The Bayview Blast Bang On

An early Queensland chill gave way to spectacular winter sun and top conditions at the 2021 Bayview Blast – a full weekend of mountain bike racing at Bayview in Mt Cotton, Redland City as part of the 2021 AusCycling MTB National Cup.

With the races spread across two days (participation day with junior and 25km events on Saturday and the competition half and full-marathon on Sunday), there was something for everyone.

RATS Cycling Club was pleased to see a decent contingent of interstate, and outside the southeast, visitors to the Redlands Coast.

Sunday was a bright and early start, as the half-marathoners (56km) and full-marathoners (96km) marshalled at the start of a steep fire road climb to begin their 16km start loop, followed by either one or two laps of the 40km loop.

Designed to incorporate more than 90 per cent of the singletrack in the park, the Bayview Blast has long been recognised as one of the top races for those who want to challenge themselves on the trails that cross-country mountain biking is all about.

This year, the elite podiums featured a few out-of-towners.

After 96km the elite men was won by Cameron Ivory in a time of 4:25.26, followed by Jon Odams and Brendan Johnston (2018, 2019 champion).

They were closely trailed by Brent Rees in 4:35.32, who held on to the big guns for most of the course before eventually dropping off the front trio at the 60km mark.

Ella Bloor took out the elite women in a time of 5:17.56, followed by Holly Lubcke and Isabella Flint.

Bloor attacked her rivals during the start loop of the race and gradually extended her winning margin throughout the race to eight minutes.

Bloor was among many enjoying the warmer weather, as riders from Canberra, Sydney, Tasmania and Adelaide took to the podium.

On the National Cup schedule for the half-marathon was the junior event, taken out by Hayley Oakes in 3:21.54 and Joel Dodds in 2:43.22.

A highlight of Saturday was the 10min junior race, designed for littlies on balance bikes and those just starting out on pedals.

The kids looped the event village for half a dozen laps or more, to plenty of cheers and encouragement.

Special thanks to Redlands State MP Kim Richards who attended to help at the RATS café and presented medals, and to Springwood State MP Mick de Brenni, whose community volunteer team and staff helped at the RATS café all day on Sunday.

Minister de Brenni also stayed on after his own 25km race to present medals on Saturday.

RATS Cycling Club also welcomed Redlands Mayor Karen Williams, who attended to present medals to the age-based half-marathon winners.

For full race results, visit https://my.raceresult.com/168014/results

For details about RATS Cycling Club events and programs, visit ratscc.com.au

For information about visiting the Redlands, go to https://www.visitredlandscoast.com.au/