Ward and Sheppard snare Stage 1 at 2016 Port to Port
It's not a bad place for a bike race.
It’s not a bad place for a bike race…The Port to Port MTB, one of Australia’s biggest and best stage races, kicked off today with an incredible field of over 600 riders. Mountain bikers from around Australia and the world have signed up to tackle the four day test of endurance. Riders will pass from the idyllic surrounds of Nelson Bay Marina, Port Stephens, then through world-class wine country, national forests, rugged coastline and MTB parks Awaba and Glenrock.
The Port to Port MTB is fast becoming one of NSW’s most successful home-grown events, enjoying increased attendance year-on-year, with 2016 up by 40% on the 2015 event – a remarkable achievement at a time when many events are experiencing decreasing numbers. Now in its third year, it is a permanent fixture on the country’s mountain biking calendar and attracts an enviable field of elite and recreational riders.
“The event continues to surprise us with the interest shown and how registrations continue to grow each year,” said Event Director Chris Heverin. “Each year we try and learn as much as we can and make small changes to give riders an even better experience from the previous year. We’re continually evolving and growing, and it’s absolutely fantastic to see riders, from weekend warriors to World Champions, respond to our efforts.”
Tight racing at Port to Port is set to continue as the event grows.Tight racing in Port to Port
Day 1 is flat, sandy and fast! The race starts at the Marina and tears up a couple of short climbs, which splits the field. The crowds at the start are proof of the growth of the event. Dolphins frolicked in the bay, riders and supporters ordered coffee at the cafe, and plenty of racers also waited anxiously for the start.
Rolling out of town behind the neutral car, there was a lot of nervous behaviors behind the front-runners. Narrowing roads, riders eager to move up without looking far beyond their front wheel, and a slightly slow pace made for a lot of nervous skidding and shouting.
But once the gun went, it was on! Building up to speed on the flat, we took a hard turn and climbed, moving through a gate onto a sandy climb which quickly strung the riders out.
Near the front, a group formed as we hit the backstreets. Rohin Adams, Kyle Ward, Tristan Ward, Shaun Lewis and Andrew Blair, Paul van der Ploeg and Reece Tucknott found themselves with a small advantage. But it wasn;t enough, as with so many elite mountain bikers in attendance they were soon shut down.
The course then took to some fast fire trail with length sand sections. Some drizzle had settled the sand but at speed, it was easy to be offline, and off your bike, if you made any mistakes.
The real decider was The Three Bears. Three steep, loose climbs on the service trail under some power lines. Sure, it’s not the most beautiful setting, but racing is about decisive terrain, and this was it. Few could ride it, Andrew Blair crashed at the base, dislocating his shoulder and opening his knee up.
After The Three Bears, seven riders found themselves alone. Jason English, Tristan Ward, Paul van der Ploeg, Shaun Lewis, Reece Tucknott, Rohin Adams and Kyle Ward.
In time Kyle Ward and van der Ploeg both flatted. The final five wouldn’t let anyone get away, and it wasn’t until the final small climb on some parkland singletrack that young Tristan Ward made his attack, with enough watts that no one could follow. Ward won solo, with Lewis taking 2nd from Adams. Tucknott was 4th and English 5th.
In the women’s Samara Sheppard had a strong start and never seemed troubled by another of the other strong elite women’s field. For a New Zealander, Sheppard rode the sand like a boss, and rode a fast tempo the whole race. Imogen Smith was 2nd and Em Parkes came in 3rd.
This stage of Port to Port highlights what an event team can do with an area you might not associate with mountain biking. With about 500m of climbing for 34km, it’s not that hilly. This stage is low on singletrack. Perhaps there is 1km in total. But it offers some great racing in terrain that is highly technical at speed. We’re racing right on the NSW coast line, starting and finish at the gorgeous Shoal Bay.
Port to Port is an excellent example of mountain bike races taking you places. Today we were in the beautiful Port Stephens, and now we head to the Hunter Valley for tomorrow’s stage.
