As we attended the Vic State Round in Mt Buller, we decided rather than go home for two days that we would stay for the week between races. Although we thought we might get a bit bored we managed to fill in the time pretty easily. Some of us had a nice relaxing time whilst others did not stop (Andrew & Angus) making the most of all the riding available. We had a pretty full house for the week with people coming and going but it all worked really well and everyone had a good time.
Thomas and David were told by Jared Rando not to ride the race track during the week so he and David did a bit of XC and rode some of the other Gravity trails. Andrew and Angus just smashed runs out all week on anything they felt like, they were in bike heaven.
Friday was Open practice all day for the Gravity Cup so the boys got into it early, punching out runs all day with no major issues which is always a good thing.
Saturday was Open practice in the morning and then Group B seeding runs from 1.30pm. Andrew's seeding run went really well and he crossed in an amazing 3:25.46, 11 seconds ahead of 2nd place in a field of 21 riders. He sure did have all the Group A boys in a bit of a sweat "can't let a 14 year old beat us". Thomas' seeding run went well also, finishing in 4th place with a bit left in the tank.
Sunday morning was Group B Practice and race. We arrived at the top of the track and you wouldn't have even known there was a race on, no music, not commentary, no atmosphere. Anyway, Andrew did two practice runs and sat and waited for this race time. Finally after what seemed like forever, his race time arrived. As he seeded first, he was the last one to go in reverse order. Watching the timing on the clock we knew if he did a similar time to yesterday he would have it. As it turns out, unbelievably, he did a faster time than seeding finishing in a 3.24:25 to put 6.50 seconds on 2nd place. Amazing!!! This time would have seen him finish 2nd in U19 and 7th in Elite men :0
The afternoon saw Group A practice and race. I have to say, I much preferred it when both boys were in Group B and we could stress in the morning and then relax for the afternoon. Thomas did his usual couple of practice runs, last one just before cut off so he could see how the track had changed. Bit of food, relax and it was race time. After a bit of a warm up waiting for the rest of the 54 riders to start, it was Thomas' turn. As the timing went out on the screen, we didn't really know where it was up to so they finally put on some commentary. It turned out that when Thomas crossed the finish line in 3.24:59, he went into the hot seat which he said surprised him a bit as there were some fast riders before him. He managed to sit in the hot seat until the very last rider, Connor Fearon who pipped him by 3.91 secs. Thomas was still stoked with his podium finish and to also gain enough points to receive the "Series Leader" plate in his very first year of Under 19's.
I have to say there was some bantering going on in the Crimmins household (and still is). If you have a good look at both boys final times you'll understand why. We all knew it would happen one day, just not yet.
Will check in after Stromlo National Round in 2 weeks. In the meantime, check our facebook page, Crimmins Downhill. Catchya!
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