Joel Willis has been one of the stars for some time and again at the NSW Downhill series that concluded last week he cracked the top 10 in his first year racing in the elite class.

On his way to the elite class, Joel has picked up several state titles in the various age groups.

The new boy on the block is Zach Hutchison who finished overall second in the under 15 age group.

Zach picked up a series win in the Redass round held in Lithgow a couple of months ago.

His success has been a big effort by Zach who has been racing for under a year.

“I used to like riding around on my bike and last Christmas I got a downhill bike, a Giant Glory, and I really got hooked on racing.

“I try to ride at least once a week and I also take part in cross country racing mainly for my fitness.

“Downhill racing is a real rush and more of my friends are also taking up the sport.”

“Zach has not had any tuition as yet so is a real natural,” Mountain Bike’s Craig Flynn said.

“He has the skills, determination and is fearless.

“Coming second in the state was a real feather in his cap and it was unlucky that he crashed out in his first run and could have finished on top of the winning dais.

“Zach can look up to the likes of Joel (Willis) to see just how far the sport can take you with Joel having travelled overseas racing earlier this year.

Zach has good support from his parents Wayne and Rachel and the rest of his family.

Other notable local club members who did well in the series were Luke Newcombe and Tom Lewis who both made top 20 in elite.

Pat Hancock and Luke Walsh finished in the top 20 in the under 19s, Simon Warren was a top 20 in the Vets (over 30 years), Paul King scored a top 10 in the masters (over 40 years) and Steve Coles enjoyed a first in the super masters (over 60 years).

Lithgow and district have all the amenities and tracks to accommodate their small army of talented downhillers and the sport is growing at a rapid rate.