The Paddock Club at the Yellomundee Regional Park was buzzing with excitement on Sunday morning, with riders, spectators and race supporters awaiting the qualifying rounds, kicking off Rocky Trail Entertainment's MTB Grand Prix 2008. The new racing concept required every racer to complete a short qualifying "hot lap" to secure their position in the starting grid of the six-hour race that was to follow.
Jason English took out the first place in the MTB Grand Prix in the solo male category, after qualifying for Pole Position, with a total number of 17 laps on the 8.08km long track. With 13 laps, Craig Armour came in second overall in the race, after starting with a 30 second penalty in the starting grid. Another Sydney-sider, Brad Hawthorne came third after catching up to the leaders from his sixth place in the qualifying.
The women's category was dominated by Sydney's Anna Beck - after coming second in the qualifying rounds, she overtook Joanne Fox and secured the first place with 12 completed laps. Fox came in second place with eight laps in front of Belinda Blackhall who completed five laps.
Sue George is an editor at Cyclingnews. She coordinates all of the site's mountain bike race coverage and assists with the road, 'cross and track coverage.
