The Cycling New Zealand Schools National Mountain Bike Championships kicked off in Ōtautahi Christchurch on Monday, showcasing the talent of more than 650 riders across Aotearoa.

Enduro racing was the first event of the four-day championships, spanning multiple timed stages at the Christchurch Adventure Park.

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Day one began with damp, foggy, muddy conditions but turned to mostly sunny weather as the day progressed.

“It’s been a good start to the week,” says George Chapman, Christchurch Adventure Park Events Manager. “Everyone seems happy and it’s a good vibe.”

There were only seconds in the fastest overall times after combining the scores from the four enduro stages. Under-20 male winner Erik Cassels-Brown (Cashmere High School) edged u-17 male winner Joel Nissen (Te Aho O Te Kura Pounamu), while Lincoln High School’s Oliver Jenkins Jablonski (08:58.29) held off Te Aho O Te Kura Pounamu’s Cooper Millwood (08:58.43) by the barest of margins for third.

Sticking with the local flavour, Cashmere High’s Roison McGuiness (under-17) was the fastest overall female with 9:47 – 14 seconds faster than the u-20 female winner and fellow Cashmere rider Winni Goldsbury.

In the under-16 male category, Jonty Mitchell – also of Cashmere High - delivered an impressive performance with a total time of 9:09 - placing him 14th overall.

The remaining categories were taken out by Lucy Jenkins Jablonski (under-15 female, third overall female), Tawhai Anglem (u-15 male), Keria Burborough-Murphy (u-14 female), Matthew Wallace (u-14 male), Pippi Taylor (u-13 female) and Kobie Madsen (u-13 male).

Racing on Tuesday turns to cross-country and cross-country relay.

For the full list of Monday’s results, click here. 

Article added: Tuesday 08 October 2024