2015/16 - VDHS series is released
The Victorian Downhill Series has long been known for being the premiere series in the country.
The Victorian Downhill Series has long been known for being the premiere series in the country. For many years, riders both local and from interstate, have enjoyed what this network of clubs and volunteers have been able to provide as a competitive yet still grassroots focused racing series. In 2014/15 the committee had decided to take a step back to rebuild and allow great club involvement with less risk financially.
Newly appointed President, James Tamanika, had this to comment, “Last year we asked the riders and the community to give us a chance. That chance was to take the time to have a rebuild year, make it a little easier and more accessible for more riders to get to be involved and bring the rider numbers back up. Whilst we did offer a more grassroots styled season, our regular riders numbers did not dwindle, we had more new riders than ever before, the season was as competitive as ever and people still had fun. To the riders, your patients will be rewarded and your comments have been heard!”
The 2015/16 season has been a massive effort on the part of the committee and the clubs to put on such an amazing calendar of events, on some amazing trails with some new initiatives and bring back some of the old.
With the continued financial support from major series sponsors Nukeproof Bicycles and Chain Reaction Cycles and the continued support from long time sponsors Yarra Valley Cycles, Magneto Industries as well as newer sponsors High 5 Nutrition, Life of Bikes, Dharco Clothing and more still confirming, the VDHS has brought back a lot this season both on and off the track. This begins with the reintroduction of the online LIVE timing link, where you can follow results online in a LIVE environment. This is amongst many other small initiatives the VDHS look forward to releasing over the coming months. The biggest initiative how however is that now the VDHS will offer equal prize money to both Elite Men and Women Categories.
“After such a huge positive response from the initiative taken by Mt Baw Baw Resort Management and the Gippsland club last season, we as the committee, have reviewed the Prize Money and made adjustments in order to pay equal Prize Money to both the Men and Women. In doing this, hopefully this help continue to bring more women to the sport from both local and interstate.”
In addition to this, many of the previous season clubs have come back on deck and proud to involved for yet another season.
“Along with the great involvement from Fat Tyre Flyers, Team Mount Beauty, Goulburn Valley Mountain Bike Club, Red Hill Racers, Gippsland Mountain Bike Club and Mount Baw Baw Resort Management, this year we welcome Mansfield Mt Buller Cycling Club, who will run their very first VDHS event alongside the assistance of Mount Buller Resort Management and long-time supporter of the series, Alpine Gravity, who has come on board to bring back an old rider favourite to the calendar. It’s without these clubs and organisations coming together, we don’t have a series so it’s great to see us partnering for the benefit of the series as we have.”
“Lastly, we have removed a running a round of the series from the joint VDHS/MTBA round and instead have replaced this with The Victorian State Championships. In doing this, we hope to bring back some prestige to the title of Victorian State Champion and also alleviate the confusion of points that we experienced last season. In any case, having this event to Mt Taylor will excite riders as there has been many a comment on a return to this much loved venue.”
The 2015/16 season is a tribute to the days of old. A big thanks has to go to all the VDHS committee members and the clubs for volunteering their time, passion for racing and working together to put together a series that the riders would love and we hope you all enjoy the season ahead.
The Victorian Downhill Series Presented by Nukeproof, Powered by Chain Reaction Cycles
Round 1: October 10/11 – Mt Beauty presented by Team Mt Beauty
Round 2: November 7/8 – Barjarg presented by Alpine Gravity
State Championships/ MTBA National Series Round 1: November 28/29 – Mt Taylor
Round 3: January 23/24 – Mt Buller presented by Bike Buller/Mansfield Mountain Bike Cycling Club
Round 4: February 27/28 – Mt Baw Baw presented by Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort/Gippsland MTB/Red Hill Riders
Round 5: April 16/17 – Granton presented by Fat Tyre Flyers
Presentation 8th May Sunday at Maldon presented by Wombat MTB Club