Race Report | SEQ Gravity Enduro Rd 4, Toowoomba
After a late shift in venue, Round 4 of the SRAM Enduro Series Presented by Santa Cruz rolled into Toowoomba to some perfect Qld weather, and an exciting mix of new and old trails. 200+ riders attended the morning briefing, and with 6 of the Elite Podium regulars missing due to EWS commitments, racing was set to open things up in the series race.
Utilising the fun and relaxed model of scattered stages, allowing riders to bring some strategy into the order in which they attack the day. Riders set off on the 5 stage course, encompassing just over 20km riding and 950m of climbing, under clear skies and pleasant temperatures.
As the 3.5 hour time limit started to approach so did a stream of riders, mostly with huge grins under their full face helmets, although the many rocks that are a staple of the Toowoomba trails ensured that not everyone was smiling, due to flat tyres. On that note, Saturday practice saw no less than 3 carbon rims destroyed.
In the U/19 Men’s competition, Loic Ferry back up his National Enduro Series win with a dominant show that would have put him into 2nd in Elite, just over 1 second off the quickest time for the day. Cameron Wright and Harry Donald rounding out the top three in the junior category.
In the Elite Women, Angela Williams who is also coming of a National Series podium edged out first year Elite rider Shelly Eshman-Myhill and Erin Stocklasa to take the win.
The Elite Men’s competition has been dominated by the likes of Jared Graves, Lindsay Klein and Matt Tape so far this year. With Jared and Lindsay (along with several other regulars) attending the EWS event in Creste Butte and Tape out injured it was anyone’s race. Giant All Mountain Cartel replaced Klein with their Sydney based rider Jon Odams for his first Qld Enduro.
At the end of the day it was Ryan Leutton who took the win and jumps from 6th to first in the overall series points with 1 round to go, just 20 points ahead of Klein. Giant Team riders rounded out the top 4 with Jon Odams edging out Daniel Hallam and Michael Ronning. Mark Whiting rounded out the Elite podium.
The SRAM Enduro Series, presented by Santa Cruz will wrap up on September 13 at Mt Joyce ahead of the Qld State Championships on November 15, back at Toowoomba where riders will be facing considerably tougher conditions as summer kicks in.
More Information at emsaustralia.net.au.
Words & Pictures: EMS Australia PR
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