For cyclists, suburbia never looked so good

With the TdF, Olympics, and MTB World Cup over, things are getting back to normal in cycling mad Canberra.
Indeed, now that the winter's gone (in theory, at least) and spring's arrived (again, in theory), we're now approaching the very best time of the year for getting out on two wheels.
And while all the attention has been on Stromlo Forest Park, there's a heap of other sweet singletrack in Canberra, and we're in the process of writing some of them up for the benefit of our friends and customers from interstate. So far, we've only done quick notes from Stromlo, but keep checking back (and our website) for ongoing updates.
Of course, while Sparrow Hill and Majura Pines are probably the best know alternatives to Stromlo, there's lots of smaller trails and tracks throughout the Canberra Nature Park, or the big tracts of reserve that cut up the city.
Indeed, it's possible to begin at the very north of the city, riding across and down to the very south, and do it almost completely on dirt. Heck of a ride, but done with good mates, and a decent supply of snacks, it's a great day out, and made all the better by the fact that even when you feel as though you're miles from anywhere, you're still very much in suburbia.

World Cup wrap up

A huge thanks to everyone who came and saw us at last weekend's MTB World Cup!
Despite the pretty miserable weather yesterday, we had a great weekend, and met up with a huge range of folks from around the country and the world. If you didn't manage to grab a brochure or flyer, check out our website for info on our hire fleet, rates and tour options for schools, corporates and small groups.
Of course, a big shout out to CORC for putting on such a top event. Running a UCI World Cup is no small undertaking, but the club - with most members working on a voluntary basis to boot - pulled it off with absolute professionalism, and (apparent) ease.

Elite DH Finals: UCI MTB World Cup, Stromlo

With the rain continuing steadily throughout the day, conditions for the Elite Downhill at the World Cup seemed went from bad to worse.
While the rain washed away much of the dust that has plagued Stromlo since it was built, and provided much-needed stickiness for some of the bigger corners, it also turned many of the rock gardens treacherously greasy, with thick mud slowing most riders to a virtual crawl on the home straight.
In the end, it was South Africa's Greg Minnarr who managed to overcome the heavy track, finishing in 2:41:34, with our own Nathan Rennie coming in second place at 2:46:02, and the UK's Gee Atherton in third 2:47:00.
For the women, Tracey Moseley's visit to Stromlo in January paid dividends, with the Brit finishing first at 3:10:43, followed by fellow country(wo)man Rachel Atherton at 3:14:51, and former champion, Sabrina Jonnier, in third at 3:14:66.

Top 10 Elite Men
1. MINNAAR Greg 2:41.34
2. RENNIE Nathan 2:46.02
3. ATHERTON Gee 2:47.00
4. BAREL Fabien 2:47.64
5. KOVARIK Chris 2:48.38
6. NEETHLING Andrew 2:48.67
7. PEAT Steve 2:48.78
8. RANDO Jared 2:49.19
9. ATKINSON Bryn 2:49.39
10. BLENKINSOP Samuel 2:50.01

Top 10 Elite Women
1. MOSELEY Tracy 3:10.43
2. ATHERTON Rachel 3:14.51
3. JONNIER Sabrina 3:14.66
4. GRIFFITHS Fionn 3:23.90
5. RAGOT Emmeline 3:24.41
6. MACLEOD Sheryl 3:24.85
7. SUEMASA Mio 3:24.92
8. GASKELL Helen 3:26.57
9. PUGIN Floriane 3:27.49
10. MOLCIK Anita 3:30.97

A slippery start for the downhill finals at MTB World Cup

Following a night of slow, steady drizzle, the Stromlo downhill course has gone from dry and dusty to slick, sketchy and super slippery.
Still, that didn't slow down riders in this morning's semi-finals, with international favourites Tracey Moseley, Rachel Atherton and Sabrina Jonnier (above) posting the top three fastest times in the Elite Womens category. Racing against the world's very best, local riders Caroline Buchannan and part-time Capital Bicycle Hire guide Claire Whiteman finished in 10th and 14th places respectively, with our good mate Leigh Douglas coming 19th.
Greg Minaar, Steve Peat and Australia's Nathan Rennie took out the top three times for the Elite Men, with a big field of 65 riders set to make for fast and furious final later this afternoon.
We'll post results for the finals - which begin here at 2pm - as soon as we've got 'em.

Mens XC Results (Round 8): Stromlo Forest Park, Australia

Well, don't say you didn't hear it here first - less than two hours after race finish, here's the official Top 10  results of the Elite Mens Cross Country at the Round 8 of the Nissan Mountain Bike World Cup: 

1. Ralph Naef, 1:45:28

2. Jose Antonio Hermida Ramos, 1:45:44

3. Geoff Kabush, 1:46:56

4.  Florian Vogel, 1:46:15

5. Todd Wells, 1:47: 14

6. Burry Stander, 1:47:58

7. Roel Paulissen, 1:49:01

8. Nino Schurter, 1:49:06

9. Marco Aurelio, 1:49:09

10. Chris Jongewaard, 1:49:35

Amazing to see this level of racing come to Canberra - these blokes move quick, real quick, so a special congratulations to Chris Jongewaard (pictured above) for a fantastic effort. 

For full results via the official UCI page, click here. 

Womens XC Elite Results: Live from Stromlo!

In case you weren't able to make it, here's the official results of this morning's Elite Womens XC Race (31kms):

1. Irnia Kalentieva, 1:39:34

2. Rosara Joseph, +0:00:53

3. Catherine Pendrel, +0:00:59

4. Tereza Hurikova, +0:01:10

5. Mary McConneloug, +0:03:29

6. Blaza Klemencic, +0:05:49

7.  Jodie Willett, +0:08:02

8. Katherine  O'Shea, +0:11:15

9. Zoe King, +0:11:37

10. Joanna Wall, 0:012:29

Another fine result for the Aussies, taking out places six through 10!

For full results via the offical UCI page, click here. 

World Cup comes to Canberra

Wow, the World Cup - sorry, the Nissan UCI Mountain Bike World Cup sponsored by Shimano - has certainly arrived in Canberra, with Stromlo now looking like a small town, and not just a tent city.
We missed much of the setup after we headed to Queensland to ride this year's Cycle Epic, but on arriving back in Canberra on Tuesday, were amazed at the huge numbers of bike boxes and related equipment being wheeled towards the rental car agencies.
Since then, there's been no shortage of signs that the World Cup circus has well and truly arrived in town - perhaps none more so than the two $8,000+ GT DHI Pros parked outside the front of the local Woolworths supermarket?
Capital Bicycle Hire will be at the event from tomorrow - look for our marque in the village, and come and say g'day.