#Superflow Hits Thredbo

Stunning weather greeted riders for the second round of the Rocky Trail Rollercoaster series that was held at Thredbo. The event also incorporated the opening round of the RedAss Downhill Enduro. Both rolled together to form a jam packed weekend of riding held (for the most part) under clear blue skies.

Traditionally the DH – held on the infamous Cannonball run – has always been the flagship event, but a look at the rider numbers tells the real story. Around 130 lined up to start the downhill while 260 took part in the Fox Rollercoaster — impressive numbers all round but also a clear signal that people preferred racing on Thredbo’s grin inducing Flow trail.

The Flow trail itself was in prime condition, having received a tidy-up in recent months along with some rain to settle the dust in the week prior to racing. A number of new jumps as well as extra berms on the super-fast lower section had riders grinning hard by the end of each eight to 10 minute long run. And with the Kosciuszko Express chairlift there to whisk you straight back to the top, you could keep on lapping the trail until your arms gave out!

Accessibility really is the key with the Flow track. It’s as easy or as hard as you make it. Unlike the Cannonball, it can be ridden comfortably enough on an XC bike and you don’t need a full face helmet to take part. Of course it requires equal doses of precision, talent and fitness if you want to go really fast, and plenty of riders came unstuck to keep the first-aid crews busy. Strong gusts of wind even took out a few riders before racing had even begun.

At the pointy end of things, Sarah Booth took the Elite Women’s win, a mere 15 seconds behind Sian A'Hern after two full runs. Kellie Weinert was next in line only one second further back. Michael Vanos was on fire in the Elite Men’s Rollercoaster; despite running off-course in his first run, he still fended off Anthony Elliott by 19 seconds. Luke Garnham was only two seconds further back with Jon Odams a further second behind in third.

After the low cloud lifted on the Sunday, downhill the Elite Men’s RedAss Downhill was taken out by Oliver Zwar with Brent Smith and Joel Willis rounding out the top three. Kellie Weinert took the Elite Women’s event in a blistering time with Sian A'Hern and Sarah Booth finishing four and seven seconds back.

For all the results and info on the next round of the Fox Rollercoaster series at Stromlo Forest Park, go to the Rocky Trail Entertainment website.

Photos by Outer Image