Cory and Buchar conquer Cannon Ball run

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On what is known as the longest and toughest downhill course in Australia, Ben Cory and Claire Buchar emerged victorious at the third round of the Australian Mountain Bike Series in Thredbo on Sunday. The esteemed 'Cannon Ball' run, with its 410m vertical descent, combined with 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 Cory. "There were 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 under 19 men's 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 his result in yesterday's seedings.

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

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