Words | Daniel Self Photos | The Perfect Line
What a race! The 2021 DH Nationals will certainly go down as one to remember. The all-new top half of the course feed out into the brutally rough lower GC track and certainly kept the riders on their toes. After day one of practice everyone was tired and sore, the last thing anyone expected was a sudden Covid-19 announcement. For a few hours it seemed like the racing might be off, however the organizers had a plan and did a brilliant job running the event despite the curveballs they were thrown!
A revised race day schedule meant shorter practice and no seeding runs. One run only to put it all on the line and see who would take the fern for the year.
Classic old school style from the one and only Kieran Bennett. Seeing the confidence he had on track you would never have guessed this was his first race of the season after an injury last year.
Last weekends Boaz Hebblethwaite came into this race with one goal, win. If anyone could upset the top pros it would be Boaz.
Queenstown’s Jayd Adlam making light work of the incredible powder that made up the mid section of the course.
Cameron Beck had an outstanding national series, never finishing off the podium. Hungry for the U19 win at National Champs he was looking fast on course.
A race run crash put Keiran Bennet out of contention, however he made sure to pass a few style lessons on the the new blood over the finish jump.
Local shredder Max Hides had a helping hand in building one of the best race tracks we’ve seen. He’s as handy on the bike as he is the shovel, taking the win in sport men!
Daniel Self was looking smooth all weekend and had his sights firmly set on the podium. Unfortunately he was another one of many who pushed just a little too hard in the race run, crashing lower down the track.
Brady Stone has no shortage of style. One of very few to tackle the track on an Enduro bike, he was looking faster and smoother than most of the guys on full DH rigs!
Finn hawkesby Browne looking confident. 6th place for Finn, impressive for his first year racing in the elite ranks.
Brady Stone had an outstanding ride, 7th Elite on his megatower. We can’t wait to see what Brady does at the EWS rounds later this year.
Seth Stylianou had a rough weekend at NZ open, however he was back and hungry for redemption at National Champs. 4th U17 for Seth and the best roost of the day!
Cameron Beck was pushing hard in his race run, the track bit back though and a crash on course left Mr. consistent in 4th uU9. While most would be happy with that, we know Cam is more fired up than ever. With another year in U19 he is one to watch.
Man of the match. Boaz Hebblethwaite had an incredible run, taking the hot seat by nearly 8 seconds! He was in for a nervous wait while the remaining riders made their way down, holding on to the lead until the very last rider.
Oh so close. Sam Blenkinsop was the last man down the hill and the only person to better Boaz’s time. A very respectable 2nd place for Boaz.
That’s a wrap! NZ DH season is done and dusted (literally) for another year. Wishing our own Tuhoto-Ariki Pene the best healing vibes after his crash last weekend at NZ open. Keep an eye out as you will no doubt see him back carving up at some World Cups in Europe later this year if travel restrictions allow it!
The DH racing might be done but stay tuned, as there are still plenty of Enduro events left to run for the next few months. See you all then!
Check out the full results here.