The Export 33 NZ Single Speed Champs took place on Saturday down in Queenstown. Riders came from all over the country with their 1 geared wonders, set for a day of mud, sweat and beers.
The Queenstown MTB club, headed by Carey Vivian, did a stellar job of putting the event together but unfortunately had no control of the weather. Friday night the rain started and kept up through the night and into Saturday, race morning. Fortunately just after race briefing the rain died almost entirely and by the end of the racing patches of dust were even appearing!
The 7 Mile venue was perfectly suited for SS racing with lots of small ‘pinch’ style climbs and sweet long down hills where good descenders could make up some decent time. Only a couple of longer climbs really burned out the legs. With the trail winding its way around close to and through the Export 33 beer tent a few times a good crowd gathered to watch the action, blag a beer and cheer on the competitors.
One thing which really stood out to me over the day was the enthusiasm of the marshalls. They all got in behind the racing and cheered every competitor on, forming a strange kind of bond between marshall and rider as they passed each lap.
I’d confidently say that the event exceeded everyone’s expectations and the QMTBC can be proud of both the event itself and the after function dinner/prizegiving which went off!
MAXXIS pro Cameron Cole was on deck supporting his partner Amy Laird. Cam was out of action with a case of Poison Oak caught at the Sea Otter Classic the other week.
Christchurch's Amy Laird took 2nd in the Womens race. Check out the current issue of SPOKE for more about Amy.
Spoke Contributor Bob of the Bob and Chris duo took the best dressed award, against some strong competition.
Anja Mcdonald took home the Womens win and the tattoo. "My Dad's not going to be too stoked about this."
This guy rode a fixed-gear with only a front brake, yep no free wheeling here. Impressive!
Even with one gear you still need a chain... this gentleman pushed and coasted his way home.
Spider Woman in effect. She took the 'Beer' shortcuts, drinking the beer through her spider mask.
"Beer Shortcut" Each competitor could take a 1.5 minute shortcut with the simple task of drinking a beer. A maximum of two stops through the shortcut prevented wobbly riders taking to the course.
Local QT shredder Blair Christmas (in front) was hooking on a long travel trail bike (6+ inches travel) and with a few chain tensioners it was an ideal single speed.
Blair's setup. The front ring also had a chainguide, needless to say he didn't drop his chain.
Having removed their front wheels before the start, the race began with a 1 km run through the trail with front wheel in hand.
Riders post run re-fitting front wheels before hitting the trail.
Anja Mcdonald rode a strong race and pushed a pretty big gear. Machine!
This is Andy Reid, probably on his first lap as he crashed further into the race and broke his collarbone. A few riders blew off their race to help him out, good work!
The best looking singlespeed venue in the world? I think so!
RESULTS:
Open Men’s – Garth Weinberg (somewhere other than the south island) – 2 hrs 18 min
Open Womens – Anja McDonald (Christchurch) – 2 hrs 49 mins
Old Bugger Mens – Tony Moore (Queenstown) – 2 hrs 51 mins
Old Bugger Womens – Denise Thorne (Alexandra) - 3 hrs 36 minsRetro – Stu Greig (Queenstown) - 3 hrs 30 mins
Check out the Queenstown MTB Club website for more from the event.
Photos: all riding shots thanks to www.qmtbc.co.nz
all other photos – Lester Perry
