WA Gravity Enduro Champs draw big crowd for debut Geraldton event
More than than 300 racers from around the State descended on Echidna Park in Geraldton on Sunday for round 5 of the WA Gravity Enduro mountain bike race.
The race was took place over eight predominantly down-hill time stages with a total of 310 registered racers plus their families and friends in attendance, most travelling from Perth and the Southwest.
There was a good turnout of locals as racers, organisers and spectators and with 28 categories ranging from under 9’s to Elite, women’s and e-bike events, there was something for everyone.
This was the first time the trails had been open to the public and riders were surprised and impressed by the trails.
Local mountain bike legend Josh Phillips, who initially suggested the event, took out the top spot in the Warriors category.
James Bruce and Mark Appleyard designed and built the eight intricate trails and tracks, with the assistance of land owner Ian Grant.
“I was absolutely stoked with how the weekend went, (it) was a bit of a dream come true for me,” he said. “From the first time James (Bruce) and Mark (Appleyard) showed me around the site and what they’d envisioned, my goal was to turn it into a Gravity Enduro-worthy venue.”
James Bruce and Mark Appleyard designed and built the eight intricate trails and tracks, with the assistance of land owner Ian Grant.
The event was held at Echidna Park Sporting Clays shooting club and was the first time the series had come to Geraldton.
Phillips was not only thrilled with his podium finish but was full of praise for his fellow local riders.
“Winning my age category was the perfect way to top off a fantastic weekend. Sharing the podium with another local, Travis Pollard (third) was pretty special too,” he said.
Local lad Liam Stubbs took out second in his category (under 19s) with Jayden Fraser the champ on the day, winning the Elite Men’s category by just one second over Ryan Litterick.
Lucy Hill was first in the Elite Women.
Organisers are hopeful this will be the first of many mountain biking events to be held in the region and a regular fixture on the circuit.
There was even mention of the course being used for state champs and national-level events as well as potential for other disciplines, such as cross country, to host events there.
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