both Elite categories. In the Mens race, George Brannigan got the better of Scot, Kenta Gallagher, and Brit, Phil Atwill, with only a couple of seconds separating the top three. In the Womens race, Alanna Columb romped home 5 seconds clear of Shania Rawson in second and Agata Bulska rounded out the podium in third.
Racing was tight in the Senior men class, Sean Faulds here rode into 9th place
DHCoNZ Round 6 Results were as follows:
Elite Men:
1. George Brannigan – Queenstown – 2:38:69
2. Kenta Gallagher – Scotland – 2:39:95
3. Phil Atwill – Berkhamsted – 2:40:37
Elite Women:
1. Alanna Columb – Queenstown – 3:15:50
2. Shania Rawson – Tauranga – 3:20:73
3. Agata Bulska – Christchurch – 3:34:73
