Cory and Buchar too strong in Thredbo

Sunday 14 February 2010
 
On what is known as the longest and toughest downhill course in Australia, Ben Cory and Claire Buchar have emerged victorious at the third round of the Jayco Australian Mountain Bike Series in Thredbo today.
 
The esteemed ‘Cannon Ball’ run with its 410m vertical descent combined with the muddy conditions made racing extremely challenging.
 
Defying the tough conditions, Cory flew down the track, completing the course in 7:15.66, more than three seconds quicker than Bryn Atkinson (7:18.79) and Shaun O’Connor (7:21.84).
 
With three riders still to come, Cory sat in the hot seat, patiently waiting the fate of top seeds Amiel Cavalier, Chris Kovarik and Joshua Button.
 
But they couldn’t match the ferocious pace of Cory, the Canberra rider securing his second win of the series.
 
“I’m absolutely stoked,” said the 27-year-old. “There was some incredibly fast guys here today and some fellas who are probably more suited to the muddy conditions than I am, so I’m stoked.”
 
Cory was one of only a handful of riders to improve on yesterday’s seeding rounds.
 
“It’s probably not the toughest track I’ve raced on but the conditions here today made it really, really hard.”
 
In the women’s race, Canadian Claire Buchar was once again a cut above the rest, claiming back-to-back victories in a time of 8.52.61, more than six seconds faster than Jill Kintner who clocked 8:58.73. Julia Boer placed third with 9:08.14.
 
The boy’s under 19 event was taken out by Aden Wyber in 7:37.66. Rising star Troy Brosnan had a day he’d rather forget, finishing 20th, more than a minute slower than yesterday’s seedings.

In the under 19’s girls final, Holly Baarspul was too strong, crossing the finish line in 9:42.98.

The final round of the 2009/10 Jayco Australian Mountain Bike Series will be held in Stromlo Forest Park in Canberra from March 12 – 14, 2010.

Downhill Results
 
Elite men
1  Ben Cory  7:15.66
2  Bryn Atkinson  7:18.79
3  Shaun O'Connor 8 7:21.84
4  Chris Kovarik 7:23.11
5   Amiel Cavalier  7:26.42
6  Joshua Button  7:26.52
7  Rick Boyer  7:33.96
8  William Rischbieth  7:45.21
9  Deon Baker  7:47.42
10 Rhys Atkinson  7:48.15
 
Elite women
1 Claire Buchar  8:52.61
2  Jill Kintner  8:58.73
3  Julia Boer  9:08.14
4 Sarsha Huntington  9:31.36
5  Leonie Picton  9:31.68
6  Claire Whiteman  9:38.30
7 Leigh Douglas  9:59.53
8  Emma Lewis  10:21.17
9 Joanne Muoser  10:26.71
10 Shannon Chugg  11:13.44
 
Under 19 men
1  Aden Wyber  7:37.66
2  Phillip Piazza 7:49.55
3  Jake Newell  7:50.96
4  Brandon Yrttiaho  7:52.43
5  Marcus Fairbanks  7:54.83
 
Under 19 women
1  Holly Baarspul  10:34.28
2  Emily Hockey  10:34.57
3  Tegan Molloy  11:52.34
4  Christie Batt  12:37.21
5  Katelyn Humphris  13:34.69
 
-ENDS-
 
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