NEWS
2010 Wrap Up
As the dust settles over the township of St. Albans, we reflect back on another year of records, frills and spills from the sixth edition of the Dirt Works 100km Classic NSW.
Unseasonably warm weather in St. Albans meant the normal attire of down jackets and thermal underwear was not required this year. The start of the 100km event was also changed to a more palatable 7am - combined with the weather meant no incidents of frost bite on the road section out of town.
Organisers would like to congratulate all riders for improving their downhill and water bar skills in the off season. The event featured a distinct lack of “chopper noise and down drafts” – normally a regular fixture at the Dirt Works. Apart from a few collar bones and the normal cuts and scrapes, we are happy to report that no riders were evacuated by the flying ambulance. The first time in three years!
Peter Hatton
After missing out in unlucky circumstances at the marathon champs in Avoca, Peter took his revenge by out sprinting Rockstar Racing's hard man Craig Gordon for the top spot on the podium. In doing so he also set a new course record of 3h57:46, seven seconds quicker than last year's champion Jason English. Peter, Jason and Craig have now established an illustrious group of riders to go sub 4 hours at the Dirt Works NSW. Will we see more elite riders in this group next year?
Zoe King
Not to be outdone was KOM Cyclery rider Zoe King, creating some race history of her own. She smashed the female 100km record by 10 minutes, completing the course in a blistering time of 4h51:00. Zoe became the first female rider in Dirt Works history to break the 5 hour mark.
Race records also tumbled on the 50km course. Matt Potter, Paul Rowney and Perren Delacour worked together on the 12km road section back to St. Albans allowing all three to sprint for the title. In the end it was Matt Potter over Paul Rowney by 300th of a second. All three riders crushed the previous race record by nearly five minutes – showing the value of getting into a good bunch on the road.
Becky Mates was the first female 50km rider across the line in another race record of 2h00:03. Becky took a hefty six minutes off the old record set by Janine Ridsdale back in 2007. She was followed closely by last year's champion and masters rider Felicity Williamson. Felicity took 10 minutes off her winning time from last year but had to settle for second female on the 50km course. Are we going to see a sub 2 hour time from the girls next year?
Ride or Wade?
100km competitors were faced with a conundrum this year at the famous kayak bridge; take a shot at riding the planks or get wet wading the river? It proved to be just the right incentive as 468 riders successfully crossed the bridge earning them a treasured “I rode the bridge” silicon armband. Some riders were not so successful at riding the bridge, much to the delight of spectators and photographers. It seemed the “I waded the river” armbands didn't prove nearly as popular.
The Flying 29'er
Congrats to Peter Hatton for taking out the 100km, the first rider to win the event on a 29'er – and the first to cross the finish line without his bike! Pete must have been a track sprinter in his younger years as he decided to leave his Niner behind and dip for the line, head first, track sprinter style! It was the most spectacular finish we've seen at the Dirt Works. Luckily he didn't sustain any injuries and no photographers or video was quick enough to capture the moment. We wonder which one he is most relieved about?
Congratulations to all riders who completed the 100km and 50km Dirt Works Classic. We'll see you in Woodend on the 7th November for the Dirt Works Victoria.
The Dirt Works 100km Classic NSW results and a link to the photos are now availabe on the Results page.
Dirt Works NSW – 2011 Date
The Dirt Works NSW will be returning to St Albans on the 1st May 2011. Entries open 1st December 2010.
Dirt Works Victoria – Entries Now Open
If you enjoyed the riding In St. Albans and looking for your next challenge, why not enter the Dirt Works 100km Classic in Victoria. Scheduled for the 7th November,
the event is staged from the picturesque Cammeray Waters at Woodend, only one hour's drive from central Melbourne and 40 minutes from the airport. The course will
traverse the popular riding location of the Wombat State Forest and adjacent private property with a mix of fast fire trail, forest riding and up to 50% technical and
flowing single track. There are absolutely no tarmac, guaranteed!
Entries are now open – for more information visit the Dirt Works Victoria Website
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