Blenkinsop wins at round 2 of Subaru North Island Downhill Cup

Mountain biking in Rotorua yesterday switched to the thrills and spills of the 2nd round of the Subaru North Island Downhill Cup. The event is 3-6 minutes of adrenalin filled action bringing together riders from all over the country as well as from overseas.

Fresh back from injury Wanganui’s Sam Blenkinsop blitzed the field in a time of 3 minutes 7 seconds.

Two and a half seconds behind was Glen Haden also from Wanganui and South Island Downhill cup overall winner Nathan Rankin was 3rd.

Always a favourite for Downhillers around the country, the Rotorua course featured a new section at the top that added to the already technically challenging course.

Harriet Harper took out the Elite womens field followed by local rider Gabby Molloy and NZ representative Jennifer Makgill picked up 3rd.

The future looks bright for Downhill, 17 year old Aari Barrett from Havelock North breathing down the neck of the elite riders, Barrett’s time was the 6th fastest of the day.

Another name to look out for is Vaughan Woolhouse also from Hawkes Bay. The 15year old took out the Under 17 title and was also the 9th fastest overall.

The 3rd and final round of the NZCT North Island Cross Country Cup will take place in Palmerston North on 10th February and the 3rd and final round of the Subaru North Island Downhill Cup will take place in Dome Valley, Auckland on the 17th February.

Events to come for mountain biking include the NZCT National Championships in Wellington February 21-24 and the NZCT Oceania Championships in Nelson 13-16th March.

Results:

Elite Men

Sam Blenkinsop (Wanganui) 3:07.92 1, Glenn Hagen (Wanganui) 3:09.49 2, Nathan Rankin (Levin) 3:12.13 3.

Elite Women

Harriet Harper (Blenheim) 3:53.51 1, Gabby Molloy (Rotorua)3:54.45 2, Jennifer Makgill (Auckland) 3:56.25 3.

Full results can be viewed on the BikeNZ website www.bikenz.org.nz