Stage one of the Cape to Cape MTB race got underway on Thursday, with a huge field of riders departing the grounds of Xanadu Wines in Margaret River to tackle a full day on the town’s finest singletrack.
According to Flow MTB, the Margaret River riding community have been hard at work on the tracks.
“The locals of Margaret River have been pretty busy, beavering away in the forests making the type of singletrack that you can't help but holler and hoot as you float your way through.”
Riders Samara Sheppard and Brendan Johnston took line honours on day one, with Johnston keeping a clear strategy in mind.
“There was a few lead changes for sure, it’s always pretty crazy out there, if you ride near the front you’re a lot safer from catching a flying stick or something in your wheel,” he said.
“I made an attack over the top of the big climb on Carters Rd, after letting Kyle Ward lead up the climb I went around and kept it rolling to the finish."
Sheppard said the races were a challenge given she was coming into the event without much recent riding behind her.
“These races are so and so technical, there were some big hills to climb, so much singletrack and I haven’t really touched my mountain bike since World Champs in Cairns,” she said.
“I knew Peta Mullens would be super strong this week when the bunches formed out on the course, but in the end the aim of the four days is to spend good time on the bike and have some fun out here, if we achieve that, it’s a success. If we take home any prize money, that’s all good, too!"
Friday will see riders move to Leeuwin Estate for a 63km leg amongst the vines and forest south of Margaret River.
Female Open Results
1. Samara Sheppard - 02:33:03
2. Peta Mullens - 02:34:29
3. Renata Bucher - 02:34:33
4. Jessica Simpson - 02:43:25
5. Kathryn McInerney - 02:45:26
Male Open Results
1. Brendan Johnston - 02:16:17
2. Tasman Nankervis - 02:17:24
3. Kyle Ward - 02:17:25
4. Dan McConnell - 02:18:50
5. Andy Blair - 02:19:04
- With thanks to Flow Mountain Bike
