Countdown to the Croc Finale

The Crocodile Trophy has reached the final two days. We are at Skybury Coffee Plantation, just out of Mareeba, on the Atherton Tablelands. The breeze is cool, the coffee is freshly ground, and the mood is happy.

But this hides the hardship that all riders have experienced over the past week. Even with a shorter distance, more mountain bike friendly terrain, and less days than in earlier years – it’s still the Croc. The racing is hard, and the distances are still punishing. Sure, 70km stages aren’t too long. But if it’s your 5th day, and the first 30km holds well over 1000m of climbing – you feel it.

How it Stands

At the moment Australians are faring really well. Greg Saw (originally from Atherton, but now living in Norway) is leading the overall classification, despite a serious run in with a stinging tree earlier in the race. He’s followed by Cory Wallace (Canada) almost 9 minutes back in second.

The Elite women’s race is lead by Imogen Smith (Subaru-MarathonMTB.com) ahead of the 5 amateur women who are also racing. With the UCI status gained in 2014, the Croc now has elite and amateur rankings – for those with a UCI licence, and for those without. Few Australians have a UCI licence, as our MTBA licences cover us for all the racing we would normally do at home. It’s worth noting that 6 women in the race is more than just about any other year.

Cory Wallace enjoys the time in camp.

Australians are dominating the Amateur rankings, with Andrew Hall leads A2 (age category) and wears the Best Amateur jersey, and now Best Australian. The Canberra riders are doing very well – as Jason Chalker leads A3 and Garry James leads A4 – with 6 out of 7 stage wins.

The Final Stages

We now have a long stage along the Tablelands, which has been delayed due to a bush fire. The extra time enjoying the comforts of Skybury Coffee Plantation are appreciated. Their machines are running hot, and the staff are run off their feet. An espresso coffee after a week of instant is a gift!

With 100km to race today, tomorrow we are given a true racing gift – a downhill time trial. The historic Bump Track will take the whole race from Wetherby Station to Port Douglas, in 30 second gaps, to celebrate the finish of the 20th Crocodile Trophy.

Don’t miss our full write up of the event, and what it means for Australian Mountain Biking, in Issue 145.

Full results are available online.