Among Mates. Observed Trials National Championships
Extremely lucky is an understatement. All the risk and reward from the Observed Trials Australian National Championships in Canungra
Weather forecasters unanimously agreed the event would be a total washout, but a brave group of dedicated trials riders showed up anyhow, and were rewarded with a total lack of rain all day!
The entirely man made course was made up of an exciting combination of rocks, logs, concrete pipes, a vintage truck and a not so vintage Pajero forming a really cool set of 4 sections, to be negotiated by riders from Novice, Sport, Expert and Elite classes. The sections were built by World Champion, Janine Jungfels, with assistance from world trials veteran from Mallorca, Carles Diaz, along with other helpers who did a fantastic job of putting together a world class event.
Due to the weather the entire competition was condensed into one day, so it was a busy day! Novice was taken out by junior Nate Feehely on just 10 points, this young fellow showing great promise and skills transferred from various other disciplines. The hotly contested Sport class was taken out by Conner Aves, followed by Tim Mullaly, and Jaco Coetse.
Expert and Womens champion was taken out by Janine Jungfels, who is in great form in her lead up to this year’s World Cup and World Champs campaign.
In the mind blowing, gob smacking Elite class, the sections were truly world class, and the usual suspects – Joe Brewer, Andrew Dickey, Nathan Mummery and Lachlan Sens qualified for the final, with Joe Brewer taking Gold with an amazing ride for a total point score of 16. Long time rival and friend, Andrew Dickey took Silver on 25 points, and Nathan Mummery taking Bronze on 27 points. Congratulations also to Lachlan Sens and Matt Harding for putting in some great rides over the gruelling course.
A big thanks to all those who helped make this a great event!
Complete results:
NOVICE
1) Nate Feehely 10
SPORT
1) Connor Aves 35
2) Tim Mullaly 48
3) Jaco Coetse 49
EXPERT
1) Janine Jungfels 13
2) Mitchell Ho 38
3) Kyle Rolands 59
ELITE
1) Joe Brewer 16
2) Andrew Dickey 25
3) Nathan Mummery 27
4) Lachlan Sens 43
5) Matt Harding
Words: Owen Gwilliam Photos: Robert Conroy
