European Riders dominate at Raboplus NZ MTB North Island Downhill Cup

It was a European affair at the first round of the 2009 Raboplus NZ MTB Cups presented by Nature Valley in Rotorua today. Ben Lathrow from England took out the Elite Men’s category whilst France’s Emmeline Ragot came first in the Elite Women’s category.

Race Organiser Dave Hamilton was pleased to see a good mix of international contingents as well as a lot of local competitors saying “It is great to see a good international flavour alongside the many local riders in the race”.

The conditions and track quality were excellent, with 202 riders pinning it down the Whakarewarewa Forest.

The sun turned up the heat on which would otherwise have been an incredibly muddy track after yesterday’s intermittent heavy rain. The track was still sticky and changed throughout the day making riders concentrate on their run to stay on track. Emmeline Ragot from France, racing for the first time in the series, highly enjoyed the race track, “the track was great, with good technical sections and I didn’t mind the mud at all because I enjoy racing in these conditions” said Ragot.

Jacques Vosloo and Daniel Heads made a strong start to the series after both having recovered from broken arms. Vosloo came third in the Under 15 Men with a time of 4:05.99and Heads placed third in the Under 17 Men with a time of 3:46.37. The Under 15 Men also raced strongly, several taking out Under 17 racers with their fast paced runs.

Local rider James Dodds riding a Zero bike, placed 4th in the Elite Men’s category and was pleased to see a great number of spectators at the race, “spectators make it that much more exciting for the racers and I highly encourage anyone who will be in Rotorua for the next round to come along and see what it’s all about”.

Hamilton agrees it is a great event for spectators saying that “the next race, also in Rotorua, will really step it up with an ever faster course which no doubt will be very exhilarating to watch”.

This was the first race in the series of three, with the next round in the series again held at Whakarewarewa Forest on January 16 and 17, 2009. Spectators wanting to see the action can head south towards Taupo on SH5. Pass SH 30 then take the next left onto Waipa Mill Road - Mtb Tracks and then follow event signage.

Results - North Island Downhill Cup Round 1 – Rotorua

Elite Men

1 Ben Cathro, Scotland, 3:30.08; 2 Cameron Cole, Christchurch, 3:30.18; 3 Aari Barrett, Havelock North, 3:31.01.

Elite Women

1 Ragot Emmeline,France, 3:57.10; 2 Gabrielle Molloy, Rotorua, 4:04.45; 3 Harriet Harper, Blenheim 4:12.52

Full Results are available at www.bikenz.org.nz