Downhill is not dead! 2020 NZ National Roundup

Words | Amanda Pearce. Photos | Cameron Mackenzie, Sven Martin.

The 2020 New Zealand National Downhill series was held in January & February over 4 rounds split between the North and the South Islands. Now the dust has settled, take a look back at all the racing action.

Join Hyperformance team manager ‘Cam Cole’ and the strong turnout at all events of Hyperformance team and Santa Cruz riders for some photo goodness.

Round 1

Round 1 saw the series return to Bluff for the first time in 7 years. In the deep deep south Bluff is know for its oysters and wet and windy weather, lucky for the riders the sun was shining and apart from a bit of overnight rain the track was is pretty good condition. Bluff Results

Bluff Hill/Motupohue standing at 265m looks over Foveaux Strait and shows off Bluff’s raw beauty. Photo CM.

Bluff Hill/Motupohue standing at 265m looks over Foveaux Strait and shows off Bluff’s raw beauty. Photo CM.

Reuben Bensemann hanging off the back of his V10. Reuben went on to take the win in Open Men. Photo CM.

Reuben Bensemann hanging off the back of his V10. Reuben went on to take the win in Open Men. Photo CM.

Tuhoto-Ariki Pene looking smooth even in the air. Tuhoto-Ariki showed his dominance early on with a 3rd place in Elite Men. Photo CM.

Tuhoto-Ariki Pene looking smooth even in the air. Tuhoto-Ariki showed his dominance early on with a 3rd place in Elite Men. Photo CM.

Oliver Elkington emerged as one to watch in the U19 Men. On the gas to take out 1st place. Photo CM.

Oliver Elkington emerged as one to watch in the U19 Men. On the gas to take out 1st place. Photo CM.

Queenstown local Jayd Adlam showing his speed with a 4th in Elite Men. Photo CM.

Queenstown local Jayd Adlam showing his speed with a 4th in Elite Men. Photo CM.

Winners are grinners. Photo CM

Winners are grinners. Photo CM

Round 2

After an 11 year hiatus, national level downhill racing returned to Coronet Peak for round 2. With breathtaking alpine views and a track that is loose and fast as hell it is always a fan favourite.
Coronet Peak Results

It was dry and dusty, Reuben Bensemann was 2nd in Open Men. Photo CM

It was dry and dusty, Reuben Bensemann was 2nd in Open Men. Photo CM

The always stylish Kieran Bennett laying down a flying run for 6th place in Elite Men. Photo CM.

The always stylish Kieran Bennett laying down a flying run for 6th place in Elite Men. Photo CM.

With views like this its hard not to get distracted mid race run. Photo CM.

With views like this its hard not to get distracted mid race run. Photo CM.

Tuhoto-Ariki Pene destroying the corner on his way to 4th place. Photo CM.

Tuhoto-Ariki Pene destroying the corner on his way to 4th place. Photo CM.

Cam ‘Horse’ Cole hanging a leg in the grass turns. Photo CM.

Cam ‘Horse’ Cole hanging a leg in the grass turns. Photo CM.

Round 3

For the 3rd round the series would jump across to the North Island and hit the lush green forests of Rotorua. Renowned for its geothermal activity the natural hot springs are always a hit with riders wanting to revive their sore bodies at the end of the day.
Rotorua Results

Old rivals KB & Cam sharing some pre race banter. Photo CM.

Old rivals KB & Cam sharing some pre race banter. Photo CM.

Bevan Adlam took out 2nd place in Master 2 men. Photo CM.

Bevan Adlam took out 2nd place in Master 2 men. Photo CM.

Not quite able to take the win in the ‘fastest dad category’ Kieran Bennett settled for a very respectable 5th place in Elite Men. Photo CM.

Not quite able to take the win in the ‘fastest dad category’ Kieran Bennett settled for a very respectable 5th place in Elite Men. Photo CM.

There was some tight racing in the U17 category. Young Rotorua flyer Cam Beck putting down a storming run to take the win. Photo CM.

There was some tight racing in the U17 category. Young Rotorua flyer Cam Beck putting down a storming run to take the win. Photo CM.

Tuhoto-Ariki Pene was unstoppable! Taking 1st place in Elite Men. Photo CM.

Tuhoto-Ariki Pene was unstoppable! Taking 1st place in Elite Men. Photo CM.

Tuhoto-Ariki Pene with the gold. Photo CM.

Tuhoto-Ariki Pene with the gold. Photo CM.

Round 4

Round 4 was scheduled to be held at Dome Valley in Auckland but due to high fire danger this had to be moved. Fourforty Mountain Bike Park swooped in and saved the day and were able to hold the final round at short notice. Dry and dusty conditions made for some intense racing as riders chased final series points.
440 Results

Stoke was high at the final National series round of the year. Photo SM.

Stoke was high at the final National series round of the year. Photo SM.

Tuhoto-Ariki Pene showing sideways can also be fast adding another 1st place to his collection. Photo SM.

Tuhoto-Ariki Pene showing sideways can also be fast adding another 1st place to his collection. Photo SM.

Congrats so all the series winners. Photo SM.1st Place Elite Men - Tuhoto-Ariki Pene1st Place U19 Men - Oliver Elkington1st Place Open Men - Reuben Bensemann1st Place Master 2 Men - Bevan Adlam

Congrats so all the series winners. Photo SM.

1st Place Elite Men - Tuhoto-Ariki Pene

1st Place U19 Men - Oliver Elkington

1st Place Open Men - Reuben Bensemann

1st Place Master 2 Men - Bevan Adlam

Your Elite Men’s champ for 2020 Tuhoto-Ariki Pene. Photo SM

Your Elite Men’s champ for 2020 Tuhoto-Ariki Pene. Photo SM