Team PNP, Round Three, National Series

National Series - Round three.

Team PNP Report

At last! a fine race, Rotorua greeted us with an awesome day, however heavy rain earlier in the week and a short burst of steady rain the day before made some sections slippery, but thankfully the track remained mainly dry.

Rotorua is quite different from the other venues because of it's lack of big hills. In some ways this makes it more intensive, as this also means there is no big downhills to rest. In addition, drinking and eating is difficult because of the tight single tracks that makes up most of the circuit. This is certainly one track that having an intimate knowledge of it makes a huge difference.

Once again Trevor Woodward gave us all a display of smooth and consistent racing. Never really threatened all race, he showed us what many years of racing experience can do. I feel sorry for his competitors. Well done Trevor 1st again!

Samara Sheppard continues to battle Monique Avery. This was always going to be a tough ask for Samara as this is Monique's "home turf". I don't think I have ever seen Samara so focused during a race but unfortunately this was not enough to catch Monique. A well deserved 2nd - great stuff!
Auckland and Wellington are going to be interesting as I feel Samara has an edge on the hills - watch this space!

Peter Arkwright - what can I say, he is a real bloke! Breaking a collar bone and dislocating something with a very long name, and still managed to finish the race - in 2nd place!!! what an effort!!! - what a man!!!!
I would love to be able to explain how he came off doing 80km, taking out a half grown pine tree and a small stand of blue gum in the process, but unfortunately the truth is not quite as exciting. Seems Arkie had a senior moment and lost concentration for a second as he was riding past some submerged tyres on the BMX track. He recons the fall itself was quite graceful over the handlebars, but the landing was not quite so delicate.
The PNP club now has it's own Colin Meads - Get well soon Arkie!

U19 Men is a very competitive class, and Rotorua had all of the "big guns" there. A number of the top riders are based in Rotorua, which was always going to make it an extra challenge for Jordan Blake. A faulty start horn caused a bit of confusion for a number of riders, so once again Jordan found himself playing catch up early on. Jordan battled all race and managed a credible 4th place.

Stu Houltham was up against some very stiff competition in the Pro Elite Class. Clinton Avery was always going to be the man to beat, especially on his home track. Stu found himself in 3rd place after the first lap, he then managed to jump up to 2nd on the next lap and that is where he finished - awesome result Stu!! well done!!!

We are all looking forward to go to Auckland (I don't believe I just said that) keeping our fingers crossed for another dry race!