Auckland Champs Round 1

This was the first round of the Auckland Champs at the recently built Sanders reserve. There has been a lot of hard work put into getting events at this venue so Race 1 of the Auckland champs was looking to make a good impression. I was once again racing in Under 17's as a 14 year old, so this was set to be an interesting race, with over 30 contestants from around the Auckland region showing up to race. The course at Sanders was a combination of tight corners and steep climbs, really designed to test a racers fitness. There were a few cases of racers getting lost, but as this was Sanders first race this was to be expected, and otherwise the race ran smoothly. Age groups were sent off in individual waves with a minute between, with the most fiercely competed category being under 17 men, who had to complete a total of 3 laps of the course. Under 15 men had to complete 2 laps, a trend shared by under 17 women, while under 19 men had to complete a gruelling 4 laps. Racing in Under 17s was a hotly contested affair, with positions changing if you so much as blinked. In the end I finished a credible 9th place, (once again 1st in full sus trail bike). I will post results of category winners as soon as I get hold of them. Over all the race at Sanders favoured riders who could climb like a prodded Mountain Goat and turn like the hands on a clock, traits that I am sure are reflected in the winners. I look towards the development of racing in Sanders with interest...