Highly favored, former World Champion, Jared Graves has won the Elite Men's 4X National Championships'.
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| 2011 Australian National 4X Champion; Jared Graves, this is a step on his way back to recovering the World Championship title. Photo: Chameleon Photography |
Jared Graves was the overwhelming favorite coming into the event, but with his last major race, the World Championships, fresh in his mind he knew nothing was guaranteed. After progressing through to the final it looked like a safe bet for Jared, it wasn't until the second to last corner in the final that the crowd held its breath. Jared came through with Graeme Mudd close behind, Graham started drifting towards Jared and it looked like Graeme was going to take Jared out. In the end Graeme crashed leaving Jared to take the victory, a step on his way to recovering back the World Championship. Jared is back racing on his DH bike and may be able to become both; 4X and Downhill National Champion simultaneously. Saturday's finals will tell the tale.
Elite Men
1. Jared Graves
2. Joe Vejvoda
3. Richard Levinson
4. Graeme Mudd
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| Jared posses the skills to dominate 4X and then get straight back onto his downhill bike and mix it with the fast boys. Jared looked fast during practice and his fitness will help on the demanding Eagle Park track |
In the Female class, the absence of World Champion Caroline Buchanan, left the door wide open for Sarsha Huntington to take the victory.
Elite Women
1. Sarsha Huntington
2. Julia Boer
3. Jayne Rutter
4. Natasha Bonney
