PureMTB

Cam Cole finishes ninth equal at first round of the 2010 UCI World Cup downhill mountain bike series at Maribor, Slovenia.

2010-05-16T18:15:00.001-07:00

Maxxis-Rocky Mountain team rider Cameron Cole, 22, opened his 2010 World Cup campaign with a ninth-equal at the rain-soaked course at Maribor, Slovenia yesterday.

The former world junior downhill champion shared his ninth position with good friend and fellow countryman Justin Leov, of Trek World Racing, but said the trying, muddy conditions meant he had to fight the whole way.

Cole, of Christchurch, New Zealand, said it had been a tough weekend of racing with conditions changing constantly.

"I walked the track on Thursday and then Friday I kind of struggled a bit in the morning – it was very slippery and drying out and it ended up being similar conditions to the race," Cole said.

"I had to get my bike sorted – my fork was too soft, so I had to run a new spring and then the bike felt really good. It dried in the afternoon so I put my clip pedals on and did a few fast runs and felt good."

By Saturday conditions had deteriorated again and the mountains in Maribor were cloaked in rain.

"It had rained all day non-stop so it was pretty wet and pretty tough conditions and cold at the start of qualifying," Cole admitted.

"It was hard to get warm. I was unsure of how I was going to go and I didn't feel very confident, but I did my best and qualified 13th so that gave me a confidence boost before race day."

The event was cast into turmoil on Sunday morning when racers awoke to a strong wind that had forced the closure of the access lift and cast confusion over any practice runs before the race.

"It was pretty much chaos in the pits," explained Cole.

"Everyone was running around trying to find out what was going on. We only got one run and so I didn't really have a chance to look at anything after qualifying. The track had changed a bit after everyone had been on it, but I just did one run went back to the hotel and chilled out."

"I felt quite positive, but at the same time it was difficult conditions – it was very slippery – probably the worst race conditions I have experienced. It was a mess – the clay was soft and sticky and it was really slippery on all the roots," he recalled.

The messy conditions challenged all riders with mistakes coming thick and fast through the race runs.

"I washed out on the fifth corner and started to think about the time I was losing, but I knew it would be like that for everyone so I just kept fighting and tried to deal with it and to not make too many more mistakes," Cole admitted.

"I washed out in another bit and then at the bottom I blew my feet off and only just got over the last jump. It was pretty wild times, that's for sure," he laughed afterward.

"I came across the line and thought it would have been about a top 20 ride, but I was actually sitting in fourth place – I think there were about six of us on the same second. Justin and I ended up getting exactly the same time, so that was pretty funny."

Cole finished the race in 3:30.65, just over seven seconds off winner Greg Minnaar's race time of 3:23.42.

"I think I lost about three seconds with my mistakes," Cole said, adding, the top three guys were super fast – Brendan [Fairclough] made mistakes, but he was just riding so fast everywhere else and Sam Hill pulled his tear-off and crashed into a tree, but he would have been up there. Greg Minnaar probably didn't make a mistake really."

A top 10 finish in the opening race is a strong beginning for Cole who plans to build on his performances throughout the series ... after a little post-Maribor rest.

"Last year I had an awesome start as well, but I am now keen to have a bit of a rest – I hurt my knee in the race and so I would like to rest that for a few days and do some strength work. Then I have two races before Fort William and so that will be good time on the bike for me and I will be able to attack again there."

The World Cup season opened with a larger than usual contingent of Kiwis and Cole said this will make the season a lot easier.

"I think there were 12 of us at this race so you don't have to go far and you run into another Kiwi. Even in the pits there is a mechanic who is a Kiwi," Cole laughed.

"It makes it easier – we all stick together over here. We're like a team and are one of the only countries that are like this. We all get on and are stoked for whoever does well."

Cam Cole's 2010 Race Season

2010 UCI World Cup DHI 1 Events (6)
May 15/16: Maribor, Slovenia
June 05/06: Fort Wiliam, Scotland
June 19/20: Leogang, Austria
July 24/25: Champéry, France
July 31/August 1: Val di Sole, Italy
August 28/29: Windham, USA

2010 UCI World Championships
August 31-September 05: Mont-Sainte-Anne, Canada

Follow Cam Cole at: www.cameroncole.blogspot.com

Ends

Email info@adventuremediagroup.co.nz for more information.

2010-04-14T18:07:00.001-07:00

ibis Mojo with Shimano XTR build (11.2kg) http://ping.fm/8aJUF

2010-03-29T17:47:00.001-07:00

Just posted some pic from the Mont 24 hour endurance race held in Canberra last weekend. Thanks to Adam Quinn for cataloging his teams experience of the event... http://ping.fm/zP6dn

2010-03-27T22:58:00.001-07:00

Exercise Trainer http://ping.fm/we08O

2010-03-26T17:00:00.001-07:00

PureMTB PureMTB member comp... ok here's where contributing to PureMTB can earn you some sweet sweet mula... This months challenge. Make 10 comments on products and earn yourself a $25 gift voucher... easy as taking candy from a road bike racer!!! All you need to do is sign in and enter comments in the products page of PureMTB. Then drop me a line to claim your voucher.

2010-03-26T02:35:00.001-07:00

This is the new PureMTB fan page... a place to share your ride, ideas and tips on maintenance as well as suggestions for rides.

By the way PureMTB fans will get exclusive access to sales and competitions...

2010-03-25T02:09:00.001-07:00

New product test resultes will be available in PureMTB shortly.

Brendan Compton joins Your Ride

2010-02-09T16:00:00.000-08:00

Well here's my bike it's'a 26"raleigh m800 i think its pretty cool bike it will keep up with all at the you yangs.
It's got maxxis crossmarks,borla bars and vp pedals and maybe some nsbikes rim in the future

Click here to view the full article.

Enter you comments below if you would like to ask Brendan any questions about his ride.

Lindsay Smith joins Your Ride

2010-02-08T02:48:00.000-08:00

I am very proud of my bike. I purchased it in December 2008. My bike is a Jamis Komodo 1, 18 speed. It has big earl tyres, race face handle bars with new lock on grips. RST Launch forks with 140mm travel, oversized bontrager stem, truvative chain guide. I also got new brake leavers to add a bit of colour.

Click here to read the entire article.

Enter your comments below if you would like to ask Lindsay any questions or give advice on her project.

Tony Davies joins Your Ride

2010-02-06T02:35:00.000-08:00

Just thought i'd send some pics of my 4x race bike.

So far its only done one season of racing elite 4x over here in Perth, with a few good results. Unfortunately a big crash on her the week before 4x champs saw me sidelined and entering rider details into a computer all day. Not half as fun as i've had riding it.

... click here to view the full article.

Enter you comments below if you would like to share your tips or ask Tony a question.

Kristina joins Your Ride

2010-02-05T02:32:00.000-08:00

Kristina writes

Originally an '08 STP 0, but most of the parts have changed including:
BB from Race Face Ex type to Shimano LX Ex Type
Cranks, were Race Face Diabolus, now FSA Afterburner
Bar & Stem, Syncros Bulk 2014 and Syncros FR
Fork: Rock Shox Totem 318 (180mm lowered to 150mm)
Free Agent BMX seat
DMR V12 Pedals

I've just sold my downhill bike, and old and much loved Orange 222, I really enjoy wrenching on my bike ...

... click here to view the entire article.

enter your comments below if you would like to share some tips, or ask Kristina any questions.

Tech Q&A: Do Avid brakes come with the hose?

2010-01-24T16:04:00.000-08:00

Got a comment or advice on this subject? Post it below.

Tech Q&A: Installing Hayes Stroker Ace Brakes.

2010-01-24T15:37:00.000-08:00

Got a comment or have some advice on this subject? Post it below.

Tech Q&A: DT Swill E2200 Wheelset - Hub sizes?

2010-01-24T15:21:00.001-08:00

Got a comment of have some advice on this subject? Post it below.

Tech Q&A: Damaged Tubeless Valve Stem

2010-01-24T15:09:00.001-08:00

Got a comment of have some advice on this subject? Post it below.

Tech Q&A: Continental Tyres

2010-01-24T15:07:00.000-08:00

Got a comment or advice on this subject? Post below.

Cannondale Prophet joins Your Ride

2010-01-23T18:13:00.000-08:00

Hi PureMTBer's

After 4 years of use and abuse my Cannondale Prophet was beginning to show some serious signs of neglect.
The trusty lefty had lost about 40mm of travel. A problem that could not have been solved without a serious rebuild. I judged that it was begigining to get a little too dangerous after one too many trips over the handlebars on trails that should have been a walk in the park. The Hayes Elcamino brakes reminded me of driving a vintage tractor - and were equally as difficult to pull to a stop once a little momentun had been build on two wobbly wheels and
completely bald rear tyre. Like I said this beautiful bike had suffered some serious neglect...

Click here to read the entire article.

If you would like to ask a question or give advice about this project, please add a comment below.

Point of View Racing at the Australian MTB Nationals with Joshua Sek

2010-01-23T06:29:00.000-08:00

Good Afternoon Che,

I got back from the lovely city of Adelaide on Monday night after 6days of training, course familiarisation and racing.
It was hot, mid 30’s daily, the location was in eagle quarry which meant no shade and dust...lots of it!

We arrived on the Tuesday, late and on Wednesday I got to head out to the course for my first look. After completing a 2laps with my coach and her assistant it quickly came evident that this course suited me very well as it was full of short pinch climbs that demanded both a large amount of strength but also required constant technical attention through the endless rock gardens. The descents were long and highly technical, and as I quickly found out; few riders were able to navigate down at high speeds, I was a lucky one and after only a short time practicing I had the majority of the course nailed, so to speak.

Thursday brought my first race of the championships, the club team relay, invited only 12hours before by my good friend Mel, I was promptly signed to my clubs only representation team for National Championships. The team consisted of Myself, Melinda Jackson, James Kennedy and Adrian Jackson and being one of the strongest teams out there we were looking good for a podium. Adrian lead out our first lap returning back to transition in 1stplace approximately 2mins up on 2nd place, next out was James Kennedy, one of the older riders on course he sure showed the younger riders a thing or two about racing coming back in first place with the Adelaide team hot on our heels, Melinda Jackson was next out, with only seconds back to Terri ‘Stink’ Rhodes and only short minutes back to the charging Andrew Blair we were all sure we would lose our lead this lap. Standing in transition I looked back towards the final climb trying to make out the oncoming rider, sure enough it was Andrew Blair, however this was no surprise, what really surprised me was Melinda managing to keep Terri at bay (Terri is a part of the Merida National Team) for the whole lap. I was tagged and full of adrenaline I headed out on my first lap, about 1min down from the leader, who currently was Shaun Lewis (Mongoose National Team) and only 1min up from Adelaide’s rider I attacked the first climb in full view of the event village, I managed to gain time on Shaun but I could not shake the Adelaide rider off my wheel and the proceeded to pass me on the next section of fire-trail. I continued my lap seeming to get faster with every minute gone by I ripped through the descents making them feel like I was on rails, as I progressed up the final climb and sprinted through the finish with my team cheering I realised we had just placed 3rd in the National Club Relay Championships, we all were very pleased with this result. After a quick recovery it was down to the beach for some R & R!

Friday brought a relaxing day, headed out to the course for some final technical work to just run over some tricky sections before race day.

Saturday came and with my race scheduled for 2pm I welcomed the relaxing start to a day, outside it was looking to be quiet a hot day in the saddle with temperatures already in the mid 20’s only shortly after 10am. Heading out the course around 12pm to get a full hour on the wind trainer of warm up the anticipation was building and I was sure getting nervous. Come 1:45pm we (all the U/19s) were in the marshal chute awaiting call up. Riding with plate #226 I was placed roughly in the middle and I had to ensure a good start to make places early on. The gun went and the start was intense, elbows were out everywhere and it was one of the roughest starts I’ve ever experienced with elbows going everywhere!
On the first climb I lost places, merely because I knew from previous races that I wasn’t to go out to hard. I sat patiently at my own pace hoping that as the lap progressed I would quickly take wheel to a chase group of about 6riders that had formed about 1min behind the lead pack. Sure enough as I hit the decent and powered on knowing I would make up time I quickly regained a visual with the chase group and as I thought it was only a matter of minutes before I was a part of it. That was when disaster struck, mid way on the final decent after a difficult rock garden my chain snapped. When I went to sprint up a small rise I found myself chainless, without repairs both on me and back in the tech zone. A simple chain failure had ended my XCO race at nationals, after a year of intense training. Cursing my misfortune I begun the slow walk/roll back to finish. It was not what I hoped for. We quickly returned to our accommodation so I could strip the bike down and give it a full check in the hope I would make up for my bad luck in the following days short track.

An early start come Sunday morning for a 1030am short track start time I was already practicing the course by 830am in the hope I could get the track down pat and hope for a strong finish in spite of yesterdays performance. After circling the track for what felt like hours I finally needed to clear it as sport categories were about to begin racing. Watching and making note of passing lines while the sport race continued I was leaving no stone unturned. It was not long before I was standing in the chute awaiting my call up. A slightly smaller category of 30ish riders I was plated second row with #220. I knew I had fresh legs after my misfortune the previous days and had to make sure I got clear of the messy starts that short track were prone to. As the gun fired I quickly found myself clear out on the right and already up around 19th place. The laps ticked on and I was taking riders with a small personal challenge I had set myself; one rider per lap. The minutes ticked past and like the laps, so did the riders. I made my move around the 10min mark and found myself away from a small group who were quickly trying to ride me down. I managed to hang in for almost the whole race but in the dying minutes (13min mark of a 15min +3lap race) I was pulled by the marshal due to the lapping rule (if the leader is going to pass you in your next lap you get pulled from the race to allow a clear run for the leaders)
I was one of the last riders on course so I was happy with my result and ended up with 12th place, under19, for a first year and first time at nationals I was thrilled to say the least!

So after a year of training, a week in Adelaide I came away with a bronze medallion and a lesson learned about carrying a chain breaker on course. I know what I’ll be buying now!

Thank you for taking the time to read this, hope it was enjoyable.
Most importantly thank you for your continued support and help.

Yours Sincerely,
Josh Sek

Ian Richman Joins Your Ride

2010-01-23T00:37:00.000-08:00

http://www.puremtb.com.au/articles.php?id=43

Hi there Pure MTB guys,

Being a pure MTBer myself, what better way to pass away the cold Canberra evenings last winter (when it was just a little too hard to get motivated for a night ride) than to pull apart a filthy road bike and turn it into something completely different. That way you can spare your MTBs any pain and embarrassment, while still having fun on/with two wheels.

So, 'my ride' is a Fidusa Record - a custom-made Greek bike that started life as a pretty straight and conventional roadie (as far as hand-made Greek bikes go) with Columbus CroMo frame and relatively subtle blue paintwork. It has since been transformed into a not-so-straight purple, gold and silver blingfest. Lots of fun along the way, discovering all about Italian thread bottom brackets (I thought all BBs were reverse direction - wrong) and screw-on cassettes (Mavic, in this instance) necessitating a screw-on BMX cog rather than single-speed kit. But the Campagnolo drop-outs worked a treat - so I didn't need a tensioner. Nice straight lines. Cool....

... To view the entire article click here.

Click on comments below if you would like to ask Ian questions or advice on his project.

http://www.puremtb.com.au/articles.php?id=38

2010-01-22T21:13:00.000-08:00

Click here to take a look at our December news letter:

http://www.puremtb.com.au/articles.php?id=38

The Brake Burner - Coronet Peak, New Zealand

2010-01-06T02:15:00.001-08:00

New Zealand’s elite cross-country mountain bike riders Marcus Roy, of Invercargill, and Kashi Leuchs, of Dunedin, traded their lightweight cross-country race bikes for downhill mountain bikes at the weekend and showed that they are as competitive in this code, with Roy setting the second fastest lap (20.03), and Leuchs winning the team’s event with a total of 17 laps.

This race was never about winning for Roy and Leuchs – the 2009 NZONE The Ultimate Jump Brake Burner fitted into the Team RoadCraft Tour simply because it is such a unique event that focuses on the fun aspect of mountain bike riding.

“It fitted so well into the whole concept of the RoadCraft tour – it’s about having fun mountain biking; riding great trails with great scenery and on great machinery [bikes]. It also just happened to be a downhill race,” three-time Olympian Leuchs said.

The event captures the imagination of most mountain bike riders as it comprises 6 hours of chairlift-accessed (Coronet Express), mostly downhill (462m vertical), 5km trail at Coronet Peak that can be ridden and enjoyed by riders of all abilities. Probably more siginificant is that the event attracts top downhill riders and top cross-country riders and puts them head-to-head.

“It was cool to ride with the downhill guys – I got passed a few times, but when we got to the climbs the cross-country guys could generally pass the downhill guys back quite quickly,” Leuchs said.

To ensure the fun side of this race was the main priority, Roy and Leuchs signed up on competing teams and each invited a friend to join them.

Leuchs’ team mate choice of good friend Laurence Mote proved wise as the two rode in relay throughout the 6-hour race to win the teams event by 30 seconds. Riding under the team banner of Moose and Knuckle the pair won with a total of 17 laps, creating much comical debate as to who put in the extra “winning” lap.

“This event is so special – you’re doing lot of downhill and you’re pumping all the way down and then you get to the bottom and you’re exhausted, but everyone is grinning. It’s a very social event – there are friendly people everywhere. Even out on the track everyone is friendly and nice as they’re passing or getting passed,” Leuchs said.

Roy enjoyed the chance to ride with some of New Zealand’s top downhillers, but was not surprised to post one of the fastest lap times, only beaten by 0.01 of a second by Andy Reid, of Blenheim.

“The course was very well suited to a cross-country rider – the downhill wasn’t too technical and the short, sharp climbs played to the advantage of a shorter travel bike. I had a cross-country bike with 100mm of suspension [front and back] and I could lock my suspension out for the climbs – some of the downhill guys were riding with 200mm travel and were riding bikes weighing twice that of mine,” Roy said.

“Even on the downhills I wasn’t losing that much on the downhill riders and I never got overtaken in a lap,” Roy said.

Roy asked friend and training partner Andrew Ballantyne, of Invercargill, to join his team, but a crash in a fast section of the trail saw Ballantyne’s left shoulder pop out, rupturing his AC joint and ending his day.

The next event on the Team RoadCraft calendar is the inaugural Alpine Epic 260km four-day stage race from Mt Somers to Tekapo from February 25 to 28. The 50km Motatapu Icebreaker starting at Glendhu Bay, Wanaka on March 14 and finishing in Arrowtown will conclude the tour.

RoadCraft Announces New Zealand Mountain Bike Tour

2010-01-06T00:47:00.001-08:00

Two of New Zealand’s top international mountain bike riders, Kashi Leuchs, of Dunedin, and Marcus Roy, of Invercargill, have joined forces to create Team RoadCraft, which will

embark on a heartland tour of some of New Zealand’s most pristine adventure rides.

“The initiative came about through the drive to rediscover what ‘true’ mountain biking

is all about,” Leuchs said.

“We spend all year with the pressure of the European-based World Cup circuit and we

always look forward to coming home to ride and have fun with family and friends,” he

said.

The RoadCraft MTB tour will see Leuchs and Roy road trip around some of New

Zealand’s best mountain bike endurance races.

Leuchs has represented New Zealand at the Olympics three times and hopes to use

the tour as a build up to the world circuit he’ll be returning to in March with his new

team, Felt International. He will be based out of Annecy, France.

“My idea was to get out there and into New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes and

meet nice people in a relaxed atmosphere. This is a great opportunity to showcase the

incredible scenery and races we have in our backyard. Then, at the same time, getting fit

for my international race season,” Leuchs said.

Key events on the RoadCraft MTB tour include the 43km R&R Sports Otago Peninsula

Challenge on February 1, the inaugural Alpine Epic 260km stage race from Mt Somers to

Tekapo from February 25 to 28 and the 50km Motatapu Icebreaker starting at Glendhu

Bay, Wanaka on March 14 and finishing in Arrowtown.

RoadCraft designed the team’s overland camping vehicle (OCV) and share the team’s

passion for outdoor adventure sports.

Other partners include R&R Sports, which has supported Leuchs and Roy for many years

and will supply the team with everything from camping equipment to bike maintenance.

LivingSpace is a hotel and apartment chain, which is where Leuchs is presently residing

while in Dunedin.

New Zealand cyclist supporting Chicago’s green Games bid

2010-01-06T00:44:00.001-08:00

Olympic mountain biker Kashi Leuchs leaves for Chicago this week as one of only a handful of international athletes invited to participate in Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Olympic Games.

“Chicago 2016” and the City of Chicago have proposed to host the first Blue-Green Games, the greenest and most environmentally responsible Games possible.

The two-day summit, held on September 10 and 11 and led by Chicago 2016’s environment team, will feature national and international leaders in sport, business, environment and sustainability. The summit will culminate in sustainability proclamations and other proceedings that will showcase new initiatives in Olympic and Paralympic sport and sustainability.

Leuchs was invited to participate as an athlete, but also because of his involvement with the 350.org movement. He is working to raise awareness of climate change among cyclists throughout the world.

“Cycling is a fantastic sport, a great way to keep healthy and a cheap and time efficient mode of transport. But perhaps most importantly it is a big part of the solution towards a long-term sustainable future.”

Leuchs will be responding to IDEO Design Consultancy chief technology strategist Doug Solomon in what organisers are regarding as one of the most exciting seminars: “Engaging New Audiences”.

“The seminar I’ve been invited to speak at focuses on how athletes and athletic organisations can engage sports fans in environmental activism. My work with the 350.org movement has given me a strong understanding and passion for promoting awareness and understanding of climate change

issues. Making people aware of the issues and getting them involved is one of the biggest hurdles.”

Kashi Leuchs has represented New Zealand in three Olympic Games and held a consistent place in the top 10 of the world’s elite riders for more than 10 years, during which time he lived in Sweden, USA and France. He now lives in Dunedin where he recently launched his own company, Adventure Media Group.

The Otago Peninsula Challenge

2010-01-06T00:43:00.001-08:00

Top international mountain bike riders Marcus Roy, of Invercargill, and Kashi Leuchs, of

Dunedin, finished eighth and 10th respectively in the 2009 R&R Sport Otago Peninsula

Challenge.

To the relief of the 750 riders in the field, the morning’s threatening clouds gave way

to blue skies and a blustery southwesterly wind by the top of the first climb. This wind

meant the 43km point-to-point course was buffeted predominantly by a tailwind.

Christchurch rider Brendon Sharratt led the field out from the start and was the

eventual race winner with a time of 1:56.54 – beating the record by about 15 minutes.

The pursuing bunch included Roy and, at times Leuchs. Of that bunch Ash Hough, of

Papamoa, finished second with a time of 1:59.36 and John Richardson, of Dunedin,

rounded out the podium with a time of 1:59.38. Roy finished eighth with a time of

2:02.23, Leuchs crossed the line in 10th with a time of 2:07.14.

The Otago Peninsula Challenge is the second stop on Roy and Leuchs’ Team RoadCraft

New Zealand Tour and holds a special place for the team as it is the home event of

Leuchs.

“I wasn’t sure what to expect from this race. It’s my first fast, hard race back into it

after almost four months taking it pretty easy. The RoadCraft tour for me is more about

enjoying the adventures and seeing the best of New Zealand and I think we saw some of

the most amazing coastal landscapes you could imagine on this race,” Leuchs said.

“Obviously, growing up here I have a bit of an affinity to it, so it was a really nice feeling.

It was nice to ride from my apartment at Living Space straight to the startline,” Leuchs

said.

Leuchs joked that he was on the pace for “the first 300m”, but wasn’t ready to start so

fast.

“I lost contact with the leaders on the first climb, but then I caught them all at the

bottom of the downhill – we all bunched up and I thought, ‘yeah, I’m back in it!’ that was

short-lived – I got dropped on the next climb again,” Leuchs laughed.

“I did my best, I never let up, but at the same time, I enjoyed the race and looked

around a bit – what a day it turned out to be.”

For Roy, the race was about staying in the pursuing bunch, but the wind had other

ideas.

“The start was just so fast. We had a tailwind and everyone was just going for it straight

up the Karetai Track – the first big hill. It all settled in again on the descent of the Buskin

Track and the second climb everyone relaxed a bit,” Roy said.

“From that point I just had to stick with the chasing bunch on the hills and use the

bunch on the gravel road sections. The wind was so strong that I actually got blown off

the gravel at one stage and by the time I got back on the chasing group had gone. I lost a

bit of time there, but was just out of touch from that point on,” Roy said.

“It was a pretty tough course – a lot of up and down for 43km and 1500m of climbing,”

Roy said.

The next event on the Team RoadCraft calendar is the Brake Burner SuperD at Coronet

Peak, a chairlift-assisted six-hour downhill event on February 7. The team will then head

to the inaugural Alpine Epic 260km four-day stage race from Mt Somers to Tekapo from

February 25 to 28. The 50km Motatapu Icebreaker starting at Glendhu Bay, Wanaka on

March 14 and finishing in Arrowtown will conclude the tour.

Motatapu Icebreaker

2010-01-06T00:42:00.001-08:00

International mountain bike professional Kashi Leuchs, of Dunedin, won the 2009

Motatapu Icebreaker, beating his Team RoadCraft teammate Marcus Roy, of Invercargill, to

the finish at Arrowtown after 50km of fast-paced racing on Saturday (March 14, 2009)

There were many factors that heightened the intensity of this showdown between

these two friends, teammates and determined competitors. Local media had jumped on

the match-up and press everywhere was putting the two head-to-head. On top of that

the two had recently spent four days riding no further than 20m from each other on the

Alpine Epic adventure race. By the end of that event they knew each other’s every move.

Adding to the colour, the Motatapu Icebreaker is Roy’s event – he has won the event on

the previous four occasions. For Leuchs, this would be his first attempt.

Neither rider expected the race’s start to be dictated by another rider altogether.

“Tony Hogg put the hammer down from the start and we had a young Dunedin rider,

Jeff Notman with us as well. He was the only other one to hang in there with us, but Tony

was just hammering off the front and Jeff and I fell off the pace around the same time. I

was struggling to breathe,” Leuchs said.

“At that point I thought Tony had it in the bag – he was riding so strong. I just decided

to ride my own pace and focused on my breathing and brought my whole system to a

calmer state.”

Leuchs’ calmer state also saw him improve his position and as he hit a short, steep

climb he passed Hogg.

“At that point I felt I was in control of the race,” Leuchs said.

For course record-holder (1:57.47) Roy the start pace threw an unexpected surprise.

“I was really working just to hold on to Tony. I remember thinking, ‘this is going to be a

long day’,” Roy said.

“I tried to hang on to him, but in hindsight I should have just raced my own race.”

Roy regained composure and caught Tony, he then set off after Leuchs.

“I could see Kashi ahead of me, in the saddle, out of the saddle, in the saddle, out of the

saddle, just keeping the pressure on the whole time,” Roy said.

“Kashi was slowly edging out – I could see that he was continually edging further away.

At about that point, 5km from the start of the descent, I realised that I wasn’t going to get

back in touch with him.”

With Roy settled into second his thoughts turned to his record, which he had set in

2008.

“It wasn’t until the river crossings that I looked at my watch and saw that there was still

20 minutes to go to the 2-hour mark and I started to get a little worried that he might

knock my record off,” Roy said.

Leuchs wasn’t wearing a watch, but had the record in his mind.

“I knew I had the race in the bag and I thought about the record so kept gunning it, but

I think it must have been a quick time he set last year,” Leuchs said.

Leuchs crossed the finishline in 1:58.42, almost a minute over the course record. Roy

finished on 2:00.12.

“I knew it would be tough to beat Marcus – it was good to have a rider of his calibre in

this race to compete with – it keeps me on my toes. The fact that he’s also my teammate

makes it even more fun. We get on great and for us to finish off the season in this big

head-to-head battle is a great way to conclude what has been a very fun off-season for

me,” Leuchs said.

“I’m glad I was able to take Kashi under my wing and help him with his training in his

off-season,” Roy joked.

The Motatapu Icebreaker concludes the 2009 tour for Team RoadCraft.

Both riders expressed their gratitude to the other riders, the people they’ve met

through the season and those who have supported them during this tour.

Leuchs heads back to Europe, via the Cape Epic in South Africa, to begin his season of

international racing. Roy will base himself out of Invercargill to continue studying and to

meet his work commitments.

To follow Leuchs’s progress on the international circuit, visit www.kashileuchs.com

Team RoadCraft wins New Zealand’s toughest mountain bike adventure race: the Skins Alpine Epic

2010-01-05T21:37:00.000-08:00

Two of New Zealand’s elite cross-country mountain bike riders, Marcus Roy, of Invercargill, and Kashi Leuchs, of Dunedin, won the inaugural Skins Alpine Epic with a commanding performance in what has become New Zealand’s toughest adventure mountain bike race.

Played out over four days, five stages and 241km of backcountry between Mt Somers and Lake Tekapo, the South Canterbury event was dominated by Team RoadCraft’s Roy and Leuchs with the pair winning four out of the five stages in a time of 13:27.47.

Team RoadCraft finished 12 minutes 27 seconds ahead of their nearest rival, the Team Giant R&R Sport duo of Scott Wilder and Mark Williams. The final stage was won by Team Giant R&R Sport after a 74km-long battle with the riders of the third-placed Alpinexus team, Nic Smith and Neil Sutherland.

Sixty teams of two took on the challenge with riders from throughout New Zealand and international competitors from the UK, Czech Republic, Switzerland and America vying for the title.

In the end, Roy and Leuchs, both international cross-country mountain bike racing specialists, felt they adapted quickly to the longer and more gruelling race format of New Zealand’s first multi-day adventure mountain bike race.

“It feels great to win the inaugural event, but for me the highlight was the people who came along: the riders, the volunteers and the crew. We get to spend day after day with each other and get to know each other and it’s like a big family by the end,” three-time Olympian Leuchs said.

“I have a lot of new friends and have had an amazing experience from this event,” Leuchs added.

“I’ve never done team stage racing before,” Roy said.

“It’s quite a different dynamic and I wasn’t used to that. You couldn’t just sneak away from the other teams when you had a chance. You had to work as a team and it was a lot more obvious if you made a break. I found that challenge to be a lot of fun.” “Camping out and meeting lots of different people was also a highlight for me,” he said. With several high-country passes nearing 1500m in altitude the terrain was also a standout feature of this race, albeit mostly shrouded by alpine mist for all four days of the event.

“The isolation is the unique factor in this race. You had this feeling of remoteness with just a couple of sheep tracks as guidance and knowing full well that the only people to venture up here were the musterers and us,” Leuchs said.

“That, coupled with the misty, thick clouds made it quite spooky. You could race for an hour without seeing anyone and when you did see someone again you were pretty excited,” Leuchs said.

“The navigation side was exciting, too. We didn’t always know where to go next, so it was a challenge to make good decisions,” Roy said.

“We really wanted to win this race and we knew so many things could go wrong in a long race, so we didn’t want to risk anything. It’s a very tough race,” Leuchs said. You can’t bluff your way through a race like this – it’s four days and you have to be ready for each day,” Roy said.

“The riding was at times quite technical and tricky – it’s certainly not for beginners, but will appeal to those riders who want the ultimate challenge – just finishing it is a big accomplishiment,” Leuchs said.

The next event on the Team RoadCraft calendar is the 50km Motatapu Icebreaker starting at Glendhu Bay, Wanaka on March 14 and finishing in Arrowtown. This event will conclude the 2009 tour for Team RoadCraft.

Footnote:

The Skins Alpine Epic is located in South Canterbury in the Southern Alps of the South Island of New Zealand. It is a four-day, multi-stage sub-alpine traverse that crosses a dozen properties, high-country stations and conservation land. The course topped out at 1500m above sea level at it highest point in 2009. It is a fully catered event with breakfasts and dinners provided as part of the entry fee. The organisers are experienced adventure racers and mountain bike riders and have pitched this event to the tougher end of the market and make no apology about the difficulty of the course.

In 2009, several riders failed to complete the entire course. Course markers worked around the clock to re-route several stages that were deemed impassable because of visibility, rain or a combination thereof.

The 2009 event was capped at 60 teams. Organisers aim to include up to 100 in 2010. For more information please visit www.alpineepic.co.nz

ibis Mojo SL with SRAM X.9 build (11.3kg)

2010-01-01T01:03:00.001-08:00

ibis Mojo SL with SRAM X.9 build (11.3kg)

ibis Mojo SL with Shimano SLX build (12kg)

2010-01-01T01:03:00.000-08:00

ibis Mojo SL with Shimano SLX build (12kg)

ibis Mojo with Shimano SLX build (12.3kg)

2010-01-01T01:01:00.001-08:00

ibis Mojo with Shimano SLX build (12.3kg)

ibis Mojo Frame with Fox RP23

2010-01-01T01:01:00.000-08:00

ibis Mojo Frame with Fox RP23

ibis Mojo with Shimano XT build (11.2kg)

2010-01-01T01:00:00.000-08:00

ibis Mojo with Shimano XT build (11.2kg)

ibis Mojo with Shimano XTR build (11.2kg)

2010-01-01T00:59:00.000-08:00

ibis Mojo with Shimano XTR build (11.2kg)

Maxxis Maxxis Crossmark LUST

2010-01-01T00:57:00.001-08:00

Maxxis Maxxis Crossmark LUST

Maxxis Maxxis Crossmark

2010-01-01T00:57:00.000-08:00

Maxxis Maxxis Crossmark

Maxxis Ignitor

2010-01-01T00:56:00.002-08:00

Maxxis Ignitor

Maxxis High Roller

2010-01-01T00:56:00.001-08:00

Maxxis High Roller

Maxxis Maxxis Monorail

2010-01-01T00:56:00.000-08:00

Maxxis Maxxis Monorail

Lazer Nirvana Mountain Bike Helmet - fluid black white mat

2010-01-01T00:55:00.002-08:00

Lazer Nirvana Mountain Bike Helmet - fluid black white mat

2010-01-01T00:55:00.001-08:00

Lazer Nirvana Mountain Bike Helmet - fluid black white mat

Lazer Magma XC Helmet - Timeless mat white

2010-01-01T00:55:00.000-08:00

Lazer Magma XC Helmet - Timeless mat white

Lazer Magma XC Helmet - Sport carbon black

2010-01-01T00:54:00.001-08:00

Lazer Magma XC Helmet - Sport carbon black

2X3M Lazer Mountain Bike Helmet - Solid mat white

2010-01-01T00:54:00.000-08:00

2X3M Lazer Mountain Bike Helmet - Solid mat white

2X3M Lazer Mountain Bike Helmet - solid mat carbon

2010-01-01T00:52:00.000-08:00

2X3M Lazer Mountain Bike Helmet - solid mat carbon

Lazer One Helmet - Imperial steel grey mat

2010-01-01T00:51:00.001-08:00

Lazer One Helmet - Imperial steel grey mat

2010-01-01T00:51:00.000-08:00

Lazer One Helmet - Imperial steel grey mat

Continental Mountain King UST

2009-12-16T16:02:00.000-08:00

Continental Mountain King UST

Now available in:

Wire bead

Folding bead

Folding UST

Turntable - chain whip

2009-12-16T15:52:00.000-08:00

Turntable - chain whip

PureMTB now have a huge range of professional grade tools for home mechanics.

Check 'em out at www.puremtb.com.au

Lazer Nirvana Mountain Bike Helmet - fluid black white mat

2009-12-16T15:43:00.000-08:00

Lazer Nirvana Mountain Bike Helmet - fluid black white mat

We have chosen to stock Lazer helmets. Not only are Lazer helmets fantastic light-weight quality at a great price, they also have an excellent crash support policy.

Lazer Crash Replacement Policy.

In the unfortunate event that you crash and damage your Lazer helmet, Bikesportz (the importer for Lazer Helmets) will replace an accedent damaged helmet at 40% off the current recommended retail price +$10 shipping.

This is for:

Available colours only

Applies to Lazer helmets purchased in Australia within the previous 3 years only.

Helmet must be Australian Standards Approved (ie have AS sticker inside the helmet)

You need to:

Customer must provide proof of purchase (PureMTB will have this on file if you have lost yours)

Customer must return the helmet to Bikesportz directly. (contact PureMTB for postage details)

Customer must provide details (no more then 50 words) describing the crash. - This is important for ongoing research and development.

Kind regards PureMTB on behalf of Lazer and BikeSportz.

Muc Off Eyewear and Google Cleaner Pack

2009-12-16T15:42:00.001-08:00

Muc Off Eyewear and Google Cleaner Pack

Keep you eyeware clean with Muc-Off eye wear and goggle cleaner pack.

Impact Cycling Glasses White / Smoke blue MLC lens

2009-12-16T15:35:00.000-08:00

Impact Cycling Glasses White / Smoke blue MLC lens

Cycling Glasses are now available at PureMTB.

Avid Elixir R Disc Brake

2009-11-17T16:11:00.000-08:00

The Elixir is Avid's answer to the question, "How do we improve our Juicy brakes?"

Well, this is how.

The reservoir is incorporated around the master cylinder and the cylinder is tapered. This has a positive effect on how the power comes on. Essentially it gives the rider much more control in the early stages of braking. It also enables immediate lock out when needed.

The rotor has also been re modelled to save 12g of weight with better heat dispersion.

The result is an excellent light weight braking system that is affordable and dependable in all mountain, XC and trail conditions. The brake is also rated for Free Ride, although in my opinion this could be pushing it. Avid Code brakes or Hayes Stroker brakes would be better suited to Free Ride and Downhill riding as the larger pad size and double piston setup will give much better performance under more extreme riding conditions.

That being said, the over all result for the Avid Elixir R is an improved ride experience. Excellent comfort through better modulation. More control through all stages of braking including initial contact through to aggressive stopping. Less feedback from a lighter rotor with improved heat dispersion.

Oh, and they look pretty stylish as well.

Avid Elixir R Disc Brake

Crank Brothers Candy x

2009-11-17T15:39:00.000-08:00

I just installed these mountain bike pedals by Crank Brothers. Easy to set up, but I was initially concerned about the not having any adjustment options. As it turns out the pedals are perfect with easy release by turning your heal either inside or outside. The release is much better than my Shimano SDP pedals. The Shimano pedals had plenty of adjustment, but over time the release threshold would change and become either too stiff or too loose. They also used to "lock up" in muddy conditions. The Crank Brothers pedals never alter. They always click in as expected and release easily - even when covered in mud.

Crank Brothers Candy x

NiteLites - Powerful Mountain Bike Light Kit

2009-11-07T19:44:00.000-08:00

NiteLites - Powerful Mountain Bike Light Kit

Hi Everyone.

These lights are amazing. 900 Lumins for only $160. That has to be the best deal around for a light set of this quality.

I have tested these myself - and they definitely live up to the task.

ibis Mojo

2009-10-24T01:09:00.000-07:00

ibis Mojo

We think this is a pretty dam good bike... let us know what you think...

VholdR HD Helmet Camera 720p

2009-10-24T01:04:00.000-07:00

VholdR HD Helmet Camera 720p

Check it out - The Contour HD helmet mounted camera is on sale at www.PureMTB.com.au

Need some inspiration?

Hayes Stroker Ace 8

2009-10-21T01:21:00.000-07:00

Hayes Stroker Ace 8

Hayes stroker Ace brakes are on sale at www.puremtb.com.au

Half Price!!

Check em out

Over the Bars

2009-10-21T00:59:00.000-07:00

Over the Bars

The DH Productions stable of knuckleheads have been accused of being OTB for years and now here is the proof. The crew has dug deep into our archive, sifted through over a decades worth of footage and pulled out the sickest crash clips we could find.

If you are a true DH Productions fan, then you may have scene this all before, but if you are new to our stable or too lazy to go back through all 21 of our mountain bike DVD tiles, then we’ve done you a huge favor. Sit back as East Coast downhill legend, Lars Tribus and his friends take you through the all of hardcore action that is filled with the broken bikes, bones and blood that have made us famous.

Finally all of the carnage is on one DVD for your twisted enjoyment!

EXPLICIT LANGUAGE WARNING

EXTREEM CARNAGE WARNING

http://www.puremtb.com.au/articles.php?id=24 Here is some information on how to install a new cassette on your mountain bike

2009-10-10T19:29:00.001-07:00

http://www.puremtb.com.au/articles.php?id=24

Shared via AddThis

http://www.puremtb.com.au/articles.php?id=19

2009-10-10T19:28:00.001-07:00

http://www.puremtb.com.au/articles.php?id=19

Shared via AddThis

This is an excellent article from SRAM on how to size your Mountain Bike Chain.

Hayes Stroker Ace 8 - HALF PRICE!

2009-10-10T19:23:00.001-07:00

Hayes Stroker Ace 8

Shared via AddThis

SRAM X.5 Rear derailleur 9sp

2009-10-02T08:45:00.001-07:00

SRAM X.5 Rear derailleur 9sp

Shared via AddThis

Manly Dam

2009-09-26T19:17:00.001-07:00

It was reported in the Manly Daily Newspaper this week that ministers, riders and northern national parks and wild life have agreed to run a trial to allow mountain bikers to ride in national parks.

This is a huge win for norther beaches riders, but also a potential win for riders across Australia.

Finally - a sensible solution to the deadlock between riders and 'greenies' Lets wait and see what the outcome will be. I'm betting mountain bikes do not have anywhere near as much impact on the local environment as some would have us believe.

2009-09-26T17:57:00.000-07:00

Ready to go

2009-09-26T17:43:00.001-07:00

Ready to go! after years of dreaming and months of planning we are now ready to launch our brand new company, PureMTB. Our shop is based in Brookvale, on Sydney's northern beaches, but our web site is global... www.puremtb.com.au

http://www.puremtb.com.au/articles.php?id=22

2009-09-26T16:57:00.001-07:00

This is an excellent instructional to take a look at before changing your next chain.

http://www.puremtb.com.au/articles.php?id=22

Shared via AddThis

Crank Bros cobolt xc

2009-09-26T13:29:00.001-07:00

Crank Bros cobolt xc

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PureMTB

2009-08-19T16:21:00.001-07:00

PureMTB blog test page