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MTB News & racing round-up for October 26, 2005

Edited by Steve Medcroft

Welcome to our regular round-up of what's happening in the dirt. Feel free to send feedback, news and gossip to mtb@cyclingnews.com

Rennie gets the jump on 2006

By Les Clarke

Nathan Rennie is set for '06.
Photo ©: Santa Cruz

After signing a new three-year deal with Santa Cruz and with a world record jump attempt coming up, Australian mountain biker Nathan Rennie will be making a flying start to the new year. The 24-year-old, who finished third overall in the world cup downhill series this season after missing several rounds through injury, is "sick of coming second" and very keen to have a big year in 2006.

Having recently resigned with the Santa Cruz syndicate, Rennie believes the security of a multi-year deal will enhance his performance, saying, "Its a good feeling knowing that you have a ride for the next year...I'm super happy to be where I am and stoked that I can work with a great company." Rennie has experienced a year of mixed fortunes in 2005 - injury, plus a crash in the world's race in Livigno has meant he hasn't taken the number of wins he'd prefer; this makes Santa Cruz's faith in him even more of a motivating factor for 2006.

The 2003 world cup downhill champion has also indicated he wants to target some freeride events, saying that it's a logical step "because I enjoy riding and jumping". He's stated it won't become his focus, but it'll definitely be on the agenda. In a similar vein, on October 31 Rennie is taking part in the Red Bull Mountain Gap event - an attempt on the world record jump of 116 ft - in the Painted Desert, about 30 kilometres from Coober Pedy, a small town in northern South Australia. The area resembles desert regions of the US, and with an abundance of undulations in the landscape there's no shortage of natural ramps.

Rennie with track marshal Paul King
Photo ©: Kathy Sessler

"It's been at the back of my mind for a year, and always something I've wanted to do" said the Sydney-born rider. Red Bull backed the record attempt very strongly, constructing the 12 metre long, 3 metre high ramp, locating and organising the site, with the filming of a 30-minute TV programme scheduled to take place also. "Red Bull have put a lot behind it," said Rennie, and he's confident their support will pay off. Technically, the ramp they'll use for the jump will allow Rennie to build up plenty of speed before and during the takeoff. "The ramp is pretty mellow; we'll start off small and keep pushing it back until we get around that 116 ft range. I'm confident we can get over the record." He'll be towed in by a motorbike to get up to the required speed and use his Santa Cruz V-10 to attempt the record, adjusting spring weight and shock as necessary.

For the time being, however, Rennie is just trying to kick back and relax after a testing year, spending some time with his father in Sydney and racing at the Bicycling Australia Show mountain cross event. He finished in teh top four in the event even though he hadn't raced very often in the category during 2005, enjoying some fun on home turf before the serious task of the record attempt begins. He'll then spend some time at his home on Queensland's Gold Coast, where he'll begin gym work and preparations for next season, which, if the end of 2005 is any indication, should be busy and successful.

Photography

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Santa Cruz

• Nathan Rennie is set for '06. But there are things to do in '05 first

Images by Kathy Sessler

• Rennie sculls champagne for the crowd following his win in the mountain cross
• Rennie with track marshal Paul King (Rapid Descent Body Armour) who was Rennie's first sponsor when he was 16.
• Rennie heads off the pack in the quarter finals of the mountain cross.
• Rennie with Mike Tomalaris from SBS TV who are televising the mountain cross event later this month.
• Thre metres high and 12 metres long, this ramp is ready to roll
• Rennie will shoot up this ramp and will land, hopefully 116 ft later
• The ramp has been constructed to provide a smooth takeoff
• The ramp Nathan Rennie will use for his world record jump attempt
• Now just put it in the desert and jump off it!

Cannondale and Vredestein hit the dirt

Bike manufacturer Cannondale, sponsor of the dominant mountain bike racing team of the 1990s, has announced that it is returning to the World Cup cross-country circuit in 2006 with a new squad in partnership with tyre maker Vredestein.

The four-rider team features two familiar faces and two up-and-coming talents. Swede Fredrik Kessiakoff, who rode for the Siemens/Cannondale team in 2005 remains aboard a Cannondale. Kessiakoff was fourth in the World Cup rankings this year and eighth in the Marathon series after winning the final round.

New Zealander Kashi Leuchs returns to Cannondale for 2006, and will be targeting the World Cup and the 2006 World Championships in his native New Zealand. "I'm excited to return to the Cannondale family and also to be able to contribute to a racer support program like the one I started with," said Leuchs, referring to Cannondale Europe's plans to launch a grassroots program in 2006.

Two Danish riders complete the roster. Peter Riis Anderson is currently 12th in the UCI world rankings, and finished fourth at the Marathon World Championships. His compatriot Jakob Fuglsang is the reigning under 23 World Cup champion and currently the top rider in the UCI under 23 ranking.

Crocodile Trophy Dream Team diaries

The team gathers before the start
Photo ©: Christi Valentine-Anderson

The Dream Team - this year supported by Felt Bicycles - is back for its fourth crack at the Crocodile Trophy with Italian Mauro Bettin, recently crowned World Cup Marathon Mountain Bike Champion at the head of a team that has victory firmly in its sights. Bettin is joined by Two Germans, former Telekom pro turned triathlete Kai Hundertmarck and Nurnberger men's team director Jens Zemke, plus Lars - Eric Johnson from the USA and Australian David Wood. The five are supported by, among others, Eurosport commentator Christi Valentine-Anderson who will tell their story as this dusty desert crew aims for the top spot on the podium two weeks from now.

Since the race began on October 18th, the team has submitted three enties about what may be the most unique and challenging winter (ahem) race in mountain biking.

Diary entries

• Stage 1 - What the...?
• Stages 2-4 - Getting the time back & a couple of wins
• Stages 5 & 6 - Punctures galore and some rude Italian

Global MTB racing round-up

• Crocodile Trophy, Aus (NE), October 18-30: Index to all race reports
• Bart Brentjens Challenge, Ned (NE), October 23: Full results
• Zimbabwe Championships, Zim (CN), October 16: Full results

Aussie National MTB series kicks off in Hobart this weekend

Tasmania gets to test out its state of the art Mountain Bike Park at the end of this month. Glenorchy Mountian Bike Park just north of Hobart, will be christened with the first ever full Round of the National Series to be held in Tasmania. Hobart Dirt Devils, the local club, will host three very different disciplines all in close proximity to each other.

Up first is Olympic Cross Country, where riders complete laps of a technical and fast 6km loop. One of the fastest growing sports, Downhill, will have well-armoured riders testing their descending skills through some tricky and technical terrain. Glenorchy also boasts the biggest and best Mountain Cross course in Australia and riders from overseas are expected to line up their mountain bikes for this exhilarating mix of Supercross and BMX racing.

Event co-ordinator, Luke Chiu, says, “This is a unique venue because it is only 15 minutes out of Hobart. We're really hoping that a lot of local Tasmanians will get out there and race and come along to watch.”

In Saturday's cross country, Olympic Mountain Biker Sid Taberlay will begin his preparation for selection in the Commonwealth Games. After competing in World Cup races and at the World Championships in 2005, Taberlay says he is content to race in his backyard. “After racing overseas all last season, I'm looking forward to racing a National event in my home state,” he said. Taberlay also says he feels confident of a spot as one of the three riders in Australia 's Commonwealth Games Team. According to Australia 's Cross Country Mountain Bike coach, Damien Grundy, Taberlay has got the performances in 2005 which would make a strong case for his selection in the team. Grundy said, “Sid certainly is the most experienced of the senior riders. He is the best performed on the key indicator races which are the World Cup events.”

National Cross Country Champion, Chris Jongewaard from South Australia, will also be looking for a top finish in Tasmania. Jongewaard was nominated for the Athens Olympic squad and is keen to prove he is on form for a spot on the Commonwealth Games team. If he finishes with top placings in the National Series events prior, he will secure a pole position on the start line for the first Commonwealth Games selection race in Melbourne in December. Jongewaard has just returned to form, winning the Top End Tour road race in Darwin and more recently a placing third in the final stage of the Herald Sun Tour .

Last year's National Series winner, Dylan Cooper from Canberra, will defend his crown, whilst youngster, Lachlan Norris from Castlemaine, Victoria will ride his debut in the Under 23 division and race alongside the elite men. Norris is out to prove his mechanical mishap at the World Championship robbed him of a top spot.

National Women's Cross Country Champion, Emma Colson, from Melbourne, returns to the sport after a collision with a motorbike injured her knee just one week before the World Championships in Italy in September. Colson is eager to assert her dominance on the National Series. “I've lost a lot of confidence since the injury,” she said. “I really need race experience but I will still be racing to win.”

The absence of Olympic rider, Lisa Mathison from Queensland could leave the door open for any of the elite women to medal.

Sydney Olympic Park MTNX to air on SBS

Rennie heads off the pack
Photo ©: Kathy Sessler

One the most eagerly anticipated MTNX events of the season was held in perfect weather on Friday 21st October at the new Sydney Olympic Park course. Run on a design by bicycle policeman/part time course designer Brett Barnes, the course saw close to 200 riders contest an awesome event complete with lightning show over the backdrop of the Sydney skyline.

More importantly, SBS was there filming every stunning moment and a full 30 minute show will be screened on SBS on Sunday 6th November, 11:30am-12pm.

Send SBS an email that says thanks for their support of MTB

IMBA opens up dream jobs for trail maintenance team

IMBA is looking to hire a full-time, professional two-person team for the highly successful Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew program. Application deadline is November 11, 2005. This position requires a passion for mountain biking, excellent communication skills, a basic knowledge of trailwork and team compatibility. The Crew will travel the U.S. nearly all year in a 2006 Subaru Outback. The application deadline is November 11, 2005.

Since 1997, the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crews have traveled the world, sharing their trailbuilding expertise with volunteers, land managers and trail advocates. As a direct result, thousands of miles of appealing, environmentally sustainable trails have been built or revitalized. The crews have contributed to the trails community and mountain biking opportunities in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico and several European countries.

Sponsored by Subaru of America and directed by IMBA, the Trail Care Crews work with IMBA-affiliated mountain bike clubs, land managers, and other trail user groups to solve trail management challenges. The Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crews improve trail conditions and trail experiences for everyone.

Now IMBA is looking for the newest team in a long line of dedicated trail professionals. Although the position is not for everyone, a team who enjoys travel and adventure, love to work outside and want to help improve trails and mountain biking are encouraged to apply. IMBA is asking the Crew make a two-year commitment. The selected applicants will start work in mid-February 2006.

Travis Brown and Cameron Chambers to attend Nebraska trail maintenance fundraiser

Highgear Bike & Outdoor, the Lincoln Bicycle Company and Trek Bicycles will host a fundraiser for Nebraska's official trail advocacy group T.H.O.R. (Trails Have Our Respect). The huge shindig is being held Saturday, October 29, 2005 from 4:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. at Platte River State Park near Louisville. T.H.O.R. is dedicated to developing new mountain bike riding areas and making existing riding areas better by provide expertise, manpower, and resources to local land managers. This is the third year for of the T.H.O.R. fundraising event.

Festivities begin at 4:00 p.m. with an amateur freeride jump demonstration in the horse barn pasture. Other scheduled events include: BBQ courtesy of Omaha Steaks at 5:30 p.m., Psycowpath MTB Series check presentation to T.H.O.R. at 6:30 p.m., Q&A Session with pro mountain bikers Travis Brown (U.S. Olympic Mountain Bike Team Member) and Cameron Chambers (U.S. National 24 Hour Mountain Bike Champion) from 6:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., freeride video contest at 8:00 p.m., raffle giveaway at 8:30 p.m. and 80's Dance Party from 9:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. with music provided by DJ Reynolds.

All scheduled events except the freeride demo will be held at the Mallet Lodge in Platte River State Park. Individuals interested in entering the Freeride Video Contest should contact Event Organizer, John Lefler. Contest videos should be a maximum of 4-5 minutes in length and in VHS format. Videos will be scored by a panel of celebrity judges.

There is no cost to attend the T.H.O.R. Fundraiser. A freewill donation to T.H.O.R. is encouraged.

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