South Island Secondary Schools' Mountain Biking Champs

By Andrew Willmott | Posted: Monday April 3, 2023

Coronet Peak, Queenstown - 31 March-2 April.

After early Autumn snow jeopardised rider safety and track quality, Cycling New Zealand Schools made the decision to bring the reserve day into effect. The postponement left many scrambling to rearrange their plans. The wash-up was only three riders representing Otago Boys'.

Shaun Hasler led the line-up, and appropriately was the only School rider to contest all three events: Cross Country (XC), Downhill and Enduro. His considerable event experience and adaptability was evident in his high placing overall in the U-17s. Shaun achieved 11th/23 in the XC, 4th/28 in the Enduro and in the Downhill improved his 11th seeding to finish a very respectable 8th (and 22nd out of all 188 competitors!)

Jack James, competing in the Downhill, did extremely well too. Jack placed 13th out of 34, in the U-16s. This was a brave performance after crashing out in practice. Unfortunately, this crash forced his withdrawal from Sunday's Enduro.

In his first time at the South Island Champs, Max McCaul showed his potential. He secured a 34th placing in the Enduro having had no practice riding the tracks.

Thanks to Nick Sharp for marshalling and parents for supporting your sons.

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