Peter Hosking came across the line first in the latest race in the Winter Series of races run by New England Mountain Bikers (NEMTB) on Sunday. The race was run on a shortened 9.3km track at the Armidale Pine Forest, as one section was closed due to muddy sections. In what is believed to be a first, the first three finishes were riding Santa Cruz bikes. Giants and Yetis were relegated to minor places. Hosking has been second in countless NEMTB races and has finally won one. He was pushed all the way by Ben Brunckhorst for line honours. Ben finished just three seconds behind Peter, after nearly one-and-a-half hours’ riding. Third was John Hamilton.
In the Junior short track race, Bailey Thomas won from Jayden Williamson from Inverell. The two-lap Sports Female race was won by Shireen Brunckhorst from Julie Williamson. Julie came over from Inverell and was impressive in her first mountain bike race. The two-lap Sports Male race was won by Clarry Butcher from his brother Rob. The U15 Race was won by Bella Hosking, who continues to improve. Fiona Brunckhorst easily beat Holly Harris to win the female U19 race, while Ben Brunckhorst won from Angus Trenerry in the males’ race.
Rowena Stockton came over from Dorrigo to win the Open Female race from Nina Stone. In the open Male category, Peter Hosking won from John Hamilton, with the fast improving Greg Manttan third.
The next race on the calendar is the Grafton race in the GNATPACK Mid-North Coast series on Sunday, July 17. The fifth NEMTB Winter series race in Armidale in on August 7.
The AGM for NEMTB in on Wednesday, July 27, starting at 7pm at the Wicklow Hotel. This will be followed by ‘The Logies’, with trophies for a variety of categories covering the past year. All members are invited to come along to this meeting and celebration.
