Defending King Nelba titleholder Brendan Johnston was hoping to be at the Rio Olympics, but made the ironic admission he’s a better marathon mountain bike rider than Olympic distance sprinter.
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This is hardly the news his rivals want to hear as they head into the Tathra MTB Enduro this weekend.
This weekend sees the rebooting of the 2016 Tathra MTB Enduro, after it was washed by June’s huge east coast low – which belted the coast with heavy rain, massive seas and strong winds.
Despite the date change, over 300 riders have signed up to test their skills in one of the five Enduro events. Entries are still open for the King Nelba 75km, Mitas 50km, Tuff 25km and Lap-It-Up events. However online entries close tonight (Friday), with attracting a late fee (except Lap-It-Up Race).
Although his Olympic hopes were dashed, Johnston can become the second person to win back-to- back Enduro crowns with a win on Sunday. The only other rider to have achieved this feat was World 24hr Champion Jason English, who won the first two King Nelba crowns.
“I was trying to go to Rio, and I would love to have gone,” says Johnston, the two time National Marathon MTB Champ.
“I gave it a crack, and the reason I wasn’t selected was all my own doing. At the moment, I won’t be trying for Tokyo. I am now in fulltime work, which I have put off for a while with cycling.
“But I’m 100 per cent going to keep cycling in Australia as long as I can. The marathons are what I really enjoy, and my physique is better suited for these events. Cross Country doesn’t really suit me,” he adds.
Canberra’s Johnston says he is looking forward to racing again in Tathra because of the laid back atmosphere.
“It’s a great weekend, with five different events in a relaxed environment. Last year was awesome. The event had a good vibe and the tracks are really enjoyable,” he recalls.
He says this year’s change in distance from 100km to 75km did not necessarily make the race any easier.
“Seventy five or 100km, everyone is going as hard as they can, so the distance doesn’t matter.”
Racing in the sixth Tathra MTB Enduro gets underway on Saturday afternoon with the Bega Cheese Childrens’ Chase and will be followed by the Lap-It-Up 5km, 10km, 15km and 20km Lap race. This event is suited to fit and skilled teenagers, or those adults who are new to mountain biking, but after a challenge.
Sunday’s racing begins with the King Nelba 75km event, which is the ultimate fitness and mountain bike skills challenge. Riders will complete one-and -half laps of the entire Tathra single track network.
Those riders looking for single dose of Tathra’s single track, should enter the Mitas 50km, and there’s the Tuff 25km for those looking for fun without the pain.
For full details on race courses, race times and event schedules please visit the event website at www.mountainbiking.com.au/tathraenduro or follow the event.
Presentations will be held at the Tathra Beach Country Club from 2pm on Sunday.