THE newly designed and erected Lithgow mountain bike trail proved a stern test for the top echelon of riders in the land when they contested round three of the Red Ass Rocky Trail Down Hill State series.
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Held in Lithgow’s Sheedy Gully, known to the riders as the Lithgow Pony Express track, well over 200 spectators on Saturday and Sunday climbed the hill for the best vantage points.
Those who had not witnessed downhill racing were amazed at the speed, skill and courage needed to transcend the Lithgow track.
There were a number of wipe outs but on the whole the skills of the riders shone through.
Competitors ranged from junior under 15, taking in the men’s and women’s elites and through to the grand masters.
The main event of the weekend was the Elite Male event with David McMillan thrilling the crowd with a time of one minute 57.408 seconds.
In second position was Tim Eaton (1.58.842); third Tom Lewis (1.59.842), fourth Mark Concliffe (2.00,145) and the fifth rider to be called up onto the podium was Lithgow’s Joel Willis (2.00.513).
Willis was still eligible to defend his under 19 crown, but opted to take up the challenge and ride against the best, and showed he was not out of place in this class of riders.
His time would have been well good enough for him to take out the Under 19 division.
“It has been another great two days,” local Downhill organiser Craig Flynn said.
“The weather played its part and it was good to see such a big entry in all the divisions.
“We have nothing but good feedback for our newly designed track which really tested the best.
“A big thanks went out to the Lithgow Council and State Government for their support of the event along with the Pony Club, the track builders, volunteers, sponsors and anyone else that helped to make the series the success it was.”
The riders now turn their attention to the next series to be held in Canberra in two weeks.
