Track walk at Mount Buller, the third round of the Australian national series. Despite cyclones lashing the Australian cost, the third round of the National series is currently underway.
The race is being held in Mount Buller, a ski resort, only a few hundred kilometers from the previous round held in Mount Baw Baw. Today was allocated for the track walk in the morning and open practice for the rest of the day. The track walk confirmed that cyclonic conditions had brought extra moisture and the track conditions were evidence of this. In fact, 63mm of rain had fallen overnight and this limited the number of riders who ventured out for practice as more rain continued to fall throughout the day.
For an idea of the track style check the photos below and stay tuned for a head cam run when conditions improve!
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| International has been a favourite on the Australian racing circuit for years. Expect the fast riders to clock somewhere in the low to mid 3.20 mark, all dependent on the weather and track conditions! |
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| Leaving the start gate, the riders cross under the chairlift and turn a flat right hander into the first chute on the track. This is looking from the base up. |
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| From here riders enter the woods for the first time as the track traverses the ski slopes. The rain has washed away much of the dirt packed around the rocks making them protrude out of the ground higher. Expect a few riders to clip a pedal on these or catch a derailleur or two! |
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| Throughout this wooden section, trees protrude into the riders' path, meaning ducking and weaving is common practice. This corner has enough support in the berm for riders to enter at speed with confidence. |
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| The course is littered with wooden features such as this corner in the woods, as well as numerous drops and rollers. |
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| Exiting the first wooden section reveals a rocky traverse, the middle line has been worn in but the grass to the left is there for the taking and means you miss the majority of the rocks. The catch? You need to jump up onto it on the first place. |
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| The course turns straight down the hill and riders pick up speed quickly, the right hand corner at the bottom of the shot is a prime candidate for foot out drift. |
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| If you do drift the previous corner make sure you are in full control as the next section gives the option of going to the left and hitting a drop or going around to the right which is smoother but not as direct. |
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| If you choose to drop it tightens this corner up, running out wide gives a smoother curve. |
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| This wooden corner is quite long and will catch out plenty of riders as they go to brake. |
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| This is one of the most technical features on the track, a series of large boulders with a tight left hand corner at the base. This photo is looking up from the base. |
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| Heading into the second wooded section reveals more line choices, left or right? |
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| Another chute has rocks and roots protruding through, fortunately the soil is relatively grippy helping riders immensely. |
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| The majority of the corners feature rock armoring and have wooden beams to support the corners, when it gets wet though it makes things interesting. |
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| As you come out of the woods you flow through a series of switchbacks before hitting a fast fireroad that takes you to the bottom section. |
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| A few jumps at high speed sends you into this berm, the corner allows riders to hold speed, but still provides a few hairy moments! |
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| A few flat corners and a jump takes the riders onto the fireroad sprint to the finish. Check back soon for head cam footage! |
