CANNONBALL FESTIVAL 2023: Pump Track Challenge
After downhill practice during the day, it seemed the entire population of Thredbo migrated to the pump track to watch the annual Rock Shox Pump Track Challenge unfold.
Words: Georgina von Marburg
Photos: Matt Rousu
And just like the downhill, the Cannonball pump track racing has doubled as the National title this year.
Categories all the way down to U11s competed around the famous circuit this year, which was running in all-time condition thanks to the fistidious trail maintenance crew at Thredbo. The corners were packed and grippy, providing plenty of support for riders to fully commit to the banks.
A huge crowd gathered around the hollowed ground as a DJ lifted the atmosphere and times appeared live on the big screen. Each category had 16 riders which had qualified earlier in the week; the 16 would then be halved until 2 remained in knock-out rounds.
Most riders were aboard dirt-jumpers, but some opted for BMX bikes, hardtails, or anything vaguely more efficient than a dual suspension rig. The course included one clockwise external lap of the track, and one internal lap. It was a casual party atmosphere from the stands, but it was all business on the dirt. With mere split seconds dividing riders, one small mistake or lapse in concentration could cost a podium spot.
In the elite women’s, the final came down to Zoe Cuthbert and USA-born Anna Newkirk. Newkirk etched ahead of Cuthbert by 0.013 seconds – talk about marginal gains. While Newkirk will take home the gold medal, Cuthbert will retain the green and gold jersey as an Australian citizen. Resident Thredbo mountain bike instructor Tess Buckley took bronze in the minor final against Connor Mielke.
The elite men’s field had a more controversial result, with the flying Bailey Meares disqualified for scarping the border of the track lines. Riders must stay within the laps’ designated boundaries or face an instant disqualification. This DQ meant reigning champ Jayce Cunning had to simply produce a clean run to bring home the gold. Duke Millington found half a second against Mike Ross to take the bronze.
Full results for the pump track nationals can be found here.
