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HARDCORE downhill action will make its mark on Mount Gambier this weekend, when it again hosts the final round of the Inside Line Downhill Mountain Bike South Australian state series.
The Blue Lake city will be well represented, with several riders eager to wrap up a successful series on their home track.
Justin Dejong won Round 5 of the elite class in Willunga and with a strong result on Sunday could find himself with a top three finish.
He also sits equal first in the hardtail class and will push to back up his 2017 title, as he rides the high of his recent state championship win.
Dejong won the expert class last year, so a possible podium in the elite would be the icing on the cake.
His brother Shane leads the expert class for 2018 and Justin said it will be good to see him finish off the series at home.
“He has pretty much got the overall for the B Grade (expert) class,” he said.
“It will be good to see him wrap that up here at the home track.
“It is good, I think we have just about someone in each class from the Mount.
“It will be good to see and hopefully behind them there is a good crowd to come and watch.”
In other Mount Gambier interests, Ben Kilsby will look to hold his second position in the sport class, while newcomer Haiden Smith will hope for a good result at home.
Registrations will be open from 9am tomorrow, with the track open for practice from 10am to 4pm, before Sunday’s racing.
Inside Line secretary Carrie Parton expects the event to be hotly contested, as riders look to tie up the series in the best possible positions.
However, the event will also be a chance to relax and enjoy the successful months of racing as the series comes to an end.
“Every race is fiercely contested,” Parton said.
“And we will have a variety in the mix, because we will have the Mount Gambier guys riding who might not necessarily make it to our stuff up in Adelaide.
“There will be other riders down there that ride the local track pretty well who might offer a surprise.”
Spectators could also see the return of the number one plate on the weekend, as Mount Gambier’s Callum Morrison may take to the track.
“Callum Morrison won the overall (elite class) last year,” Justin Dejong said.
“He has been tied up with other sports (this year), so hopefully he comes out and has a go.
“He will be one to watch definitely.”
Opposed to last year, the track – which finishes at the bottom of Brownes Lake – boasts a new “wheel nuts” section, which has been added to the top of the circuit.
That will see riders start the course from up at the centenary tower, allowing for some extra speed going into the bottom section.
This is the third time Mount Gambier has hosted a round of the SA state series and solid numbers are expected for the final meeting.
“Last year we had about 130 (riders),” Parton said.
“Obviously the majority travel to the event, but I am seeing new names pop in on the registrations who I believe are locals.
“It seems like it is creating more interest for people down here.”
Justin Dejong said the event has boosted the popularity of downhill in the area since it first came here in 2016.
“It is good to have the race down here in the Mount,” he said.
“A lot more people have just started getting into it.
“Heaps of people have bought bikes just for this race.
“It is always good to see the sport growing that way.”
Racing will start from around 11.30am on Sunday, after compulsory practice runs.
“We open the track from 8.30am to 10.30am and there is a compulsory practice run,” Parton said.
“If the conditions change over night, everyone needs to have had one look at the track before they actually race it.
“Then we have a compulsory rider briefing at 11am and get the shuttles going up the hill by 11.30am for the first categories.”
Racing is expected to finish mid-afternoon and will be followed by presentations.
Those keen to have a go, but who do not want to race, can register for a Saturday ride only.
However, there are safety and equipment requirements for all riders.
“We do not want people to just rock up on their little deadly treadly out of the shed and think they can race,” Parton said.
“It is a hardcore sport and they need to have the right gear.”
Further information about the event, including rules and regulations can be found at insideline.com.au.
All registered riders for race weekend must have the following:
Two working brakes
Bar plugs/ends on handlebars
An Australian Standards, full face helmet with non detachable mouthpiece
Inside Line recommends covered elbows (3/4 or full length jersey, or elbow pads) and hands (gloves). This is now mandatory for Under 17 and below.
Inside Line recommends covered knees (3/4 or full length pants, or knee pads). This is now mandatory for Under 17 and below.
All riders must wear fully enclosed shoes
Body armour, goggles and neck braces are strongly recommended
No singlets allowed
