28 February 2012

Simmo is one of our brightest young talents. We are very lucky to call him a mate and a club member. 
Once again he went to the 2012 Australian MTB championships with the support of the club and his parents.

Here is a report from him mum "Gerro".

We have just returned from an extremely hot four days at Adelaide for the Australian Mountain bike Championships. Simon raced very well with mixed results. His XC race was in 42 degree heat and he was coming a very comfortable third halfway through the last lap. He then broke a chain which wrapped itself in the front chain ring and rear cluster.

When he couldn't free it he then carried his bike the remaining distance (some 40minute walk) and completed his race and came in last (except for those riders who had been lapped.) He was bitterly disappointed but he won a lot of fans for his determination to complete the race especially in the extreme heat conditions.

A few hours later he compete in the 4X and came away with a bronze medal.

On Sunday he compete in the XCC (cross country short course). There was only an U/19 category so Simon entered this. Simon lead the field for the first two laps amongst very strong riders. He then tapered off (nothing left in the legs after the other days) and finished a creditable eighth.

Yesterday we received some very exciting news. Simon was informed from the AIS coaches that he is one of four U/17 riders selected from around Australia to form the Australian Junior Development squad. They are heading as a team to New Zealand on 5th April for 11days to compete in the two major Junior New Zealand Road Tours and to train on the mountain bikes in the trails of New Zealand.

We would like to thank the Forrest MTB Club for their financial support in sending Simon to Nationals. It is much appreciated as it has been a very expensive national season.