The AMB100's seasonal shift
Four years in and it was time for a change - and when Rocky Trail Entertainment suggested the AMB100 moved to April, we were right behind the shift. And looked like everyone on course was happy with the move!
Since 2014, we have sponsored Rocky Trail Entertainment's lap-based marathon race at Mt Stromlo, and the event has been known as the AMB100 since then. If I had to list a few things that could describe the race, they would be hot, dusty, fun and varied.
With a traditional date in February, earning the role as a marathon season opener, the AMB100 was hot. Heat usually has dry conditions and that meant it was dusty. Although, Mt Stromlo is usually pretty dry and dusty.
Given that Rocky Trail Entertainment offer four event distances and a kid's race, it's also a fun event. With Event Director Martin Wisata setting a course in the days prior, the lap is usually 25-28km – although her reserves the right to make it 33km just so the 3-lap event does 100km. No one ever seems to complain that they are short changed with 80-85km race distances for the '100' though. But whether you race for one lap, 2, 3 or 5 – you ride the same course. So if you're new, or prefer shorter events, you don't get punished for it with sections of trail that aren't as good. So there's variety – and it's there for everyone.
The dawn of a new day
Those who race the 100 mile, or 5 lap, race start early. Like, 5am early. That time that on a Sunday is good for sleeping, rolling over in bed – or coming home if you're still young. But the keen beans and Stromlo masters were out in force to tackle it out.
Callum McNamara was the fastest on the day, and most consistent. But Michael Schmitt was right behind him with Sam Moffitt in 3rd. Benjy Morris won the Male Masters 100 mile in a time that would have put him 4th overall.
A preview of what's to come
In the 1, 2 and 3 lap events (33, 66 and 100 for naming) there was a lot of thought for why different riders entered what race. With the National XCM Championship next weekend in Townsville, some riders were taking it easier in a shorter race, whereas others wanted to get 4hrs or more of racing to really test their legs.
With the 2 and 3 lap races starting together, it was a blast away from the start line and up towards Mt Stromlo with an opening climb to sort us out. They always say the cream comes to the top and it ended up being the likes of Brendan Johnston, Marc Williams and Mark Tupalski duking it out at the front. Williams was in the 2 lap race and in the end Tupalski dropped off the pace of Johnston. Johnston took yet aother marathon win, a great showing with one week until XCM Champs, with Tupalski 2nd and Jay Vine 3rd – by his own admission, his best result yet!
Kelly Bartlett won the women's 3 lap race, with a clear lead on Natalie Anderson whow as 2nd, and Gwynn Le Maitre was 3rd.
In the two lap, or 66km, race Marc Williams was out well ahead, with Andrew Blair in 2nd. Blair had shoulder surgery over summer and is now battling back to race fitness. It looks like he's doing a pretty quick job of that. Vincent Robinson rounded out the podium in 3rd.
In the women's two lap race, Masters Women's XCO champions Meaghan Stanton won the elite women's event, with Michelle Morris in 2nd and Bre Vine in 3rd. Meaghan is now preparing for the XCM National Championships in Townsville, along with many other podium finishers.
Brad Morton was fastest Master, and was 2nd overall for the distance. Pretty standard for Morton.
Full results for the 100km race are online.
In the single lap, or 33km, race, the event really saw the broadest spread of entrants. From younger riders, newer riders, keen XC racers and all-mountain riders out for an XC style race – everyone was on the line. In the end Leigh Brown scored the top step in men's and Em Viotto took the top step in women's. Em is staring at her first XCM National Champs this weekend and her improvements in the past twelve months are immense. But 2nd place was Jenny Blair, who was won her share of National XCM titles (both Irish and now Australian) so along with other competitors the race in Queensland should be a great one to watch.
Everyone we spoke to thought the change of date was great. Riders gushed about how fun the course was, even though there were grimaces about how the trails beat them up as well. Mountian bike racing is like that. It has rewards, but it takes a toll. So if you're now sitting at home or at work and came out for the AMB100, I'd like to say thanks for supporting the race, thanks for supporting our magazine, and I hope you had a great day out. We can't wait for next year, and to have you back.
