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Trying Time for Aussie Trials Riders

Published Date

Written by Una McKay

Janine Jungfels – Australia’s leading hope for a trials medal realised just how tough it is to break into the medals yesterday at the 2012 World Trials Championships at Leogang. After posting a win at the most recent World Cup event leading into the competition, Janine found the pressure of World Championships to be yet another level.

On what was commonly regarded as a course that was less testing than many of the World Cup events, the pressure was on to ensure that riders retained clean rounds throughout. Any loss of point were likely to place riders back in the field – and that is exactly what happened to Janine in the early round. Picking herself up for a very good second round, Janine needed to do something extraordinary in the final 3^rd round to regain points. In a very tough section of the course, Janine attempted a manoeuvre that few of the other girls had tried and went very close to pulling it off before loosing her balance and dropping vital points.

Coach and Manager of the Trials team, Cam Driessens was exceedingly pleased that Janine attempted the tougher section in the final round. “That just showed how competitive Janine is and she well near placed herself back into contention” said the Trials coach. “It would have been a fairy tale if Janine had have medalled, but you just cannot buy the experience that this has provided. She has come back from a devastating calf injury and has only competed in 4 major events this year, so her 6^th placing was reflective of the inexperience that such an injury has imposed upon her.”

Nathan Mummery performed well in the Semi-final of the Men’s 26 inch event, having got some of the nerves out of the way in the 20 inch event the previous day. Nathan’s 15^th place was a solid performance that had given him some real confidence for the future. “I know exactly what is needed to go the next step” said Nathan, “there is so much psychology attached to this discipline. You just cannot let it get to you!” Driessens was incredibly impressed with Nathan’s form at the titles. “Nathan’s ride was one that gave you goose-bumps” said the Trials coach “He was incredibly brave in some of the sections and it was evident by the many names of some of the top riders of the sport being behind Nathan in the placing” said an excited Cam Driessens.

Australia’s Paul Gerloff also gained from the experience. Finishing well down the list, this was Paul’s first showing at a World Championships and one that he had no major expectations for. Also coming back from an injury Paul valued watching the manner in which the senior riders approached the sections and will be much better for the experience.

(Nathan Mummery in action, photo courtesy of Cam Driessens, Trials team Manager)