Evans conquers 'toughest' course
By Red Bull NewsroomCraig Evans overcomes slippery conditions at Red Bull Hardline to beat defending champion.
Craig Evans dug deep to win 2017 Red Bull Hardline in a thrilling day’s racing where the high-quality field faced slippery conditions on Dan Atherton’s daunting MTB downhill course.
The Sheffield rider was not the favourite heading into Sunday’s action with fastest qualifier Adam Brayton and defending champion Bernard Kerr looking the more likely for victory.
However Brayton crashed out in the final section, while Kerr made too many mistakes to finish two seconds behind Evans with course creator Atherton charging down for a gallant third.
Evans revealed, “I didn’t think I was going to win at all, so it’s a crazy feeling. I had bits where I was smooth and I had bits where I was a bit wild but I managed to hold on to it until the bottom. So yeah, buzzing.”
Kerr added, “I didn’t win, so not great. It was so slippy. I think it had just started raining as the rider before me went off and it just went to ice instantly. I tried to hang on to it and ride smart after that, but not quite enough.”
The latest incarnation of the downhill mountain bike beast over the hills of Dyfi Valley in North Wales combined gap jumps, giant slab rolls and tight wood sections.
Riders were caught out by the slippery, steep rocks just before the massive road gap with many slipping pedals and some coming off altogether.
Atherton declared, “This year’s Red Bull Hardline was definitely the toughest it’s ever been, from the moment we started building the course we’ve been battling the weather.
“But all the riders who came have been amazing. It’s been such tough conditions on the course, but they all pushed hard all week and everyone rode awesome. Crossing the finish line for my final run, I’ve never felt such relief and the fact that I was third made it even better.”
TRIATHLON
Top International Professionals enter Challenge Wanaka
Challenge Wanaka continues to attract triathlon's big names to the shores of Lake Wanaka in 2019, with some of the world's best confirming their participation. American triathlon powerhouse, Andrew Starykowicz will be certainly pushing the envelope in Wanaka.
Top International Professionals enter Challenge Wanaka
Challenge Wanaka continues to attract triathlon's big names to the shores of Lake Wanaka in 2019, with some of the world's best confirming their participation. American triathlon powerhouse, Andrew Starykowicz will be certainly pushing the envelope in Wanaka.
Saturday, 5 January 2019
CYCLING
Captivating Finishes at BDO Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge
Epic results unfolded today at the 42nd annual BDO Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge.
Captivating Finishes at BDO Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge
Epic results unfolded today at the 42nd annual BDO Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge.
Monday, 26 November 2018
MULTISPORT
Wanaka athlete crowned 25thPeak to Peak supreme winner
Stunning bluebird weather greeted competitors at the 25thannual Torpedo7 Peak to Peak multisport race Saturday.
Wanaka athlete crowned 25thPeak to Peak supreme winner
Stunning bluebird weather greeted competitors at the 25thannual Torpedo7 Peak to Peak multisport race Saturday.
Monday, 13 August 2018
TRIATHLON
Taupo named as finalist in race to host 2020 Ironman 70.3 World Championship
IRONMAN, a Wanda Sports Holdings company, announced today that Perth, Western Australia and Taupō, New Zealand have been named finalists to host the IRONMAN®70.3® World Championship triathlon which will rotate to the Oceania region in 2020.
Taupo named as finalist in race to host 2020 Ironman 70.3 World Championship
IRONMAN, a Wanda Sports Holdings company, announced today that Perth, Western Australia and Taupō, New Zealand have been named finalists to host the IRONMAN®70.3® World Championship triathlon which will rotate to the Oceania region in 2020.
Wednesday, 13 June 2018
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