Costello triumphs in Triple RRR Classic

The 19th edition of Australia's Triple RRR Classic ended in a bunch sprint, with victory going to the unheralded North Queensland teenager Andrew Costello, who triumphed in a frantic dash to the line.

The quality of Costello's victory will be remembered in the annals of Australia's oldest point-to-point mountainbike race, not only due to his tender years. It was the standard of the opponents Costello conquered during that final dash along the sandy strip as he outpaced four-time champion David Wood and local downhill legend Sean McCarroll - both of whom boast international experience at World Cup level.

"It's an absolute honour to win this event, many great riders have won this before me," the Atherton Tableland schoolboy said. "It's absolutely amazing."

A record field of 310 cyclists lined up in outback Mount Molloy to undertake the 44-kilometre journey that transits the World Heritage rainforest before descending via the historic Bump Track to the tropical coast near Port Douglas.

In what turned out to be the fastest start in the race's history, a select group of nine riders formed in the opening kilometres, featuring an eclectic mix of cross country specialists, elite downhillers and big-gear grinding road cyclists. The makeup reflected the unique nature of the Triple RRR, a race that includes a variety of terrain and surface conditions, coupled with an overall negative gradient.

Pre-race rumours that one-time international downhill star Sean McCarroll had come to the race with a mission for the overall title proved to be well founded. The supreme descender in the pack found himself mixing it with the fast men on the approach to the descent of the Bump Track.

Persistent attacks came from the road contingent as the race rolled through Outback Wetherby Station, with the serious contenders working together to counter the moves.

"A couple of the road riders, Ivan Cook and Andre Tonello, got a little breakaway and it was really tough trying to get them back in," Costello said.

The addition of a new technical section in the 2009 course caused a significant shakeup in the lead group. Punctures also proved costly as Tonello, Cook and James Banner-Smith each lost valuable time.

It was on the descent of the Bump Track where the major move of the race eventuated. As expected, the specialist downhillers Wood and McCarroll established a slender lead, but it wasn't enough to stop Costello, who managed to claw his way back onto the lead group as the race rolled across the Mowbray Valley. Smaller and lighter, the conditions on Four Mile Beach ultimately favoured Costello, who still managed to produce strength well beyond his years to win the sprint against two of the Triple RRR's best credentialed exponents.

Relaxing day for Hannah

Taking a more relaxed approach to the race, Australian Downhill Champion Mick Hannah chose to back off and enjoy the scenery with his major objective, the World Championships in Canberra, now just days away.

The fifth placed rider on the World Cup downhill standings is at the peak of his powers and will head to Mount Stromlo refreshed after enjoying every minute of his home race.

"I did take it a bit cruisy today, practice starts on Tuesday for the worlds, and I don't race till Sunday so it's quite a long week," Hannah said.

"I'm feeling pretty confident, my pedalling is stronger than it's ever been and I'm fit and healthy.
I'm going there to win."

Hannah's Manager at Team GT, American Steve Spencer, also made the most of his first taste of the Triple RRR Classic.
"Great experience, rode through some beautiful countryside around Port Douglas, met a lot of great people who cheered us down the hill," Spencer said. "The Triple RRR has been the highlight of the trip."

McLennan three-peat in women's event

In the women's race, Cairns cyclist Abby McLennan continued her unbeaten run, to make it three consecutive victories in the Triple RRR Classic. McLennan was never challenged over the 44-kilometre distance and continues to build in confidence as she prepares to take on the visiting European women in the Crocodile Trophy.

McLennan will spearhead the local Rattle & Hum team, supported by husband Scott and teammate James Banner-Smith, both of whom produced solid performances today.

"We're training to peak for the Crocodile Trophy and these races really help," McLennan said. "The training days are long, but we're starting to get used to them and we can't wait for October."

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