Leishman withdraws from Huka XL

Saturday’s National MTB Marathon champs has lost one of the pre-race favourites after the withdrawal of Mark “Cabin” Leishman; the current NZ Elite #3

Third in both of the previous editions of the Huka XL, Leishman was one of the favourites for this year’s race after demonstrating strong early season form with a 5th place in the 4-day Cape to Cape (Australia’s premier MTB Stage race) just weeks earlier. However he has been forced out after a serious crash last week during a motocross event.

A collision with another rider left Cabin sporting a snapped Radius bone, and dislocated Ulnar. Requiring surgery to insert plates and screws, leaving him facing a long recovery period. He is unlikely to be back on an MTB until sometime in the new year.

“For sure, I am gutted. The Huka is a great race, and the added incentive of a National Champions jersey just added to the motivation. I had some great form and had been training well so it really is disappointing.” Asked if he regretted including the high risk Motorcross into his training he was philosophical. “For sure it’s a risky one. I can look back and see all kinds of ways to have avoided it, but these things happen. I had having a great time until the collision!”

The Huka will see strong an incredibly strong field as a who’s who of NZ MTB fronts the starter. In his own absence who does Cabin predict for the podium?

“Dirk Peters, Carl Jones, and Scott Thorne all have the pedigree. But I can’t go past Mikey Northcott. The course suits him, he is in great form, and he knows how to win. And a wee dark horse? Keep an eye on Dave Sharpe.”