Preview: AusCycling Downhill National Series, Adelaide

29 Feb 2024 | 11:13 AMBy: Ryan Miu

The AusCycling Downhill National Series will make its thrilling conclusion this weekend with Round 3 in Adelaide.

Riders will take on The Mixer at Eagle Mountain Bike Park, with a few new additions. It’s a rocky, technical run that never fails to test the skills of all who tackle it.

To see the course, check out this preview video featuring Giles Button and Jack Young from the host club, Inside Line Mountain Bike Club.

After Friday’s track walk and Saturday’s practice sessions, Sunday will be race day. Elite, Under-19 and Under-17 competitors will have an initial seeding run before a final, while all other categories will lay down a single race run.

In the Elite Men, series leader Connor Fearon comes in looking to sew up the overall victory. On his home trail, and having won the national round here last year, he’ll be favourite to take the top spot.

Looking to challenge Fearon is fellow Adelaide local and multiple world championship medallist Troy Brosnan, who was second at Eagle MTB Park last season. Also coming back will be Josh Button – third last year – while Troy Weinert will aim to secure a series podium, coming to Adelaide sitting third overall.

Ellie Smith MTB — *Ellie Smith is well-placed to secure a National Series overall victory. (Photo: Matt Rousu Photography)*

At this stage, the Elite Women will have a small field of just three riders. Ellie Smith leads the overall standings and will secure the series win here, with her closest rivals not attending. Local riders Philippa Norton and Shelly Flood will provide her competition with their home advantage.

In the Under-19 Men’s event, there’s potential for the series podium to be completely overturned this weekend. With leaders William Ireland and Carter Sloan not attending, every rider down to 11th place has a mathematical chance to clinch the series.

Hudson Tarling, sitting in third currently, is best placed to seize the win, but he’ll have to fend off the likes of Lachy Roberts, Patrick Ward and Mitchell Claxton, to name just a few.

In the Under-19 Women’s, Jessica Sheridan and Amelia Freeman have the chance to shoot up from fourth and fifth overall to the top of the national series, with the current top three not attending. Zali Miklas can also move herself onto the national podium.

Feature image: Connor Fearon at Round 2 of the AusCycling Downhill National Series. (Photo: Thredbo)