McConnell wins Oceania MTB title

McConnell took the lead in the third of seven laps winning in a time of 2 hr 13.26 min.

Under 23 national champion Lachlan Norris was the early leader until McConnell made his move.

“I didn’t want anyone getting too far away. It’s always hard to pegsomeone back when they’re in the front so I tried to keep it a minimumgap.’

The seven laps took their toll as many riders werelapped in the final stages. McConnell also admitted that he found thegoing tough.

“It was long, I won’t say it wasn’t. The last few laps were tough. I was glad it was bell lap,” he admitted.

McConnell was emotional after the race as his thoughts turned to hisgrandmother who had sadly passed away earlier in the week.

“That race was for her,” he said. “She was very supportive of what I did.”

Norris finished in second place and convincingly wins the Under 23 Oceania title.

Canberra representatives, Dylan Cooper and Ben Henderson were second and third respectively in elite men.

The podium places in the under 23 were taken by two north east Victorians, Paul Van Der Ploeg followed by Cal Britten.

New Zealand’s top finisher was Mike Northcott in 11th place. Northcottwas closely marked by national champion, Stuart Houltham in 12th.

Ash Hough placed eighth in Under 23 but was the top kiwi finisher.

The closest racing of the day was in the Under 19 race with all top five finishers within one minute of the winning time.

Victorian James Peacock had his maiden win after overtaking Trenton Day in the final lap.

NationalChampion, Michael Baker from Canberra had mechanical trouble butclaimed third while Mitchell Codner rode in ten seconds later to claimfourth.

New Zealand’s top place getter in Under 19 was LockyMcArthur in seventh. Fellow countrymen Adrian Retief and Conor Corbettclaimed eighth and ninth respectively.