After an extended mid-season break, racing headed south for round five of the 2015 WAGE series to the home of fine wine, chilled vibes and good times; the much loved country Town of Margaret River.
Flow trails through pine forest was a common characteristic of all the weekends’ race stages, with the well laid out course working around an event hub at Wharncliffe Mill. The riding was far less technical than that served up at round four at the Goatfarm. When combined with a flatter than usual elevation profile and mistake friendly multi-run format, Sunday saw a relaxed atmosphere and huge rider numbers (many first-timers staying on from the XC race on Saturday). It was a great day out on the bike, and WAGE should again be congratulated for another banging event.
The main story to come out of the weekend was the utter demolition of the field by the Young Sam Rubery. The Under 19 rider who has been one to watch all year was truly on fire in the pines, gapping the field by 20 seconds. When the fastest rider of the weekend is a junior, the future of the sport in WA is bright! Continuing this theme; Sam’s mate Blake Pearce, also put in a strong showing with second place/ ninth overall, while young Roly Kyme, not only took out the competitive under 15 class but finished an impressive tenth place overall (bettering half the elite field).
In Elite, Jordan Prochyra, recently home from the DH world champs took the win, with XC legend Dave Nairn Humming into second. Jimmy Pritchard rallied into 3rd, I tied things up with Jimmy in Fourth and The flying Fin, Miik rounded things out, coming in Fifth.
Out of the mates @speedlitecycles #trailscout; Josh bagged eighth in Elite, Kose took Tenth, Walshy came down in thirteenth, Maddog Madigan finished in fifthteenth and Dan Walker rolled out multiple laps into nineteenth. Angus Cole rode into thirteenth in the sport class while Brandon Blomfield (down to a single gear), finished respectably in twenty first. Micheal Kerklan took home third in Masters (40-49) with Chris Hickson hot on his tail in fourth spot.
The circus heads to Balingup next week, for the season finale. On private land, deep in some of the largest hills in the south west, and with a heap of trail work having been recently completed by a team of livings legends such as the Staffords and Paul Neve, it will be a weekend to remember.
See you all down there,
Cheers!
Deon.
Jack Madigan. Grinning is winning. Photo credit: Matt Devlin/ Foothills cycles