Cross country racing returns to Thredbo this weekend as part of round three of the National Mountain Biking Series. After five years, the ski slopes will once again see riders like Olympian Sid Taberlay of Tasmania and fellow Commonwealth Games star, Chris Jongewaard of Adelaide racing at altitudes over 1350m. A win for Taberlay would give him the series lead since the current leader, Aiden Lefmann, will be absent. The 2005 Series Leader, Dylan Cooper is currently in the third spot with fellow Canberra rider Shaun Lewis sitting poised in fourth. Jongewaard is ranked eighth, and a podium placing could mover him into contention.
Lachlan Norris from Bendigo leads the Under 23 division with Ben Henderson from Canberra close behind. Henderson’s younger sister, Rebecca has had stunning performance this season and at just 15 years-old is leading the Under 23 women's division.
Women’s elite racing is being dominated by Tory Thomas. However, two riders being developed as part of the “Dirt Roads to London” program, Zoe King and Renee Fortunato are sitting in second and fourth respectively. Caroline Jackson, a former English champion is third on the points tally while Rowena Fry from Launceston has consistent rides to place fifth overall.
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The course in Thredbo has received good reviews by cross country riders with a vertical rise of 200m every lap. Elite women will race four laps beginning at 9:30 am The elite men and under 23 division will race six laps of the 5.75 km course starting at 12:45 pm.
Cross country riders take a back seat Sunday as many of the world's best downhill riders take to the ski slopes in round 3 of the National Series. World bronze medalist, Nathan Rennie will race current series leader and winner of the last round Amiel Cavalier.
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