It’s the moment of truth for contestants tackling the third and final round of the Forestland Cross-country Series near Atiamuri this weekend.
The two previous rounds in June and July, held at the same popular forest venue, about halfway between Tokoroa and Taupo, dealt up high drama and produced different race winners, so it all comes down to seeing who has the goods when it matters most, at the series’ finale on Sunday.
Rotorua’s Callum Dudson excelled when he produced a courageous come-from-behind ride to win the two-hour expert class race at round two of the series in July, while Auckland’s Ryan Hayward was best of the senior grade riders at round one.
Perhaps it will come down to a two-person battle for outright glory between these two on Sunday, although equally-talented riders such as Wainuiomata’s Jake Whitaker, Whitianga’s Blake Wilkins, Eketahuna’s Luke Brown, Rotorua’s Daniel Bates, New Plymouth’s Sam Parker, Whangaparoa’s Jacob Refoy and Napier’s Luke Taylor might have something to say about that.
Meanwhile, Eketahuna’s Sheldon Brown is perhaps favourite to win the “curtain-raiser” 90-minute junior race on Sunday morning, with riders such as Cambridge’s Harrison Findlay, Havelock North’s Luke McBeth, Rotorua’s James Bates and Ngaruawahia’s Bailey Babington also likely to feature at the front. 
Expect to see Hastings’ youngster Cooper Hill, Jai Gibson and Pirongia’s Leo Gilbert battling to mini grade honours, while the tussle for novice women’s grade glory could be another battle between Rotorua’s Jackie Leggett, Auckland’s Amber Uhrle and Mangakino’s Grace Harcourt.
Event organiser Sean Clarke said there had been “a fair bit of logging going on in the forest lately”.
“This has meant quite a bit of work for us to do to get the tracks into shape for safe and enjoyable racing, but it also means the trails will be fresh and exciting.
“A large turn-out is expected at Ohakuri and Clarke said he expects the forest course will “really keep the riders on their toes”.
Several of the riders expected to compete on Sunday will have just returned from racing at the Red Bull Romaniacs event in Romania, that massive international competition sure to have helped hone their skills and sharpened their fitness.
The Forestland series caters for cross-country riders aged from as young as seven, through to teenagers, adult men and women and to the upper age brackets too, with veteran riders in their 60s, or even older, all keen to join in.
The popularity of this domestic competition includes separate trails and several different grades incorporated into the day’s racing, catering for all levels of confidence and ability.
The Forestland Cross-country Series is supported by Forbes and Davies, Kiwi Rider magazine, Forest Trail Events, Satco Logging Equipment, O’Neal apparel, Ogio, Arai helmets, Metzeler tyres, Muc-Off, USWE Maxi Grip, Maxima Oils, Blur and Husqvarna motorcycles.
2023 Forestland Cross-country Series calendar:
Round 1, Ohakuri, between Taupo and Tokoroa, Sunday, June 18;
Round 2, Ohakuri, Sunday, July 16;
Round 3, Ohakuri, Sunday, September 3.
© Words and photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ
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