Press release from Mountain Bike New Zealand
Monday 7 January 2008
Drower dominates mountain biking
Round Two, New Zealand Community Trust South Island Cross Country Cup, 6 January 2008, Coronet Peak
Eric Drower (Cambridge) dominated the Elite Men’s field at Round Two of the South Island Cross Country Cup held in
glorious sunshine on Sunday 6 January, Coronet Peak.
Showing good early season form and wanting to banish the demons of his previous racing season, Drower led from start to
finish, producing a 9 minute winning margin over second placed Dayle McLauchlan (Christchurch). Drower posted the
fastest lap time of the day with a scorching 19.06 minute lap on the fun, purpose built mountain bike tracks at Coronet
Peak.
The Elite Women’s field was a closer race between rivals Jeanette Gerrie (Christchurch) and Cathy Hamer (Hokitika) with
Gerrie taking the lead on the first lap and retaining it to win line honours over the course of 5 laps. As Hamer won
Round One of the South Island Cup, the series winner in the Elite Women’s category will be determined at the upcoming
third and final round to be held in Omihi (North Canterbury) at the Vulcaniser race, 20 January 2008.
In a new format for Mountain Bike New Zealand, Under 19 and Under 23 age categories raced with the Elite field, allowing
the up and coming talent to test themselves against the best riders in New Zealand. Of particular note was the winning
performance of Under 19 rider Ashley Hough (Tauranga) who posted lap times that would have ranked him high in the Elite
field.
In the earlier race start for Under 15, Under 17, Senior and Master categories, it was local rider Geoff Small (Masters
30 category) of Lake Hawea with the standout performance. Small, the winner of the annual Brakeburner event held at
Coronet Peak, used his home advantage and great bike handling skills to blitz the field.
During the following weeks, riders will continue to hone their skills on the Coronet tracks which remain open to the
public 7 days per week 10:30am – 7:30pm (weather permitting) until the 3rd February. For more information visit the
summer link at www.nzski.com
Round Two of the Subaru South Island Downhill Cup takes place at Dirt Park in Wanaka, 8-9 January.
ENDS