Fast and Furious on Day Four of 2021 MTB Nats

A foggy morning turned into a spectacularly sunny day for racing on Day 4 of the 2021 Mountain Bike National Championships at Maydena Bike Park, Tasmania.

The short cross-country course, a high-tempo blast that’s fierce for riders and fun for spectators, was the feature event for the crowd.

The 20-minute race is battled over a course that ranges from 1km to 1.5km long and uses the XCO start/finish straight.

A field of 26 in the Under 17’s kicked up the dust in their morning race with a crash moments after the start causing pileup at the back.

Harry Doye (VIC) and Ethan Weiss (QLD) were locked in a two-way battle over the seven laps, with the Victorian securing the gold medal in the final 50 metres.

All eyes then turned to former national XCO and current cyclo-cross national champion Chris Jongewaard (SA) at the start line in the Masters 3 Men.

The Adelaide rider showcased his power and pace in the nine-lap race, taking out the gold medal to add to his collection.

PERFORMANCE OF THE DAY

Meghan Stanton (NSW) took to the line in the Masters 4 Women with expectations high.

The Bowral rider didn’t disappoint the strong crowd lining the course, as she played the waiting game, biding her time on the wheel of a rival rider.

Stanton made her attack on the bell lap, where she put down the hammer and defended her national jersey.

QUOTES

Meghan Stanton

“Given I have to race XCO the next day, I made sure my tactics were on point and rode conservatively until I made the move. Super happy to retrain that title here on a really great course.”