Henderson looks for a change of luck in Canberra

After three rounds the the 2010 Jayco Australian MTB Series comes downto its final event at Stromlo Forest Park, the home of the 2009 UCIMountain Bike World Championships.

In the men’s cross country,series leader Lachlan Norris (VIC) has one foot on top of the victorydais ahead of this weekend, however Canberra-local Ben Henderson willbe keen to knock him off his perch.

Henderson has had enoughof finishing second. The 24-year-old played bridesmaid to Norris in thelast two rounds of the series in Shepparton and Thredbo and currentlysits second on the standings.

This Saturday, with a change of tactics and bit of luck, Henderson is hoping things will finally go his way.

“Sincethe national championships my last two races have been pretty close toperfect. I was unlucky in Thredbo, when I got a flat on the second lastlap, otherwise it would have come off perfectly,” said Henderson.

“Thisyear I’ve changed my race tactics slightly. I’ve been holding back atthe start, keeping tabs on how much energy I’m expending and leavingenough to come home strong.

“It’s made a big difference, I’mmore consistent and in a better mindset. With two laps to go, I’ve gotmore in the tank to wind it up again, which will hopefully worry Norristhis weekend if he’s in front of me and running out of steam.

“I think (national champion) Dan McConnell (VIC) will be a big threat as well.”

Henderson is hoping that the home ground advantage, along with the local course knowledge will also play its part.

“It’s a pretty big advantage knowing the lines and rocks on your home course, and being comfortable in the environment.

“Withall the rocks and steep climbs and descents, the Stromlo course willtest everyone’s technical skills. Without the technical confidence it’spretty hard to be up there with the front guys.”

Henderson hasbeen one of the big improvers this domestic season, crediting his newcoach Mark Fenner with his rapid rise up the ranks.

“My newcoach Mark Fenner has played a big part in my improvement. Heidentified a few weaknesses in my fitness and has had me doing quite alot of specific internal training, longer intervals with sustainedefforts.

“I haven’t trained harder, just preparing a lotbetter. I’m making sure I’ve covered all the other aspects of riding,such as staying on top of my strength, nutrition and physio sessions.

“I’ma plumber by trade, but I’ve been able to get enough time off toprepare properly. I work for my dad, so he’s pretty lenient!

“Alsomy girlfriend is a physio, so it’s quite handy having a physio on call24 hours a day! She’s got me doing a lot of core work, which has beenlacking in previous years.”

Henderson is one half of the supersiblings of mountain biking in Australia. His younger 19-year-oldsister Rebecca is the leading under 23 cross country rider in thecountry, and one of the nation’s most promising young talents.

“There’s definitely a bit of sibling rivalry. It keeps our motivation high and drives us both.

“HavingRebecca on the circuit is an advantage. It’s great to be able to talkabout the course and race tactics with someone you’re not actuallyracing against.”

This weekend, Rebecca Henderson will look to consolidate her position on top of the women’s under 23 cross country table.

Inthe women’s elite cross country category, national champion Rowena Fryalmost seemed unstoppable, until Heather Logie (ACT) dethroned theTasmanian in the short track event in Thredbo last month.

Although Fry comfortably leads the women’s rankings, the title is not secure just yet.

The tussle for the series victory in the men’s downhill will go down to the wire.

Twenty-sevenyear-old Canberra local Ben Cory, who won in Hobart and Thredbo willstart as favourite on his home track, however the ever consistent ShaunO’Connor (NSW) and Shepparton winner Chris Kovarik (QLD) will besnapping at his heals.

Kovarik’s wife, Canadian Claire Buchar will be aiming for the husband-wife double in the women’s event.

Inthe absence of fellow Canadian Leigh Douglas, Buchar, who won inShepparton and Thredbo, will start as clear favourite, howeverQueenslander Sarsha Huntington will be out to cause an upset.

Thingsare just as tight up the top of the table in the men’s 4X seriesstandings, with just two points separating Richard Levinson (QLD) andRyan Hunt (NSW).

Although neither have secured a win in the series, both men have displayed consistent form throughout the year.

Canberra’sgreat hope on Friday night will come in the form of 22-year-old LeighDarrell, a multiple world junior BMX champion, who conquered in Thredbolast month.

The final round of the 2010 Jayco Australian MTBSeries kicks off with the 4X at Stromlo Forest Park on Friday night,further information can be found that the national series website.