The Giant All Mountain Cartel has started the 2014 season strongly by dominating the top step of the podium at the opening round of the Santa Cruz SEQ Gravity Enduro Series.

Cameron Cubit on full throttle
Cameron Cubit – full throttle

With a record field of 198 entries taking on the very dry and dusty conditions at Mt Joyce recreation park. Entering its 5th year of Gravity Enduro racing the team at EMS Australia, had come up with some new and interesting ways to utilise the existing trail network at the popular SEQ riding destination that would challenge both the technical skills and the physical endurance of all of the riders.
Following the Euro format at the EWS rule book as close as possible, 4 Special stages were set with elite times ranging from 2:30 up to 9:30. Riders made their own way between on the liaison, swapping war stories about their last run. In order to minimise congestion, riders were allowed to attack the stages in any order they wished.

Lindsey Klien
Lindsey Klein

The Giant All Mountain Cartel has done some last minute off season shopping, with the signing of long time Santa Cruz rider Lindsey Klein. Having only just received his new bike, Klein went onto set the fasted time on 3 of the 4 stages. Dropping to 5th on the long Bovine Groove stage, was enough to let AMC team mate Michael Ronning back into the game. As the elite field checked into the timing tent at the end of the day, the live timing would show that the two riders finished the day on the same second with a total time of 21 min 49 sec. Aiden Lefmann (Cyclinic) came in third with Andy Fellows and Issac Denny rounding out the 5 man Elite podium.

LWR_0164skaliert

The Elite Women’s podium showed was a great demonstration on just how wide ranging the appeal of Enduro racing is. With DH racer Claire Buchar, taking the win over XC gun Kylie Maduna and 4X / BMXer Sarsha Huntington rounding out the top 3.

LWR_0160skaliert

Whilst the remaining fields battled out for their respective positions, and the heat continued to build, the crowd patiently waited for presentations and the large range of random draw prizes that have become a staple of the EMS Australia events. The highlight of which was a new set of Rock Shox Revelations thanks to Monza Imports.
Full results and category breakdowns can be found at www.gravityenduro.com.au.

Next race is May 18, as we return to the venue of our first GE race many years ago at Garapine.

For additional information please contact Ian Harwood: ian@emsaustralia.net.au

Text: Ian Harwood Photos: Lachlan Ryan


Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of ENDURO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality mountain bike journalism. Click here to learn more.