Many of the tracks were incredibly overgrown making for difficult riding conditions.

As a team, Queensland Elite riders Chris Firman, Gary Sutherland, Paul Elby adapted best to the conditions and now stand second to Victoria after the Middle and Long Distance events: Victoria 74, Queensland 66, NSW 38, WA 26 and Tasmania 18 in the combined team competition.

Ricky Thackray (WA) and Ian Dalton (WA) rode well each day in the Elite Mens Division and surprised organisers with Ricky winning the Long Distance Race and Ian second in the Middle Distance. Ricky now leads the national series, closely followed by Damian Welbourne with Ian Dalton not far back in 3rd.

Mary Fien (NSW) took first in Women’s Elite on both days with Kim Beckinsale a very close second in the long distance and Carolyn Jackson second in the middle distance event. The National Series is now lead by Carolyn Jackson with Mary and Marquita Gelderman (NZ) tied in second place.

In the Masters Divisions, Queensland scored maximum points to narrow the gap to Victorian riders. The Masters team standings after Round 2: Victorian 186, Queensland 134, NSW 35, SA 34 and WA 8. Round 3 will be staged at Beechworth, Victoria, in mid-October with ACT organising and Albury-Wodonga club setting the courses.

Blake Gordon, OA MTBO Convenor

Results*

*website no longer available