The day may have dawned grey and drizzly, but the Big Top at Wild Horizon’s 3 Ring Circus mountain bike race was splashed with colour as Performers made their way into Wingello State Forest, ready for the Matinee Performance; 50km of mountain biking pleasure.
With Saturday’s Night Performance still fresh in many legs, over 500 riders lined up for the 10am start, including some of Australia’s most recognised names in mountain biking. The start was fast and furious; with the leaders flying through the first Ring transition in just over 12-minutes.
As relay team Performers searched for their partners in transition, they looked mud splattered but happy. Those waiting were kept warm by blazing fires, energised with endless coffee and entertained by Circus WOW.
Through the second Ring transition after 33km it was rider one and two together; Kyle Ward leading Olympic mountain biker Sid Taberlay. But by the time the third and last Ring had been raced, roles were reversed, and Sid Taberlay took line honours in 1:56 over Kyle Ward (2:00) and Anthony Shippard (2:03) in third.
Leading the women’s field throughout the race was Becky Mates, who finished in 2:34 followed by Larri Wallbridge (2:41) and Karen Evans (2:46) in third.
Kyle Ward summed the race up at the award presentation, saying “It was a bit of a soggy day but you just have to take a look around to see a smile on everyone’s face to know it was a great race. See you all at The Fling.”
Those that didn’t make the podium did not go empty handed. The generous 3 Ring Circus sponsors making sure almost every rider walked away with something for their effort.
After the final prizes were awarded, Performers who had given their all slowly made their way out of the forest. The Circus music was wound down and the Big Top packed away for another year.
Full Results can be found at www.wildhorizons.com.au
With Saturday’s Night Performance still fresh in many legs, over 500 riders lined up for the 10am start, including some of Australia’s most recognised names in mountain biking. The start was fast and furious; with the leaders flying through the first Ring transition in just over 12-minutes.
As relay team Performers searched for their partners in transition, they looked mud splattered but happy. Those waiting were kept warm by blazing fires, energised with endless coffee and entertained by Circus WOW.
Through the second Ring transition after 33km it was rider one and two together; Kyle Ward leading Olympic mountain biker Sid Taberlay. But by the time the third and last Ring had been raced, roles were reversed, and Sid Taberlay took line honours in 1:56 over Kyle Ward (2:00) and Anthony Shippard (2:03) in third.
Leading the women’s field throughout the race was Becky Mates, who finished in 2:34 followed by Larri Wallbridge (2:41) and Karen Evans (2:46) in third.
Kyle Ward summed the race up at the award presentation, saying “It was a bit of a soggy day but you just have to take a look around to see a smile on everyone’s face to know it was a great race. See you all at The Fling.”
Those that didn’t make the podium did not go empty handed. The generous 3 Ring Circus sponsors making sure almost every rider walked away with something for their effort.
After the final prizes were awarded, Performers who had given their all slowly made their way out of the forest. The Circus music was wound down and the Big Top packed away for another year.
Full Results can be found at www.wildhorizons.com.au