Former Champ Beaten in Speight's Mountain Bike Race

Relative unknown beats former national champ in 2015 Motatapu Speight’s Mountain Bike Race

Former elite rider Mike Crawford has won the Motatapu Speight’s Mountain Bike men’s title today after passing race leader James Williamson – who was on foot – 300m from the finish line, while national women’s champion Kate Fluker retained her top position.

Former national road cycling champion Williamson, 25, from Alexandra, led the 47km-long race from the 10km mark but his chain broke about 3km from the finish line so was forced to run the rest of the way with his bike. Crawford, 33, from Prebbleton, Canterbury, passed Williamson to finish with a time of 2:18.00.

Williamson crossed the finish line in second place in 2:19.06. Third place went to Brent Miller, of Christchurch, with a time of 2:21.41.

“I came round the corner and saw James running and I thought, ‘he should have won this race’, and I feel I’ve robbed him to a certain extent,” Williamson says.

“I’m completely spellbound – I shouldn’t be beating guys like James. I’ve got a 40-hour week job as a tax advisor and three kids, a mortgage – I basically get on the trainer for an hour each day after 7pm when the kids go to bed, and do a bit of riding on the weekends. I don’t know how I did that, I shouldn’t be here – but I’m stoked that I am.”

Williamson says he’s disappointed with the result but is still proud of his efforts.

“I was looking after myself in the downhill but just towards the end my chain pinged off and went flying. I couldn’t do much about that so I had to run the last bit. I just got passed about 300m before the finish line, so it’s pretty gutting. It’s tough conditions today and when you’re really pushing it hard these things happen. The run was probably the hardest part of the race because I don’t do a lot of running,” Williamson says.

“It’s a tough, competitive race – it draws a big, strong, competitive field. There’s a lot on the line and it’s a good event to do well in,” he adds.

Queenstown-based Fluker, 27, didn’t beat her 2014 record of 2:08.31, finishing the course today in 2:40.23.

“I’m pleased with the win. I knew I wouldn’t beat the record today because of the weather. Dirt turned into mud so it’s harder to get your momentum up. Even the descents were harder, a lot more slippery. Conditions change each year so next year I’ll try to beat the record,” she says.

Fluker says it’s “awesome” to support local races amid her preparation for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

“I just got back from Australia from the Oceania Champs where I managed silver there and I won the Australian national round two days later. Just being able to back up that result – I’m feeling really good. Today was a challenge, but I’m feeling good.”

Relda McDowall, in the open women’s 30-39 category, of Invercargill, finished in second place with a time of 2:43.48 while elite rider Ingrid Richter, of Nelson, finished third.

Some 2843 mountain bikers of all abilities registered to brace the elements to race in wet conditions over the magnificent Motatapu, Soho and Glencoe stations – which open once a year to the public for the iconic off-road event. The event started at Glendhu Bay near Wanaka and finished at Wilcox Green in Arrowtown.

For more details on Motatapu 2015 visit www.motatapu.com

ENDS

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