SISS MT bike champs Coronet Peak

On the 20th of February, a group of eight keen mountain bikers headed up to Queenstown for three days of racing for the South Island secondary schools mountain bike champs 2024.

The first day was a slow start for the team, with only one rider competing in the cross country. Aedan Lehr placed 11th in his category after 4 laps of a 4 km course.

Day two dawned bright, with the beautiful views of coronet peak shrouded in mist. All eight Logan park riders headed up for their early morning downhill practice. After warming up, it was a quick transition into Seeding and then Finals. The first Logan Park rider to drop was Ty Murphy, setting a good time of 4:48.

Progressing through the age groups, Keanu Topping finished with 4:04, Olly Jane, 3:55, Manu Buddingh, 3:42, Liam Dick 3:59, and Aedan, 3:41. After a long day of racing everyone was relieved to get off the mountain and rest for a big enduro race the next day.

After a quick race briefing it was straight into it, with all under 16,17 and under 20 Logan Park riders heading down Dirt Serpent for their first stage, while Ty Murphy (under 15) headed down Rude Rock. With a couple decent climbs across the 4 stage enduro course, everyone was super excited to ride some of the best tracks Coronet Peak had to offer!

Ty set a time of 23:36 across all four stages, with Keanu not far in front with 21:48. 

Reg Billot set a good time of 23.12, Manu with a 19:51, Liam, 20:49, and Aedan, 18:58. 

Happy and satisfied with a good 3 days racing everyone settled in for the long drive home.

This was such an awesome event!