Round 5 of the modified Queensland Enduro Series went down on the weekend at Garapine, the home of enduro in Australia. White Lightning Events were back in full at full gallop with the borders open, an epic season finale took place in some steamy conditions….
Garapine is located just under two hours from Brisbane and about 45 minutes from the Sunshine Coast, home to a network of trails that have been a corner stone of every enduro series in the region since its inception. The trails are a mix of rocky, rooty and dusty goodness mixed into some steep sections and loose dusty corners. Round 5 of the series headed to this iconic SEQ race location and there was no more fitting way to round out the season.
A total of 169 riders hit the trails for the final round of the Maxxis Queensland Enduro Series including approximately 93 junior riders, another great showing at Garapine. As usual Garapine drew a large contingent of riders despite the sticky conditions and the trails were running fast and loose, with all six stages being used for the event. The stages were Bone Yard, Drop Bear, Double Barrel, Short Notice, Dumb it Down and King Brown; the usual culprits and a great course.
The business end of the day saw Ben Forbes continue his stellar form and take the top step in the Elite Men’s category and cementing his series overall win; second place went to Ryan Leutton with Harry Reibelt taking out third place. The Elite Women’s category was won by Anerlie Marquardt over Elle De Nooyer by just 18 seconds, a tight finish but not enough to take the series overall away from Elle De Nooyer.
FULL RACE RESULTS HERE
The Expert Men was won by Calleb Mallyon whilst Imogen Loft took the top step in the Expert Women’s category; Masters 1/2 Men saw Dean Cameron take the win, whilst Ashley Watling won the Masters 1/2 Women. The Masters 3/4 Men’s category was a large field with 31 riders taking to the course, ultimately Greg Palmer took the win by just 16 seconds; Michelle Gane took the top step in the Masters 3/4 Women’s category.
The Junior riders again had a strong showing at Garapine for the final round of the series and the times were fast, showing that the next wave of young riders is oozing promise and talent. The Under 19 was won by Sam Butler, taking the race win away from Will Hynes by just 8 seconds, however not enough to stop Will taking out the overall for the season. The under 19 Women was won by Kiana Botfield, giving her the overall for the year in the young Women’s category.
The Under 17 Men’s Category was won by Isaiah Kelso, narrowly beating Taj Pollard by just 2 seconds, with Taj taking out the series overall for the year. Under 15 Men’s was won by Carter Sloan, cementing the series overall; whilst the under 15 Women’s winner was Oceana Christoforidis, giving her the overall for the year. The under 13 Men was won by Oliver Colthup giving him the points to take out the overall for the year.
FULL RACE RESULTS HERE
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It was an odd year, and a year many of us would like to forget but somehow the riding community and the multiple clubs, event managers and organisations have managed to give us a little bit of normal towards the end of the year. The modified race season was what we all needed and a great chance to strap on a race plate and get among friend whilst pinning it down the trail. A huge thank you goes out to White Lightning Events, all the clubs, sponsors and organisations that made it all possible.
ALL PHOTOS BY EDUARDO KNOCH (DUTZIK)
Next year looks like another year of racing with multiple series hitting the region and Brakes Wide Open will keep you up to date on everything you need to know to get amongst it. Until then, keep it rubber side down…..
